Questions to ask yourself:

Am I managing the circumstances in my life and am I living my best life?

If I don't do anything differently (such as pursue counselling), is anything going to change?

Do I have the skills to do this on my own? Reality is, if I could have done it on my own, I probably would have by now, wouldn't I? (Note - motivation and ability are not the same thing. Think of it like combing your hair... just because you can comb it without looking doesn't change the fact that it will likely turn out better if you use the mirror as your guide.)

If I do nothing, will anything be different 1-10 years from now?

Why not pursue counselling?

Finding the "right' therapist can feel overwhelming. It is not a one-size fits all so don't worry about finding the "perfect" therapist. It is about finding the one that you feel most comfortable with.

While reasearch is important, it is possible to research to the point of analysis paralysis and the process itself becomes anxiety-provoking.

Narrow down what you want to work on in therapy (such as anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, etc) and ensure the therapist is trained in and has experience with those issues.

Read a little bit about the modalities / approaches that the therapist uses to see if they feel like they might fit with you.

Look for a therapist that tells a story about their approaches and philosophy as opposed to selling themselves. This way you can get an idea of what to expect in therapy.

Take advantage of the 10-15 minute free consult and ask questions.

Things to consider before attending the first session:

Do I know how long the session is? How much it will cost?

Do I have the address (actual address if in person or link if virtually)?

 Ask yourself the following questions and perhaps write down your responses:

• • What are my strengths and what would I like more of in my life?
  • What is getting in the way of this?
  • What is it I am hoping to get out of counselling?
  • How would life be life be different if counselling "works"?

Interestingly, research has shown that 'change' already starts in indivdiuals as soon as they make that important step to seek counselling and before they even walk in the door so congratulations for selecting to take this step!

The bulk of the first session in individual counselling will be on assessing your strengths and areas where you desire to grow, as well as what your values are and what your goals are for counselling. We will discuss my approaches and how these might fit with your goals.

I encourage you to dress comfortably and perhaps bring something to drink to the session. Plan a light or fun activity after the session so that you have time to process what was discussed in session.

Fees

Sessions are $220/hour.  Note that some trauma sessions with ART will be 90 min sessions ($330).

Payment can be made by credit card or e-transfer. 

Insurance

Does my insurance cover services provided by Vicki Park Counselling? The short answer is LIKELY. 

To find out if you are covered by your third party health insurance company you will need to check your individual policy to see if the wording includes terms such as psychologist,  professional counsellor or therapist.  

Individual Sessions

These are typically 55 minutes in length, unless we are doing ART and then it will be 85 minutes long. 

The counselling process is, on average, 6-12 sessions, but may vary depending on the focus and goals of therapy. Frequency can vary from weekly to monthly to as needed. 

Couples

Usually the first few sessions will be assessment focused as we sort through family complexities and identify strengths and areas for growth. 

Couples will usually require 10-14 sessions, meeting more frequently for the first 6 months and then less frequently and as needed after that. Again, this can be more or less depending on the complexity of the needs which prompted counselling.