Common Questions People Ask about Counselling

What kind of problems do people usually bring to counselling?

Every person’s situation is unique and there are many reasons for why a person would want to meet with a counsellor.  People often find it helpful to speak to someone outside of their normal circle of friends in order to get to the root of what is going on inside.  When it comes to emotional health and well-being, the problem can be difficult to navigate. So, whether it’s about coping with your anxiety about school, processing a recent loss or tackling your negative thought patterns, talking to someone who is trained in these areas, can be worth exploring.  

What can I expect in my first session?

When you try something new for the first time, it’s normal to have a lot of questions.  This is why the first session is designed to help you feel more at ease and you can ask me any question that you have about therapy.  I will carefully go over what you can expect, including the structure and length of therapy, risks and benefits of therapy, and your confidentiality.  We will also start to explore your experience of the problem and I will ask you some questions surrounding it to gather more information. 

How long will I have to be in counselling, once I start?

There is no set number of sessions that you need to commit to in order for counselling to be helpful. It is difficult to predict how many sessions will be needed, but we will collaboratively discuss this from session to session so that the next steps are clear. You have the right to end counselling at any time. 

Do I have to share everything about me with my counsellor?

You will have complete control over what you choose to share with me throughout the duration of therapy.  It is important that you feel comfortable enough to share your concerns and so we will work together to ensure you feel safe and supported. For many individuals, it is not necessary to share every detail of the problem and a sense of a resolve can be reached by focusing on what's most important to you.  

What happens to the information that I tell my counsellor?

What you talk to me about will be kept strictly confidential and it will not be shared with any other person or agency without your written permission.  Because your right to confidentiality is an important part of counselling, you can trust that efforts to protect your privacy have been carefully managed.   There are limits to confidentiality, which include the mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, the possible reporting of risk of serious harm to self or others or when so ordered by a court of law.

How do i get started?

The best way to get started is to book your free initial phone consultation. You can do this online by simply clicking Book Appointment and then you will be directed to a list of available openings. I will give you a call and we can chat about how counselling can help you.