Questions you might have about Counselling:

Financial questions:

How much does it cost?

I charge $150 for 60 minutes of counselling whether it is for an individual, couple or co-parents. 

Can I use my work benefits or health insurance?

Yes, most insurance companies cover the cost of counselling with a Registered Social Worker, but it is best to check first. You will also want to find out how much they will cover.

I may be able to direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, Canada Life and other companies that are part of eTelus Health. You are responsible for any outstanding amounts not covered.

If I am not able to direct bill, I will provide a receipt that you can submit to your plan for reimbursement.

Is counselling a tax deductible expense?

Clinical social work services (counselling) is considered a medical expense and can be claimed on your income tax.

I don’t have benefits and can’t afford the cost of counselling, are there any low-cost options?

I am happy to be working with the following resources to be able to provide lower cost counselling. 

Family Centre: offers a subsidy for families with a child under the age of 18. It is based on net income and family size. You can ask me directly about this subsidy or call Family Centre for more information at (403) 320-4232 ext. 204.

City of Lethbridge Integrated Coordinated Access: offers a subsidy for Lethbridge residents based on net income and family size. There is an application to be submitted prior to counselling. Please contact me for more details.

Breaking Free Foundation: I am an approved provider for this foundation that can provide a grant for trauma therapy for anyone in Alberta. An application is required.

Getting started questions:

How do I know if we will be a good fit?

Be sure to check out my website to get to know me a bit. We can also have a quick chat on the phone to talk about your needs and goals for counselling. My number is (403) 320-4232 ext. 217.

Sometimes a counsellor might not be a good fit for a variety of reasons and if that is the case I will happily refer you to another counsellor. 

Can I book online?

Yes, you can. I have an online calendar where you can book appointments. If it is your first session, you will receive paperwork that asks for some demographic information, goals for counselling and reviews guidelines for counselling.

https://untetheredheart.janeapp.com/

How many sessions will I need? How often?

The number of sessions depends on you, your concerns and your goals for counselling, as well as your means to afford counselling. Your number of sessions may be limited by health insurance coverage or by the subsidy provider and we can work together to make the most of the number of sessions you have. On average, clients attend 5-10 sessions with some attending fewer and some attending for much longer. More complex issues tend to require more sessions. See below for how to make the most out of counselling.

Clients most often attend weekly or bi-weekly depending on needs and preferences. Counselling is your investment in yourself and your relationships, so the more regularly and consistently you invest the greater your results.

How can I make the most of counselling?

1. Be engaged in the process. You are in the driver’s seat and I am here for guidance and support. Ultimately, what makes the difference is what you do between your sessions. We will talk about different strategies you might want to consider and try out between sessions, keeping the next 2 points in mind.

If you aren’t getting what you need, let me know and we can explore what we can do differently.

2. Be curious. Counselling is a unique experience where the focus is on you, which can feel uncomfortable and also healing. This is your safe space where you can relax, reflect and regulate. Allow yourself to pay attention what is happening around you and within you from a place of curiosity rather than judgement.

3. Be kind to yourself. Counselling can bring to light things you might sooner hide or you might try new ways of being with yourself or others that feel awkward. Talk to yourself with kindness, like you might to a young child. Research show kindness is much more effective than criticism when it comes to motivating ourselves.

4. Be Committed. You can do this and I can help you.