*If you have a question that is not addressed here, please feel free to call (250.763.1887) or send me an e-mail (barbkatesrcc@gmail.com) with your question(s)*

I notice that you have “RCC” and “CCC” in your title. What does the term “Registered Clinical Counsellor” (RCC)  or “Canadian Certified Counsellor” (CCC) mean?

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is a designation of professional members of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) who meet the strict academic, ethical practical, and professional qualifications set by the Association. The RCC designation indicates that the counsellor is accountable for ethical practices under the BCACC’s standards of practice and code of ethics; holds a minimum of a Master’s degree in counselling psychology or a related field; has satisfied clinical experience and supervision requirements; and has submitted a clear record check. For more information, please visit the BCACC website here.

The term “Canadian Certified Counsellor” (CCC) is a designation of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Obtaining the status of Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) includes recognition of the standards of professional preparation and education, continuing education, a formal code of ethics, and a complaint and disciplinary process. For more information, please visit the CCPA website here.

What does counselling involve?

For most clients, the best place to start is to determine exactly what you are struggling with most and how you would like things to change. Setting goals and working towards these goals is a common way to make progress in counselling. However, for some people, counselling is a place to talk to an unbiased person where they can receive professional support. How a session is structured depends on your preferences and what works best for you. It really depends on you and what you want to gain from counselling.

Do I have to talk about painful memories, relive any traumas, or disclose secrets from the past?

Clients worry that they need to discuss painful historical moments or traumas in therapy. Although some individuals want to revisit these events in order to retell and reprocess the story in new ways, this is not always necessary. Sometimes we just need to feel safe and accepted in a relationship. Or, relief may come from simply bringing awareness to habitual thoughts, emotions, or patterns that are keeping you stuck. With the right approach, we can release stress without having to talk about it (see body-based therapy). EMDR can be helpful in this regard as well.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I sensitively respond to what clients need and feel comfortable expressing in the moment. I will never force you to do anything you are not comfortable with. Every person is different, and I will follow your cues and hold your sense of safety as a priority.

Do I really need therapy? Can’t I just talk with friends?

Friends and family can offer valuable support, love, and care. However, counselling is different. Therapy means working with a highly trained professional who knows how to recognize and treat issues. You can trust that sessions will be confidential, which is not always the case when it comes to family and friends.

Therapy offers a special relationship that is all about you and your needs. There are not other relationships, agendas, or biases to consider, which often happens when we talk with family members and friends.

What are the benefits of therapy? 

Therapy provides a space and opportunity to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviours and relationships that are troubling or cause difficulty in one’s life. Therapy can also be a source of support in a crisis or during a demanding time.

The benefits of therapy are almost limitless. Individuals have reported that therapy has helped them to:

• Develop effective ways to handle stress and anxiety
• Work through issues that are causing unhappiness or depression
• Overcome self-destructive behaviours
• Enhance communication skills and problem solving
• Feel more confidence in and compassion for themselves
• Experience more satisfaction with their lives and relationships
• Feel more stability in, understanding of and control over emotions such as sadness, anger, grief, fear and worry
• Better able to manage and lessen symptoms associated with chronic illness, injury and pain

I’m not in crisis and I don’t have a mental illness….how can counselling help me?

I find that counselling can be tremendously helpful simply when we are feeling “stuck” in one or many areas of life. Or, we may get a vague feeling that something is off, but we can’t put our finger on it.  Boredom or feelings of disconnection signal that we have lost a sense of vitality or passion in our lives. Often we know that something needs to change, but we don’t know how or what to do. This is a great time to seek out the help of an unbiased professional such as a counsellor who is trained to help people break through these blocks, better understand how they got where they are, and make a plan for moving forward successfully.

Many people do seek out counselling when they’re in emotional distress, experiencing mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety, or in need of support outside of their usual support network. Counsellors are trained to help people in more urgent situations and when they are struggling through life’s most challenging times, as well as through everyday ups and downs.

What’s the best way to set up an appointment?

The best way to set up an appointment is to either email or call me and let me know you would like an appointment. You don’t have to say why you want to come in, as we can discuss that when we meet. We can talk about a time that works for you and also fits in with my schedule.

What can I expect from our first session?

For your first session, you are asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to fill out some intake paperwork. During the session, you will first read, discuss, and then sign a consent form. We will review the intake information you filled out in order get a better idea of what brings you to counselling, and explore the history of the problem(s) and how it is impacting your life today. You and I will start developing some basic goals for counselling and discuss possible paths to get there. I will also do my best to answer any questions you have about counselling and the process.

How we end our first session will be up to you. You may want to think about whether to continue in therapy or you may be ready to start working. Either way, I will follow your lead and respect your decision.

Will the counselling be kept confidential?

With some exceptions, everything you say within the counselling session is kept confidential and I will not share any information you give me unless you give me permission. There are, however, some exceptions to confidentiality: 1) I am required, by law to take appropriate action if there is danger that you may physically harm yourself or another person, or if there is an indication of child abuse. 2) I do not have the right of privileged communication in a court of law; under a subpoena a Clinical Counsellor must disclose information pertaining to therapy. 3) If you accept third party coverage, the third party may require you to agree that they receive confidential assessment, treatment, and medical-legal reports

How long do sessions last?

I value the people I work with and will book you for the full hour. I also leave time in between sessions to take notes of any important points discussed during our sessions (these records are kept confidential and locked away for safe keeping) and for any necessary preparation for your next sessions. You are only charged for your hour of therapy.

How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?

Going to a counsellor for the first time can be daunting. You may believe that once you start, you won’t be able to change your mind or seek another counsellor. I believe in your rights as a client and a consumer. Counselling is a relationship and you need to feel that this relationship is right for you. Our first session will give you the opportunity to share your experiences and also to learn about me. The option to continue seeing me, and for how often and how long, is your decision.

How many counselling sessions will it take before I feel better?

In my experience, counselling sessions are extremely helpful in improving outlook and mood. However, everyone is unique and has different goals, so there is no prescribed timeframe or number of sessions. If you contact me for a free consultation, I may be able to offer a loose estimate of whether brief or longer term therapy may be necessary. Many clients change choose to extend their therapy once they begin to experience its benefits.

What if my partner, child, or friend needs help but refuses to come to therapy?

Sometimes we are able to see a problem in those we love when they are not ready to make a change. We can only control what is in our power, but there is a lot you can do to impact whether someone you love seeks help.  Support, information, and skills in communication go a long way to empower you to help someone who needs it. With regard to children and teens, we can explore some ways that may enhance your influence as a parent. Meanwhile, it is always important that you find ways to take care of yourself, especially when those you love may not.

In terms of romantic or other relationships, working alone can still make a difference in your relationship even if you feel like you are the only motivated partner. For instance, we can unpack your influence in the relationship dynamic and also how you can better get your relationship needs met. An  mportant idea in systemic (family therapy) is that when one person in a partnership or group changes, positive shifts can happen in their circle of family and friends.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see you?

In general, you do not need a referral from your family doctor, or anyone else, to come and see me. You can contact me directly at 250.763.1887 or email at barbarakatesrcc@gmail.com.

However, some insurance or extended health providers may require a physician’s referral letter. Please check with your provider.

I am not sure if counselling or you are right for me. Do you offer a free initial consultation before I commit to a session?

I offer a free 30-minute initial phone or in person consultation where you can ask me questions about my practice, we can get a better sense of your particular situation and whether my help will be useful, and so you can assess if we may be a good fit. If we decide we’d like to work together, we can then book a full session.

How much does counselling cost? Is it covered by insurance?

This is covered in my Fees & Policies page.

I don’t know if I can afford counselling at your rate. Do you have a sliding scale?

I do not advertise that I have a sliding scale. There are instance when clients have demonstrated a commitment to ongoing counselling but have financial constraints.  I do reserve a few spots where I can make alternative arrangements with them.