Question 1

How long do counselling sessions typically last?

Accepted Answer

Individual sessions typically last 50 minutes. Couples' sessions are 70 minutes. EMDR sessions are 80 minutes.

Question 2

What happens during the first counselling session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is called an intake. It is a time to gather a holistic picture of you, your mental health concerns, and your specific needs. This is a time to address how best you can be supported by your therapist. Together, we pave a map of where we are going and what that may look like in your specific case.

Question 3

How long will I need to come to Individual counselling?

Accepted Answer

Individual counselling is dependent on your situation and needs. For individual sessions, it is strongly encouraged to begin on a weekly or biweekly basis, and studies have proven that this is the most effective approach to therapy. Eventually, it will feel like personal goals are achieved or a period of integration might be needed and therapy will come to a natural endpoint. Otherwise, a monthly “check-in” cadence is desired by some clients. The dialogue within the counselling sessions is continuous and will include consistent check-in’s around individual therapy needs, and how the journey is going.

Question 4

How long will we need to come to couples counselling?

Accepted Answer

Couples counselling differs from individual counselling in that it usually lasts 6-8 sessions. Woodland Couples Counselling uses this specific framework; for the first session the couple will be seen together, and in the second session, the couple will be individually assessed. The first two sessions will be intakes, and the following will be held together as a couple. Many couples like to come in after their 6-8 sessions sporadically or monthly thereafter. Since the therapeutic relationship and trust with the clients has been built, the monthly check-ins can be a very supportive and effective time of reflection.

Question 5

How much do sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

Individual sessions | $150+GST for 50 minute session or $205+GST for 80 minutes session
Couples sessions | $215+GST for 70 minute session
EMDR sessions | $205+GST for 80 minute session

Payment for session fees is due at the time of your session and can be processed by Credit Card or Interac E-transfer. We cannot accept cash as a form of payment at this time. Our new client policy requires a valid credit card on file to secure your booking. Please let us know if a credit card is a barrier for you.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You can easily cancel or reschedule your appointment with us by changing your booking through your client profile in our scheduler JaneApp, or by emailing your therapist within 48 hours' notice. If a session is canceled 48 hours prior to the appointment, for any reason, or in the event of non-attendance, you will be charged in full.

Cancellation fees may be waived in cases of sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

Question 7

Are sessions covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Counselling may be covered by some extended health care plans. Please check with your insurance provider about coverage of counselling services. At Woodland Counselling, we have therapists with the RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) designations.

If counselling is not covered by a Registered Clinical Counsellor, it is usually a simple process to have this added to your plan. Woodland Counselling can try to help clients navigate this process.

Question 8

What about confidentiality and living in a small city?

Accepted Answer

At Woodland Counselling, we treat your conversations with the utmost care, respect, and confidentiality. There are a few instances when we cannot promise our conversations are entrusted with private or restricted information which includes:

If the courts send us a subpoena for notes and/or to testify in a court of law
If you make a threat to seriously hurt yourself or someone else, we are obligated to report this to appropriate personnel, such as the police
If we believe a child is being abused or neglected or has been in the past, they are obligated to report this to the designated personnel, such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development

At Woodland Counselling, we hold confidentiality as an extremely important priority. Respecting privacy is our most important consideration. Living in a small city, if therapists see their clients outside of office hours, they will not acknowledge you and respect your privacy. That being said, clients are always welcome to say hello to us and we will say hello back!

Question 9

Where do sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

Currently, sessions are being offered online or over the phone. Eventually, the future state of sessions will be held in person at a brick-and-mortar location, which we are hoping to launch in Nelson BC by July 2022. Online options will always be available.

Frequently asked questions: