Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Registered Professional Counselling?

Registered Professional Counsellor ("RPC") is administered by the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association. (CPCA)

In contrast, the alternate designations of Registered Clinical Counsellor ("RCC") and Canadian Certified Counsellor ("CCC") describe someone who has gone the traditional route of first getting a bachelor's degree, and then a master's degree in psychology or other related field.

Traditionally only counsellors with university degrees have been recognized professionally in Canada, but this state of affairs is rapidly changing, and for the better. In the latest development, the Canadian College of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists ("CCPCP") announced that it will register counsellors and psychotherapists based on their core knowledge, rather than on their particular type of education.

As you can see, the trend in my profession is towards the recognition of counselling experience and skills as the basis of "core competency".

What excites me about these new developments in the field is that not only will confusion be reduced, but the public will now have increased access to a much wider choice of therapists. Many folks seeing an RPC are able to claim reimbursement through their private and/or government health plans and in the future, the numbers will increase considerably.

So how does the RPC differ in respect to other types of counsellors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists?

In my opinion, a designation should not be the main criterion for choosing a counsellor. A counsellor should be chosen because he or she is knowledgeable and competent in the issues you are bringing to them. The person should also be easily accessible geographically and be available for sessions in a reasonably prompt time frame.

The counsellor or therapist should also belong to a professional organization that holds its members to the same ethical standards as doctors or other health care providers. The organization should process public complaints and monitor its members standing on a regular basis. The organization should also ensure that its members carry appropriate liability insurance and be professionally trained and qualified to dispense mental health services.

An RPC meets all of these qualifications.

Finally, when it comes to choosing a counsellor, there should be a "fit" between the counsellor and client, a mutual connection so to speak. I truly believe that this ‘relationship’, this indefinable connection, is at the heart of any success one may achieve from counselling or therapy.

One way that RPCs can greatly benefit clients is that their fees are less. RPCs fees are typically $70-$100 per 1 hour session, while RCC and other Master's level counsellors charge $100-$150 per session, while psychologists with a doctorate usually charge $150-$200 a session.

What can I expect in a session with You? 

Relationship therapy works best when each person is focused on themselves. Some people come to therapy hoping their significant other will change. But the change must come from personal awareness or shifts from self. Therapy is not about advice giving or 'lying onthe couch'. It is not a way to get someone else to change or having a magic formula to fix or correct someone else. It is an active and collaborate process between you and your therapist. 

Your first session will be spent exploring your reasons for coming to counselling, your personal history and your current situation. Prior to your first session you will be emailed a client intake form which you will fill it out and bring with you to your first session. The purpose of this form is to help me understand a little bit more about you and your situation. 

How often will I need to come?

I usually recommend once per week for the first 5 or 6 weeks and then reconsider the question at that time. This should give you enough time to establish a working relationship with me.

How long should I go to counselling?

The short answer is "for as long as you are making changes." It's ultimately your choice and depends on what results you want to achieve and how deeply rooted your problems are. I believe in lifelong learning and that may come in many forms whether it is with a counsellor or exploring your own means of growth. But, I believe we aren't broken, therefore we don't need fixing, and our work is never done so enjoy the journey.

Are counselling sessions covered by my health insurance?

Some extended health plans cover counselling sessions with a Registered Professional Counsellor. Consult with your provider and if there are problems, I may be able to assist you in requesting an amednment to their limitations of "Service Providers"

Are the sessions confidential?

All the information that we share together is strictly confidential. I will not share any of it with anyone unless you consent to my doing so. Under provincial laws however, and in accordance with a professional codes of ethics I am required to report any cases of child abuse of children under the age of nineteen (19) years, or if you disclose to me that you plan to harm yourself or another person.

Should we accidently meet outside of the counselling office, I will safeguard your anonymity in the community by not acknowledging you unless you indicate otherwise.