FAQs

Contact

Many people prefer to pay for our services privately in order to be assured of total confidentiality.

Note: It is important for you to know that counselling fees are tax-deductible, and we always provide receipts for services.

• How much does it cost to see you?
Our standard fee is $140.00 per hour. We are willing to consider granting a reduction in fees for students, retirees, or others on limited income. We are also happy to provide information about subsidized counselling services in the community.

• How long do I have to come?
There is no single answer to this question. In making a counselling plan, we take your personal situation into account in a number of ways, including the urgency of your problem or concern, your goals for counselling, your motivation, and of course, your financial situation.

Some people come for one or two sessions, and are happy to proceed on their own after that. Most people find that they make substantial progress on their goals within 8-20 sessions. In some more serious or difficult situations, clients may decide to work with us for a longer term, perhaps taking breaks from therapy to practice and consolidate their gains before returning for further sessions.

• How soon can you see me?
We can usually meet with you within a few days of your initial contact with us.

• Do I have to tell my doctor or my family about coming to see you?
No, your choice to see us is a confidential matter, and you are not obligated to tell anyone. In some cases, you may be referred to us by your family doctor, but we will only share information with your doctor with your approval.

• Do you prescribe medication?
No, but in some cases we may recommend that you consult with your family doctor about medication. We believe that medication should only be used when absolutely necessary, for example in the case of serious depression.

• If I'm a couple and my partner doesn't want to come, can you treat me?
Yes. Relationship problems can be changed through the effort of one person only. We would always recommend that both parties attend counselling, but if your partner is unwilling to come, we can still help you make changes that will change the relationship.

• How old do your clients have to be?
We work with adults of all ages, and with older adolescents (usually 14 years or older). We also frequently consult with parents about their younger children, but our office is not set up to work directly with young children. We are happy to refer you to a play therapist for this service.