Frequently Asked Questions
Do my extended health benefits cover your therapy services?
Extended health benefits vary greatly between providers. I recommend that you contact your benefit provider to determine if your counselling sessions will be covered. Registered Clinical Counselling (RCC) is covered by a number of extended health plans.
How much do your charge for your counselling services?
I charge $90 per hour for each therapy session. I offer a FREE 15 minute initial phone consultation to provide you with the opportunity to determine if the counselling services I offer are for you. For more details about costs please see Services, fees, Office Location and Hours.
How long will I have to be in counselling?
Since each person, couple, and family I see is unique, there is no set number of counselling sessions that is right for everyone. Generally speaking, brief therapy, approximately 2-8 sessions, is the goal. You are in counselling only as long as it takes for you to achieve what you to hoped to achieve by coming to counselling in the first place.
What happens in counselling, how does it work?
Developing a trusting counselling relationship with mutual respect and rapport is fundamental to facilitating your desired changes. Counselling work includes listening very carefully to what you have to say, assisting you in identifying the changes you wish to make, and working with you to develop a plan to implement those changes. This is best accomplished in a counselling environment that is confidential and respectful — a place where you feel safe and well supported.
Counselling is geared to assist you to develop a depth of self awareness which encourages mastery over your thoughts and actions. Through this empowerment you will gain the capacity to liberate yourself from addictive behaviour or reduce the impact of another’s addictive behaviour that interferes with you enjoying life. For more information about what you can expect in participating in counselling with Barbara see the information provided in the following pages on this website: Professional Help for Long Term Recovery, Philosophy about Addiction.
How do I know if the counselling services you provide are right for me?
First I recommend that you read the pages in this website where the philosophy (Philosophy about Addiction Counselling) (Professional Help for Long Term Recovery from Addictions) and services offered (Services, fees, office location and Hours) are detailed. In addition, I offer potential clients a FREE 15-minute initial phone consultation. During this time you can ask me any questions you may have concerning how I practice.