Frequently asked questionS

How do I book my initial session?

If you would like to book an initial session, otherwise known as an intake assessment, please email me directly at callistocounselling@gmail.com or fill out the contact form on my website. Helpful information to share is your name and a brief description of your concern or the reason you are looking for support with your mental health.

What is the difference between my initial session and subsequent sessions?

In the initial session, you might notice that things feel almost like an interview. I will be asking you a variety of questions so I can better understand who you are as a person, some of your medical and mental health history, how you relate to others including friends and family, and what you are hoping to achieve throughout your counselling sessions.

Subsequent counselling sessions will feel more like a conversation rather than an interview. It is likely that you will have shared personal mental health goals with me, and we will spend our time together working towards accomplishing those goals. These subsequent sessions are collaborative in nature. If you need space to let your thoughts run free, I can give that to you. If you need more guidance and understanding, we can discuss together how I can support you best during more challenging times. I trust your judgment and follow your lead – you are the expert of your life story.

How long are sessions?

Standard individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length. If you feel that you might need a longer session, particularly if you are working with the EMDR modality, 90-minute sessions are an option for an additional fee.

Couples sessions vary in length depending on the stage of counselling. Often the initial sessions are 90 minutes in length, and subsequent sessions are 50 minutes in length. These times will be discussed together to determine what will be the best fit given the presenting concern of the couple.

How much do sessions cost?

The standard 50-minute individual session is $135.00 per session but can vary up to $150.00 per session depending on the type of therapy being offered. Sessions for individuals who wish to have a 90-minute session will range anywhere from $200.00 to $225.00 depending on the type of therapy being offered.

Couples 50-minute sessions are $150.00 per session. Couples sessions that are 90-minutes in length are $225.00 per session. These costs are in line with the British Columbia Association for Clinical Counsellors’ (BCACC) recommended fee structure.

Callisto Counselling does reserve the right to change the cost of sessions depending on personal matters, applicable taxes, and increases in fee guidelines as stated by the BCACC. This information will be communication with clients at least 6 months prior to any increase.

As part of my commitment to helping those in my community, I offer a sliding scale to individuals who need financial assistance. I recognize that mental health services can be expensive, and I believe that everyone deserves access to mental health support. Sliding scale rates are offered in a limited capacity and will be offered based on my discretion and financial availability. If you feel that you might need access to a sliding scale rate, please include this information in your initial email or contact form submission.

How can I use my extended benefits?

Many extended benefits plans offer coverage for counselling and mental health services. It is recommended to review the details of your extended benefits plan to confirm what types of services and therapist qualifications are required to receive coverage. If is also recommended to confirm how much coverage, and at what percentage, you have per calendar year.

After your session you will receive an invoice with all relevant information needed so you can submit a claim to your extended benefits provider. Direct billing is not offered.

Where are the sessions held?

All sessions are held either online through Jane telehealth software, or via telephone. If you are interested in in-person therapy services but are content to work together through digital mediums for the time being, please let me know. If enough demand exists, there are opportunities for me to establish a physical office to offer in-person therapy services.

What are your working hours?

I offer sessions Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:00 am PST to 5:00 pm PST, and Wednesdays from 2:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST.

What happens if I miss my session or need to cancel?

If you find that you need to cancel your session, 24-hours notice is needed to avoid any cancellation fees. If less than 24-hours notice is given, you will be charged a $50.00 cancellation fee. All cancellation fees must be paid before any further sessions will be booked. Extenuating circumstances, such as injury or illness, will be considered at the discretion of the counsellor to determine if the cancellation fee should be waived.

What if I am having an emergency and need support before my next session?

If you have an emergency outside of my working hours, please call 911, or your local crisis line contact. In BC, this number is 1-800-784-2433. For youth aged 5-20 years old, contact the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. If you feel comfortable disclosing what took place, it is helpful for me to understand the nature of your emergency after the fact and what took place through any additional support.

If time exists within my schedule, I may be able to accommodate a session outside of my working hours or move your next session to a sooner date and time. Please feel free to directly email me at callistocounselling@gmail.com if you find yourself in need of an urgent appointment and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.

What do the letters behind your name mean?

Currently, the term “counsellor” is not protected in the province of British Columbia or country of Canada. This means that anyone can call themselves a counsellor or suggest that they offer counselling services. It is helpful to understand how to look for a qualified professional to ensure that you are receiving empirically supported counselling and mental health services. To make up for this lack of protected title, organizations exist within the province and country to offer protected designations to help clients navigate service providers.

MA or MACP stands for Master of Arts, or Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. This degree indicates that the holder has also completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree prior to completing their 2-year master’s degree.

RCC stands for Registered Clinical Counsellor and this designation is endorsed by the BCACC. In order to receive this title, the holder must have completed relevant coursework as outlined by the BCACC, a master’s degree in a counselling or related field, and a minimum of 100 hours of supervision by a qualified supervisor.

CCC stands for Certified Canadian Counsellor and this designation is endorsed by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). In order to receive this title, the holder must have completed relevant coursework as outlined by the CCPA, a master’s degree in counselling, and a variety of additional requirements such as supervision by a qualified supervisor and a minimum number of direct client hours accrued through a practicum.