Our Services

Counselling

What is counselling?

Counselling services, when done by social workers, are all about helping people, families, or groups deal with tough emotional, psychological, or social problems. Social workers have different tools and ways to help, depending on what the person needs.

The benefits of counselling

Counselling offers a wide range of benefits that can improve mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical well-being. Here are some key benefits:

  • Improved Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Counselling can help you learn how to express yourself more clearly and effectively, improving relationships with others.

  • Better Self-Esteem and Confidence: Working through your issues can help you feel better about yourself, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.

  • Stress Reduction: Counselling provides strategies to manage stress, helping you feel more relaxed and capable of dealing with life’s challenges.

  • Emotional Resilience: It helps you build resilience against future setbacks by teaching coping strategies and how to process emotions healthily.

  • Greater Self-Awareness: Through counselling, you gain insights into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, leading to a deeper understanding of yourself.

  • Improved Mental Health: It can help with various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, by providing tools to manage symptoms.

  • Conflict Resolution: Counselling offers techniques to resolve conflicts more effectively, whether they’re internal conflicts or issues with others.

  • Support During Difficult Times: It provides a supportive and non-judgmental space to discuss problems and work through challenging periods in your life.

  • Decision-Making Skills: Counsellors can help you clarify your thoughts and consider different perspectives, aiding in decision-making processes.

  • Breaking Bad Habits: Counselling can assist in identifying and changing problematic behaviours, leading to healthier lifestyle choices.

Overall, counselling can significantly enhance the quality of life, offering support and tools to navigate life’s complexities more effectively.

About our counselling services

Our counselling services are offered in person, virtually, or by phone. They include:

  • Individual therapy (for all ages)

  • Couples therapy

  • Parenting support

Modalities are the different methods or approaches a counsellor uses to help people in therapy. Think of modalities as tools in a toolbox, where each tool has a specific use for fixing certain problems. These are the modalities we use:

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): commonly used for anxiety and depressive symptoms.

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): helps individuals live a life worth living and manage emotions.

  • Trauma-Informed Care: Narrative exercises, exposure work, identifying and managing trauma symptoms.

Social workers mix these methods to fit what the person needs, making a plan that is just right for them. This way, we can help with all sorts of problems, from everyday stress and fixing relationships to getting over very bad experiences and serious mental health issues, in a way that is understanding and effective.

Practitioners

Your questions about counselling

What is counselling, and how does it work?

Counselling is like talking to a professional friend who knows a lot about solving problems related to feelings and behaviors. It helps by letting you share your thoughts and feelings and then working together to find ways to make things better.

What problems can counselling help with?

Counselling can help with a lot of things, like feeling sad or worried, dealing with tough times, sorting out relationship issues, and much more. If something is bothering you, counselling can probably help.

How do I choose the right counsellor or therapist?

Look for someone who has experience with the issues you’re facing, and try to find a person you feel comfortable talking to. It’s okay to meet a few counsellors before you find the right match.

What can I expect in my first session?

Your first session is mostly about getting to know your counsellor and talking about what brought you to counselling. You’ll discuss what you hope to achieve and how you might work together to get there.

How long does counselling take to work?

It’s different for everyone. Some people feel better after just a few sessions, while others might need more time. It depends on what you’re dealing with and how you’re working through it.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes, what you talk about in counselling stays between you and your counsellor, with very few exceptions related to safety. Your privacy is a big priority.

What’s the difference between counselling, psychotherapy, and psychology?

These terms are often used to describe similar help, but there are differences in training and approach. Generally, counselling focuses on specific issues and short-term goals, psychotherapy can delve deeper into emotional problems and may last longer, and psychologists often have a degree in psychology, offering a range of therapies and assessments.

Can I receive counselling online or over the phone?

Yes. We provide counselling services over the phone as well as in person and by video conference (like FaceTime or Zoom). Call us for details.

How do I know if counselling is working?

You might start to notice changes in how you feel and act, like feeling less stressed, understanding your feelings better, or handling situations more effectively. If you’re unsure, talk about it with your counsellor to review your progress.

Is counselling covered by insurance?

Coverage for counselling varies by insurance provider and plan. Most insurance plans cover counselling, but it’s important to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.