FAQ

Virtual counselling, also known as online therapy or tele-health therapy, is a form of mental health support that takes place over the internet, allowing clients to connect with registered counsellors from the comfort of their own homes. This method of counselling has grown in popularity due to its accessibility, convenience, and flexibility.

How Virtual Counselling Works:

Platform: Our Clients and counsellors use a secure online platform for communication; Simple Practice Telehealth for virtual meetings and internal messaging.

Scheduling Sessions: Our counsellors closely work with their Clients to schedule mutually beneficial appointment times.

Conducting Sessions: Sessions are usually conducted via video calls, but can also be conducted over the telephone.

Confidentiality and Security: Ensuring confidentiality of our clients is paramount. Simple Practice is encrypted and HIPPA compliant to protect client information.

Payment and Billing: Payments are accepted through e-transfer or are billed directly to the clients credit card. Subscription and Sliding Scale options are offered for affordability.

Follow-Up and Progress Tracking: Our counsellors may provide follow-up exercises or resources via email or our Simple Practice client portal. Progress is tracked through digital notes and shared documents, allowing both the counsellor and the Client to monitor improvements and set goals.

At Strength Counselling we believe everyone deserves support. We are here to help you cultivate a deeper connection with yourself in a safe and supportive environment. If you are unsure if counselling is for you, we invite you to schedule a discovery call with us. Determining if counselling is right for you can be a personal journey, but here are some considerations that might help you decide:

Signs Counselling Might Be Beneficial:

Persistent Feelings: If you’re experiencing ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that don’t seem to improve over time, counselling might help you process and manage these emotions.

Relationship Challenges: Struggling with communication, conflict, or other issues in personal or professional relationships can be a sign that counselling could provide guidance and strategies for improvement.

Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as moving, career shifts, or loss, can be overwhelming. Counselling can offer support during these transitions.

Trauma or Grief: If you’ve experienced trauma or loss, counselling can be a safe space to work through these complex emotions.

Self-Exploration: If you’re interested in understanding yourself better, including your thoughts, behaviours, and patterns, counselling can be a valuable tool for personal growth.

Coping Mechanisms: If you find yourself relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms, like substance use or avoidance, counselling can help you develop healthier strategies.

Benefits of Counselling:

Confidential Support: Counselling provides a confidential environment to express thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Professional Guidance: Counsellors are trained to help clients navigate challenges and develop effective coping strategies.

Personal Growth: Engaging in counselling can lead to increased self-awareness and personal development.

How to Decide:

Reflect on Your Needs: Consider what you hope to achieve through counselling and if you’re ready to engage in the process.

Consult with a Professional: Our counsellors offer free initial consultations to discuss your needs and how they can help.

Trust Your Instincts: If you feel drawn to explore counselling, it might be worth trying to see if it aligns with your needs. Counselling is a personal choice, and it’s important to find a counsellor who feels like a good fit for you. If you’re uncertain, starting with a single session can be a way to explore whether it’s right for you.

Strength Counselling Services offers a comprehensive range of online therapy and coaching options designed to support mental health and personal growth across Canada.

Types of Online Therapy Offered:

Individual Counselling: Offers a personalized approach to address unique challenges through flexible, online sessions using various therapeutic methods.

Trauma Counselling: Utilizes evidence-based techniques like EMDR and CBT to help clients heal from distressing experiences, build resilience, and regain control.

Anxiety and Depression Counselling: Provides strategies to manage overwhelming thoughts and fears, helping clients identify triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Life Coaching: Assists clients in overcoming specific challenges and achieving personal goals, such as building confidence, improving relationships, or finding a fulfilling career.

Relationship Counselling: Focuses on improving connections and communication with friends, family, or colleagues by addressing misunderstandings and setting boundaries.

Couples Counselling: Aims to strengthen the bond between partners by enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and aligning goals for a healthier relationship.

Family Counselling: Helps families improve communication and resolve conflicts to build healthier connections and foster harmony.

All sessions are conducted online through Telehealth, ensuring accessibility and convenience for clients across Canada. If you need more detailed information on any specific service, feel free to ask!

We understand that financial flexibility is important, and we offer a range of cost options to accommodate clients who may find our standard rates challenging. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Here are the alternative programs we provide:

Subscription Plans: Our subscription plans are designed to provide convenience and savings for our clients. This plan allows you to choose the number of sessions per month that best suit your needs, with the flexibility to adjust as required. Whether you prefer weekly sessions or a more spaced-out schedule, this plan adapts to your lifestyle.

Sliding Scale: This option is available for clients concerned about managing their expenses. It allows for a more personalized fee structure based on individual financial situations.

Life Coaching: Offered at half the time and cost of traditional counselling, life coaching focuses on practical solutions for everyday challenges, whereas counselling delves into deeper emotional issues.

Interim Counsellor Program: Clients can access discounted services by working with our less experienced, yet qualified, counsellors who have completed their master’s programs and are certified. These services are eligible for insurance billing and are priced between our sliding scale and Low Cost Counseling Program rates.

Low Cost Counselling Program: Designed for clients facing significant financial constraints, this program allows participants to select a fee that fits their budget. It includes 10 one-hour sessions over a 10-week period. A portion of the funds from this program supports donations to families and charities during the holiday season and contributes to a bonus program for our clinicians.

Our counselling services are designed to be accessible and affordable, and we’re pleased to inform you that they are covered by most health benefit plans. This means that you can receive the support you need while taking advantage of your existing health insurance coverage.

Insurance Coverage: Our services are eligible for reimbursement through various health insurance providers. We recommend checking with your insurance company to understand the specifics of your plan and coverage limits.

Certified Professionals: All our counsellors are certified and meet the qualifications required by insurance companies, ensuring that you receive high-quality care.

Easy Billing: We offer direct billing options with several insurance providers, making the process as seamless as possible for you.

If you have any questions about how to utilize your health benefits for our services, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to assist you in navigating your insurance options and ensuring you receive the support you need.

The counselling intake process is an essential first step in starting therapy, as it helps both the client and counsellor establish a clear understanding of the client’s needs and goals. Here’s an overview of what the intake process typically involves:

1. Initial Contact:

The process begins when a client reaches out to inquire about services and ask their questions. Clients are then asked to fill out a brief intake package which provides our team with consent to provide services, and basic information about the Client’s background, current concerns, and any preferences for counselling so we can assign the Client to the best fit counsellor on the team.

Once a counsellor is assigned, the Client will be sent a secondary, more detailed intake form to assist the counsellor in understanding relevant and important iinformation of the Client’s life.  This aids the counsellor in creating a personalized treatment plan.  This intake can be done alone or with the counselling during the first session.

2. First Session:

The initial session focuses on building a comfortable and trusting relationship between the client and counsellor. The client commonly shares their reasons for seeking counselling, including any specific issues or goals they wish to address and the counsellor conducts a brief assessment to understand the client’s mental health status, including any symptoms or challenges they are experiencing.

3. Treatment Planning:

Together, the client and counsellor set realistic and achievable goals for therapy using our Five Tiers of Human Development Program. The counsellor explains their therapeutic approach and how it aligns with the client’s needs. This may include discussing different therapy methods or techniques that will be used.

4. Administrative Details:

The counsellor will review confidentiality policies and any exceptions to confidentiality as well as details such as the recommended session frequency, duration, and cancellation policies.

Payment and Insurance: The counsellors do not provide information about fees, payment options, and insurance coverage so clients are encouraged to reach out to the administration at info@strengthcounselling.ca if they have any questions.

5. Client Questions:

Clients are encouraged to ask any questions they may have about the therapy process, expectations, or the counsellor’s qualifications.

Choosing the right counselor is a crucial step in ensuring a successful therapeutic experience. We welcome you to review our team page to see individual therapist profiles and let us know during your intake if you wish to work with a specific counsellor. Here are several factors we consider when selecting the best fit counsellor for a client:

Specialization and Expertise: We take into consideration a counsellors specialization and expertise and pair this with the specific issues the client wants to address, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues. Different counsellors use various therapeutic methods, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, or Humanistic Therapy. Understanding how these approaches compliment client concerns can help match the counsellor’s style to the client’s needs.

Credentials and Qualifications: We ensure all of our counsellors hold a minimum of a Master Level education and are registered appropriately; meeting the industry’s professional standards. Our counsellors also engage in regular and consistent continuing education and specialization training provided by and paid for by Strength Counselling Services.

Demographic Preferences: We take into consideration the client’s age, spoken languages, cultural background, availability, preferred counsellor gender and preferred counselling style when determining best fit between the Client and counsellor.

Logistics and Accessibility: We ensure that counsellors are registered in the province the Client resides so coverage from extended health benefits apply and only pair a counsellor who meets the qualification standards of the Client’s extended health insurance.  We also ensure the counsellor pairing allows for the Clients financial needs as outlined by the Client during the initial intake.

When considering the length of counselling sessions, each duration offers distinct advantages and may suit different client needs and therapeutic goals. Clients and counsellors will collaborate on recommended length of sessions. Here’s an exploration of the differences between 30-minute, 1-hour, and 1.5-hour sessions:

30-Minute Sessions:

• Pros:

  • Focused and Concise: Ideal for clients who need quick check-ins or have specific, immediate concerns to address.
  • Type of Client: Usually 30 minute sessions are offered to youth Clients as well as Life Coaching Clients.
  • Time-Efficient: Suitable for clients with busy schedules who can only allocate a short amount of time for therapy.
  • Cost-Effective: More affordable than longer sessions, making it accessible for clients on a budget.

• Cons:

  • Limited Depth: May not allow for in-depth exploration of complex issues.
  • Restricted Time for Techniques: Certain therapeutic techniques that require more time may not be feasible.

1-Hour Sessions:

• Pros:

  • Standard Duration: Provides a balanced amount of time for both discussion and therapeutic interventions.
  • Depth and Breadth: Allows for a comprehensive exploration of issues and the development of strategies.
  • Flexibility: Suitable for a wide range of therapeutic approaches and client needs.

• Cons:

  • Time Constraints: May still feel rushed for clients dealing with multiple or complex issues.

1.5-Hour Sessions:

• Pros:

  • In-Depth Exploration: Offers ample time for thorough discussion and deeper exploration of issues.
  • Complex Techniques: Facilitates the use of therapeutic techniques that require extended time, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
  • Relaxed Pace: Reduces the pressure of time constraints, allowing clients to open up more comfortably.
  • Type of Client: Usually 1.5 hour sessions are offered to Couples Clients or Families.

• Cons:

  • Time Commitment: Requires a larger time investment, which may not be feasible for all clients.
  • Higher Cost: Typically more expensive, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious clients.

Yes, this program is called our Five Tiers of Human Development.  However, the sub-programming within this program is individual and guided by the therapeutic process that evolves through the counselling meetings.  Healing is a cyclical journey, and counselling is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Below are the stages of transformation we offer. Some clients choose to journey through all the stages, which can take several years, while others may focus on a few, completing them in just a few months.

Stages of Transformation:

1. Crisis Stage: In this initial phase, our focus is on providing immediate support to clients experiencing acute distress or crisis. We work closely with clients to stabilize their situation, offering practical solutions and coping mechanisms to manage the crisis effectively. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can begin to regain control and navigate through their immediate challenges.

2. Balance Stage: Once the crisis has been managed, we shift our attention to helping clients achieve a sense of balance in their lives. This stage involves assessing the client’s current lifestyle and identifying areas that require adjustment to promote overall well-being. We work collaboratively with clients to establish routines and habits that support their physical, emotional, and mental health, ensuring they have the necessary tools to maintain stability in their daily lives.

3. Interpersonal Communication & Relationships Stage: Healthy relationships are fundamental to personal fulfillment, and this stage focuses on enhancing clients’ communication skills and relationship management. We explore the dynamics of the client’s relationships with themselves and others, identifying patterns that may hinder effective communication. Through targeted exercises and strategies, clients learn to express themselves clearly and constructively, fostering stronger, more meaningful connections.

4. Trauma Reprocessing Stage: For clients with a history of trauma, this stage offers a compassionate space to explore and process past experiences. We utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help clients understand the impact of trauma on their lives and facilitate healing. By integrating these healing practices, clients can work through unresolved issues, reducing the likelihood of future triggers and enabling a healthier emotional response to past events.

5. Conscious Integration Stage: In this transformative phase, we draw on the principles of Transpersonal Psychology to guide clients towards self-actualization. Clients are encouraged to embrace their authentic selves and practice living in alignment with their true nature. This stage is about moving beyond fear and apprehension, empowering clients to live with confidence and purpose. By integrating their insights and growth from previous stages, clients are equipped to navigate life with a renewed sense of self-awareness and fulfillment.

The duration of time a client should attend counseling can vary widely depending on several factors, including the nature and complexity of the issues being addressed, the client’s goals, and their personal circumstances. Here are some considerations to help determine the appropriate length of time for counselling:

Factors Influencing Counselling Duration:

Nature of the Issue:

Short-term goals: For specific, acute issues like stress from a recent life event, a few sessions may suffice.

Chronic or complex issues: Long-standing issues such as trauma, deep-seated anxiety, or depression may require a more extended commitment.

Therapeutic Goals:

Goal achievement: The duration often depends on how quickly the client achieves their therapeutic goals.

Ongoing support: Some clients may choose to continue therapy for ongoing support and personal growth, even after initial goals are met.

Type of Therapy:

Brief therapy models: Approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) often have a structured, shorter duration, typically around 6-12 sessions.

Open-ended therapy: Other models, such as psychodynamic therapy, may not have a set endpoint and can continue for months or years.

Client Progress:

Adaptability: The frequency and duration of sessions can be adjusted based on the client’s progress and evolving needs.

Counsellor’s Recommendation:

Professional guidance: Counsellors can provide recommendations based on their assessment of the client’s needs and progress.

Ultimately, the length of time a client spends in counseling is a personal decision and should be made collaboratively with their counselor. It’s important to regularly evaluate progress and goals to determine the most beneficial course of action. If you have specific circumstances or goals in mind, discussing them with one of our counsellors can provide more tailored guidance.

Clients can expect a wide range of benefits from a positive therapy experience with one of our counsellors. Here are some of the key advantages:

Enhanced Self-Awareness: Clients gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, which can lead to greater self-awareness and personal insight.

Improved Emotional Regulation: Therapy provides clients with tools and strategies to manage and regulate their emotions more effectively, reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, or anger.

Better Communication Skills: Through therapy, clients learn to express themselves more clearly and assertively, improving their ability to communicate in personal and professional relationships.

Stronger Relationships: Clients often experience improved relationships as they develop healthier ways of interacting and resolving conflicts with others.

Increased Resilience: Counselling helps clients build resilience, enabling them to cope better with life’s challenges and bounce back from adversity.

Increased Clarity in Decision Making: Clients gain clarity and confidence in their decision-making processes, helping them make choices that align with their values and goals.

Personal Growth and Development: Therapy fosters personal growth, encouraging clients to explore new perspectives, embrace change, and pursue personal goals.

Healing from Past Trauma: Our counsellors provide a safe space for clients to process and heal from past traumas, reducing their impact on present life.

Increased Self Esteem: As clients work through personal challenges and achieve goals, they often experience a boost in self-esteem and self-confidence.

Overall Well-Being: A positive therapy experience contributes to a greater sense of overall well-being, enhancing clients’ quality of life and satisfaction. 

Our counsellors tailor the therapeutic process to meet the unique needs of each client, creating a supportive and empowering environment that facilitates these benefits. See our testimonials page to hear what our clients say about their experience with us!