Counselling Services
FAQ
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist; however, if you have an extended health benefit plan, you may be eligible to have part or all of the cost covered. It is best to consult the details of your extended health benefit plan, including whether they require a referral.
It’s understandable if you are feeling anxious or uncertain of what to expect at your appointment. We want you to feel comfortable. Often, knowing what to expect can help a person feel less anxious.
Usually, the first session is an opportunity for your psychologist to learn more about you, your background, and why you are seeking counselling. You may also be asked about current coping, strengths, and supports. We understand there may be areas you are not yet ready to talk about, and it is up to you how much you share. You can let us know you are not ready to answer any questions as ultimately it is up to you to decide what information you are comfortable sharing. However, the more you are able to share adds to the fuller, deeper understanding your psychologist has about you and how your past may contribute to the reason you are wanting counselling. You will also be asked about what your goals for counselling are. If you are not sure what your goals are, you can work with your psychologist to develop the goals together. We will then work towards these goals in subsequent sessions.
Counselling sessions are generally 50 minutes in length. The number of sessions needed depends on a variety of factors including the reason for counselling, the number of goals you wish to address, how complex the goals are, if you have had previous counselling, your current coping strategies, the support and resources you currently have available, and how motivated you are.
While psychologists, counsellors and therapists can all provide counselling to clients, counsellors are not regulated by the Health Professions Act and therefore the training a counsellor has can vary. The term ‘counsellor’ is not protected in British Columbia, so anyone can use this title.
Psychologists are regulated by the Health Professions Act and are required to meet guidelines of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Licensed psychologists (previously registered psychologists) must meet a level of training and supervised experience, as well as participate in ongoing education to maintain their registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
On June 28, 2024, the College of Psychologists of British Columbia (CPBC) merged with colleges from a number of professions to form the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. Prior to this date, psychologists registered with CPBC were known as registered psychologists. After the merge, the name was changed to licensed psychologists. In BC, the change was in name only.
Psychologists work with individuals to assist them in various aspects of their life, such as coping with anxiety, depression, stress, and emotion regulation. Psychologists work with their clients to determine the goals of counselling and help their clients develop skills to help in the areas identified.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have obtained specialized training in the practice of psychiatry. They specialize in diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions and can prescribe medications.
We do not diagnose at Chilliwack Mountain View Counselling. While psychologists can diagnose mental health conditions, our focus is on helping clients identify areas of their life they wish to change and to work with them on develop and implement skills to make these changes.
Registered psychologists in British Columbia and Alberta do not prescribe medication. However, we are happy to work with you and your family doctor and/or psychiatrist.
It is important that couples begin couples counselling together, as this allows the psychologist to understand the challenges the couple is facing from both partners, as well as ask questions to learn more about each individual’s background, as this may impact the current relationship.
After the first session, the psychologist, along with couple, may plan to meet with a partner individually. These individual sessions will be limited. If the work requires more than a few individual sessions, the partner will be encouraged to work on these areas with another professional while we continue to meet as a couple.
It is great that you want to help your loved one. However, the person who comes to counselling is considered the “client”. According to psychology regulations, psychologists are not allowed to meet with anyone connected to our “client” as it could create a conflict of interest. For this reason, we would not be able to see your loved one unless you and your loved one attend the session together.
Another option is for you to have sessions without your loved one and discuss ways you can support them.