Frequently Asked Questions
Payment and Coverage:
How do I pay for services?
Untangled Connections Counselling accepts payment via Interac e-transfer, cash, cheque, or credit card.
Payment is taken at the end of session. Once payment is received, you will be provided with a receipt that you may submit for reimbursement if this is an option for you.
Are these services covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies depending on your provider and your particular policy.
Many insurance providers cover services by a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I encourage you to check your extended benefits package, or contact your provider directly to ensure this is an option for you.
Some providers that typically cover services with a Registered Clinical Counsellor include:
Canada Life
Chambers of Commerce Group InsuranceGreen Shield Canada
Manulife
Pacific Blue Cross
SunLife
If you do not see your provider on this list please check with your provider and policy as this is not an extensive list.
Can I see you through my EAP/EFAP program?
An EAP/EFAP (Employee Assistance Program/Employee and Family Assistance Program) is a great option for counselling. Typically a counsellor must be registered with the specific EFAP provider in order to provide services to its members. I am registered with the following EFAP providers:
BCI (previously Brown Crawshaw)
Arete
If you do not see your EFAP provider on this list feel free to reach out to me, I am open to registering with some additional providers.
Alternatively, some EFAP providers allow clients to access services with an "out of network" provider, you can check if this is an option for you by reaching out directly to your provider.
Are there other ways to have services covered?
Yes! There are other sources of coverage and funding. You may be eligible for coverage through Métis Nation BC, First Nations Health Authority, Work BC, or the Crime Victim Assistance Program. There are other methods of coverage, these are just a few that I currently work with.
Counselling Process:
Is counselling right for me?
People seek counselling for many different reasons. Some may seek support for a specific mental health concern, like anxiety, others may seek support navigating a rough patch in their relationship, processing a challenging life transition, loss or past trauma. Some people may seek counselling simply to gain a better understanding of themselves and learn new skills. If you're curious whether counselling could be beneficial to you, reach out and we can chat about some options.
How do I choose a counsellor?
Choosing a counsellor that is a good fit for you is so important for your healing journey! Each counsellor has their own unique style, approach, and availability. I encourage everybody to chat with a couple counsellors to determine who feels like the right fit. The free 15-minute phone consultation is a great opportunity for us to decide if we’re the right fit for each other.
How many sessions do I need?
This is a great question, I wish I had a simple answer for it...The truth is, it depends...The therapeutic relationship can last anywhere from a few weeks, to several years. This will really depend on what you are hoping to gain from counselling. Sometimes people gain support through a difficult transition and learn some new skills within 3 sessions, then move on. Other times, people take longer to explore more intricate difficulties, or use counselling as a place to unload life's inevitable stress over a period of several years.
How often do I need to attend counselling?
At the beginning of our therapeutic relationship I encourage clients to attend counselling every week or every couple of weeks to establish a strong relationship and gain some baseline tools. After these first few initial sessions the frequency varies greatly. Some people choose to attend once a month or on an "as needed" basis to chat about recent events. Others may come weekly in service of working through something specific.
What can I expect for my first session?
The first session is where we begin to develop our therapeutic relationship. We will begin by completing consent forms, going over confidentiality, and getting to know one another. The rest of the session will focus on exploring what brought you to counselling and what you hope to achieve in our time together.