Research shows that the therapeutic relationship accounts for 70-80% of the change made through counselling. Therefore, the therapeutic relationship is of the utmost importance to us! We prioritize helping our clients get paired with a therapist suitable for their needs and who they feel they can personally connect with. Please fill out our New Client Inquiry Form and we will get to work pairing you with a counsellor from our team. To ensure a good fit, we offer an optional “New Client Consultation,” a free 15-minute chat with your therapist before the first appointment. During this consultation, you can get to know them and ask any questions you might have.

Like in all human relationships, sometimes the magic isn’t there. If you don’t feel like you can build a connection with your therapist after your first session or two, please don’t hesitate to let your therapist know or reach out to our office, and we can assist in finding another counsellor who might be a better fit.

Clinical counsellors/psychotherapists use clinical therapies grounded in mental health principles with empirically based assessments and therapeutic techniques to aid clients in achieving insight into existing challenges, gaining new skills and understanding, and earning emotional freedom from historical issues. Typical concerns range from grief, addictions, relationships, career, trauma, identity, sex, depression, and anxiety. They are regulated by professional organizations BC Association of Clinical Counsellors or the Canadian Psychotherapy and Counselling Association, where a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree are required. Clinical Counsellors are designated provincially as Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) or nationally as Canadian Clinical Counsellors (CCC). Most extended health care benefit plans provide coverage for sessions.

Registered Psychologists (R.Psych) are specifically trained and qualified in developing, researching, and administering specialized psychological tests and conducting psychological research. Provincially, they are regulated by the BC College of Psychologists, requiring a Ph.D. or a PsyD. Most extended health care plans provide coverage for sessions.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) specializing in severe psychiatric disorders and medications to support mental illness. Psychiatrists attend medical school, are regulated by the Canadian Psychiatric Association and are typically covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Life coaches work with people to help them achieve goals, overcome obstacles and make changes or shifts in their lives. They are currently unregulated, have no minimum level of formal education required and use life experience to guide them in their work.

The term “Therapist” is used interchangeably for all of the above.