Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if I need counselling / psychotherapy?
A. You may seek counselling as a result of a crisis, or you may be encouraged to seek counselling by family members, friends or colleagues. Counselling can help you to gain clarity on an issue, change old patterns, untangle complex personal issues, or embark on a journey of self-development.
A. You may seek counselling as a result of a crisis, or you may be encouraged to seek counselling by family members, friends or colleagues. Counselling can help you to gain clarity on an issue, change old patterns, untangle complex personal issues, or embark on a journey of self-development.
Q. What happens in a counselling session?
A. Generally speaking, your counsellor will be highly trained in listening and reflecting to what is being disclosed. This approach creates a safe environment in which further exploration of other issues can take place. You are always free to discuss what you wish, from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, and thoughts, to regrets, aspirations, memories and dreams.
Q. What types of issues can counselling help with?
A. Clients come to us with a wide range of presenting concerns, such as but not limited to the following:
A. We welcome you, regardless of your culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or employment group.
A. Clients come to us with a wide range of presenting concerns, such as but not limited to the following:
- anxiety (generalized anxiety problems, panic attacks, agoraphobia, social anxiety, claustrophobia)
- workplace issues (stress, work-life imbalances)
- relationship issues (breakups, divorce, affairs, choosing inappropriate partners, loneliness, life adjustments, marital problems, arguments, jealousy, wedding and premarital issues)
- depression (including suicidal thoughts, low mood, social withdrawal)
- low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- sexual problems (impotence, internet/pornography/sex addiction, loss of desire, infertility)
- trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder from accidents, sexual assault and other attacks/incidents)
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- eating problems (including bulimia, binge eating, negative body image)
- phobias and fears
- addiction and substance misuse
- abuse (including physical, verbal, and sexual abuse bereavement/grief/loss.
A. We welcome you, regardless of your culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or employment group.
Q. How do I start with a counsellor/psychotherapist?
A. To book a general consultation you can use our online form, email us, or phone us. We will set you up an appointment time that fits your schedule.
A. To book a general consultation you can use our online form, email us, or phone us. We will set you up an appointment time that fits your schedule.
Q. How do I know which counselling approach is most suited to me?
A. There are many kinds of established therapeutic approaches, but do not worry if you are simply not sure what particular approach would be suited to you. During your initial appointment your goals will be explored. At this point you and the therapist will work together to identify which approach would be most effective in assisting you to reach your goals.
A. There are many kinds of established therapeutic approaches, but do not worry if you are simply not sure what particular approach would be suited to you. During your initial appointment your goals will be explored. At this point you and the therapist will work together to identify which approach would be most effective in assisting you to reach your goals.
Q. How long should I expect to have to continue counselling?
A. The nature of the presenting concerns often determines the length of treatment. In most cases 8 to 10 sessions are sufficient. However, some situations do require extended sessions that can go beyond 20 sessions.
A. The nature of the presenting concerns often determines the length of treatment. In most cases 8 to 10 sessions are sufficient. However, some situations do require extended sessions that can go beyond 20 sessions.
Q. Will my counselling sessions be confidential?
A. Counselling sessions are confidential, however, under some conditions there are limits to confidentiality.
A. Counselling sessions are confidential, however, under some conditions there are limits to confidentiality.
Q. What happens if I don't think the therapist is a good match for me?
A. At Engage we work in collaboration with a number of other therapists in the same office building. If you feel that your therapist is not a good match, we will arrange for a free consultation and a possible transfer to another therapist of your choice.
A. At Engage we work in collaboration with a number of other therapists in the same office building. If you feel that your therapist is not a good match, we will arrange for a free consultation and a possible transfer to another therapist of your choice.
Q. Will my counsellor be available for me in a crisis?
A. Your counsellor will be available to you at your scheduled appointment time only. In the case of an emergency you will need to seek other resources, such as Alberta 211 or 911.
A. Your counsellor will be available to you at your scheduled appointment time only. In the case of an emergency you will need to seek other resources, such as Alberta 211 or 911.
Q. Can I use my health insurance to pay for counselling sessions?
A. The best approach is for you to check with your service provider to see if counselling sessions are covered by a psychotherapist or a certified counsellor.
A. The best approach is for you to check with your service provider to see if counselling sessions are covered by a psychotherapist or a certified counsellor.
Direct billing is presently only available to Canadian Veteran Affairs and National Blue Cross clients.
Q. Why do I have to pay for missed/cancelled therapy sessions?
A. In order to reserve a certain time slot just for you each week there will be a cancellation policy that applies. Your therapist will share this cancellation policy with you prior to your first appointment. Any and all missed sessions outside of the agreed to terms will be charged at the full fee, including holidays, work commitments, illness and other emergencies.
A. In order to reserve a certain time slot just for you each week there will be a cancellation policy that applies. Your therapist will share this cancellation policy with you prior to your first appointment. Any and all missed sessions outside of the agreed to terms will be charged at the full fee, including holidays, work commitments, illness and other emergencies.
Q. Can I have counselling online or by telephone?
A. Many counsellors and psychotherapists offer online and telephone counselling if you are unable to see them face to face. I use doxy.me as this platform has the required privacy standards for psychotherapy in Canada and no downloads are necessary.
A. Many counsellors and psychotherapists offer online and telephone counselling if you are unable to see them face to face. I use doxy.me as this platform has the required privacy standards for psychotherapy in Canada and no downloads are necessary.
