Frequently Asked Questions

Our counsellors support a wide range of concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family issues, stress and burnout, life transitions, grief, and more. 

Filter by specialty, or simply describe what you're going through, your input stays private and we'll match you with therapists who focus on exactly that.

Counsellors/therapists (often registered as RCCs, RSWs, or similar) focus on talk-based support, processing and coping strategies. 

Psychologists can also provide therapy as well as formal assessments. 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and prescribe medication. 

You don't need to know exactly which one you need before reaching out, if a counsellor isn't the right fit for your situation, they'll gently help point you toward the right kind of support instead.

Look at their specialties (trauma, couples, youth, and so on), credentials, and who they typically work with but also pay attention to how they describe their approach and values, since that often tells you the most about whether their style will feel right for you. 

It's completely fine to weigh practical things like fees, location, and scheduling alongside that gut sense of "I think I could talk to this person."

Yes, many of our therapists offer couples, family, or child and youth counselling, and some specialize in supporting caregivers and loved ones directly. 

If you're worried about someone who isn't ready to seek help themselves, you're not powerless, you can book a session for yourself first to talk through how to support them.

Early sessions focus on getting comfortable, understanding your situation and goals at your pace, with an emphasis on building trust first. Over time, sessions may include coping tools, exploring patterns, and trying new responses, always led by what feels useful to you.

You're in the driver's seat here, sessions focus on whatever matters most to you, whether that's current stress, emotions, relationships, past experiences, or hopes for the future. 

Your therapist will ask questions and offer input, but what you focus on, and how deep you go, is always a decision you make together.

There's no set length or long-term contract. Some people come for a few focused sessions; others prefer ongoing support over months. You and your therapist check in regularly and adjust based on your needs and budget.

No, your therapist isn't there to tell you how to live your life. Their role is to offer perspective, tools, and options so that the choices stay yours. 

If you'd feel more supported by a clearer, skills-based approach, look for therapists whose profiles mention CBT, DBT, SFT, or ACT, that's simply a different style, not a "better" one, so pick whatever sounds like the right fit for how you like to work through things.

No. Therapy moves at a pace that feels safe for you. You can start with present-day concerns and only go deeper when you feel ready, you're always allowed to say "not yet."

For some people, having a trusted partner, friend, or family member nearby for that first session makes all the difference and that's a completely valid need, not a sign you're "not ready." 

Some therapists welcome this; others prefer to start one-on-one, ask them directly in advance, and they'll work with what helps you feel most at ease.

Many extended health plans cover sessions with Registered Clinical Counsellors, Social Workers, or Psychologists. Check with your provider on coverage, session limits, and receipt requirements. Feel free to ask your therapist what documentation they provide.

No referral needed in most cases, you can reach out to a therapist directly. Some insurance or workplace plans require one for reimbursement, so it's worth checking your coverage first.

Yes, many therapists offer secure, confidential online or phone sessions. This isn't just for remote areas or mobility needs; plenty of people simply feel more comfortable and open talking from their own space. 

You can filter our directory for therapists offering online counselling anywhere in BC.

Weekly or bi-weekly sessions are common at the start, though this is always adjustable, many people move to less frequent check-ins over time as things feel more settled. 

You and your therapist will find a rhythm that fits your needs, goals, availability, and budget, and you can always revisit and change the schedule as things shift for you.

It's a smart, completely welcome question, you deserve to feel confident in who you're working with. 

Therapists list their degrees, professional designations, and regulatory bodies right on their profiles, and in BC you're always free to verify their registration with the relevant college or association yourself. 

Checking credentials is a normal part of finding the right fit, not something to feel awkward about.