The first counselling session is primarily for both the counsellor and you to get to know each other, gain an understanding of the situation and establish a counselling relationship. You can have a feel for whether the method and style of the counsellor is suitable for you through the first session. It is necessary to acknowledge that counselling is not about seeking a quick solution. One cannot hope to solve all their problems or get affirmative suggestions and answers to their problems through a single visit.

Patients with severe symptoms need to take their medications first, then proceed with counselling when the symptoms have subsided. In all cases, please prioritize your doctor’s advice. If your doctor does not recommend stopping medication or reducing the dosage, the counsellor is not in the position to refute that decision.

Be prepared to come with an open attitude,  share what troubles you (the purpose of meeting the counsellor), and understand that problems will not be completely solved within a couple of counselling sessions.

Counselling is a process of self-exploration, discovery and healing. A counsellor is like a mirror that reflects on you. During counselling, counsellors may ask some questions based on what you have expressed, and provide some feedback and reflection, but you are still the main focus.

The total number of sessions will depend on the issues at hand. The counsellor will evaluate and sort out your situation based on a few sessions. A general consulting plan will then be generated and presented to you for further discussion and confirmation. Varying therapeutic approaches and methods of treatment require different lengths of time.

In general, you will get a sense of whether you and the counsellor are a good fit after two to three sessions. If you feel that the counsellor is not the best fit for you and would prefer to change the counsellor after the consultation session, you may discuss you needs and put forward a request with the current counsellor.

On the other hand, the counsellor will also evaluate if your situation is appropriate for them to provide further counselling. If the your needs are beyond the counsellor’s expertise, the counsellor will provide referrals or make other arrangements for you.

In counselling, the counsellor is the collaborator, and you are the explorer, so it’s normal that you will talk most of the time during the session. In most therapies, the counsellor understands your thoughts and your inner world by listening to you. Therefore, the more you share with them, the better they will understand you. This also allows the counsellor to provide quality feedback that deepens your understanding of yourself.

Friends or family: Of course, the support and help of family and friends in society are essential for an individual. It is beneficial for the patient to have emotional or other forms of support and companionship from various people in his/her life. But please be sure to get their consent and respect their wishes before making the appointment.

It depends on the insurance company and your specific plan. Most of the extended health benefit plans cover the services of Registered Clinical Counsellors and Canadian Certified Counsellors. If you are unsure about your plan, please contact your service provider for further information. After each session, an invoice will be provided to you for submitting a claim to your service provider. Please note that clients are to pay for the session fees upfront.