WHAT IS COUNSELLING?

Counselling is a process. It’s a conversation we have about your life, what’s working, what’s not working, how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking about and how you want things to be different. It’s about exploring, creating awareness and learning new ways to deal with challenges that arise in your life. The goal of your counsellor is to promote self-understanding as well as encourage and empower you to find your strengths in order to reach your goals and make the changes that you’d like to make.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COUNSELLING?

Speaking about whats going on with a trained professional can have may benefits. Some of the most sought after benefits include:

• Discovering new ways of thinking
• Identifying choices where it seems none exist
• Spending less time worrying and more time being an active participant in your life
• Developing effective coping strategies
• Increased understanding of yourself and other
• Enjoying better relationships with friends and family

IS IT CONFIDENTIAL?

Our counsellors are registered professionals and required to maintain and protect your confidentiality. No information is disclosed to anyone else without your permission, unless, and in the exceptional circumstances that it is required by a court of law.

HOW LONG DOES COUNSELLING TAKE?

The length of time and frequency of counselling depends on each individual. Sessions take place weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, depending on your needs. Often times many people can benefit from as few as three to six sessions. Others may wish to work with a counsellor on an ongoing basis for longer periods of time. In any case, you are the one who gets to determine how much or little you want or need.

HOW MUCH DOES COUNSELLING COST?

We provide services exclusively to individuals covered by First Nations Health Authority under their mental health programs. This means that you do not have to pay anything up front.

HOW DO YOU KNOW THE COUNSELLING IS WORKING?

At each counselling session, you’ll be asked a few questions to see how you’re doing — it’s a little check on your mental health vital signs. That information helps your counsellor decide whether to adjust what they’re doing. We want you to achieve your goals and enjoy healthy well-being. Using this process — Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) — makes sure we’re giving you the best possible counselling.

HOW MANY SESSIONS DO YOU NEED?

Counselling doesn’t need to go for months or years on end. Our clients typically need an average of 3–6 counselling sessions to benefit. Some people may need a bit less and others may need a bit more.