“The counsellor relieves
you of the burden of
going it alone."

Rowan Percy - MA, RCC

Common Questions

Confidentiality

Counselling is a confidential relationship. What you share with me will not go any further.

There are some limits to confidentiality, related to professional consultation and protecting the client or others from harm. Such limits or exceptions are explained at the beginning of therapy, or you can contact me with your questions.

Frequency of Sessions

Regularly scheduled sessions are often best for people new to therapy. A specific number of sessions can be agreed on at the start of counselling. Some people prefer therapy to be an open-ended process of exploration. Some prefer to have sessions on an “as needed” basis.

The best way to decide this is to let your therapist know what you feel you need, ask their opinion and then decide what works for you. For best results and also for your budget, frequency of sessions should be reviewed as counselling proceeds.

Fees

Sessions normally last an hour, or can be pro-rated to a maximum of 1 1/2 hours.

  • My sliding scale for individuals is $120-$170 per hour. Couples: $130-$180.
  • Payment by Interac or e-transfer is due at the end of each session. If this is not possible for you, please talk to me.
  • Receipts can be sent via email, for single sessions or a series.
  • Receipts for therapy can be applied to medical expenses at tax time.
  • Insurance benefits will usually reimburse the client.
  • Twenty-four hours is necessary for cancellation, unless you have suddenly become ill.

To find out how the sliding scale applies, please contact me.

WHY DO THERAPY?

People undertake therapy for many different reasons. Beyond the initial issue that may prompt you to start counselling, clients may realize that through counselling there are further benefits:

To become more “yourself”.

To learn to follow your own self-healing process.

To engage with your life realistically.

To free yourself from what holds you back.

To “metabolize” the hurts you’ve been carrying through life--so they're no longer a stone around your neck.

To develop inner resources that enable you to face what life brings you with resilience.

To encourage and empower you to contribute to the world in ways that are meaningful to you.

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IS COUNSELLING STILL STIGMATIZED?

You may wonder, if you start counselling, will colleagues or friends have judgments?

In some parts of society counselling is a normal, accepted way to deal with life issues. In others it is stigmatized and people feel embarrassed or are seen as less competent because they are receiving counselling.

However, counselling is confidential. This is a cornerstone of the profession. Your counselling experience is private and you decide whether to share it with anyone besides your counsellor. (The only exceptions are in case of harm to yourself or another. These limits are explained in the first session.)

Who is affected?

According to Stats Canada:

Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.

In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. During the pandemic, mental health difficulties have, understandably, grown significantly.
Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.

Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.

Whether you are suffering with a mental health diagnosis or not, there is nothing abnormal about your experience. Life in general is increasingly difficult for many people. In the same way as we see a dentist for our dental health, or a massage therapist for physical issues, so we can see a counsellor for our emotional and mental health.

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IS COUNSELLING STILL STIGMATIZED?

I am open to your inquiry. To make an appointment, or if you have further questions, please use the contact form below.