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Frequently Asked Questions

What Services Do You Offer?

At Victoria Counselling Centre we provide a range of professional, effective, and flexible counselling services adults in Greater Victoria. Our services are available on a fee for service basis. We offer:

  • Adult counselling
  • Couples counselling

Where Are You Located?

Victoria Counselling Centre is located at 216-1175 Cook St. in Victoria, BC, Canada. We are conveniently situated in the Cook Medical Building near a number of other health care providers. There is two-hour street parking along View St. and paid parking (coins only) at the rear of the medical building off of View St. Our office is only open for scheduled appointments so please email or call first to arrange your meeting time.

What Kinds of Issues Can You Help With?

We help people live more emotionally and socially satisfying lives, improve their relationships, and reach their own goals for wellness. Counselling is proven to be helpful for such issues as:

  • Depression, anxiety, panic, phobia
  • Obsessive and compulsive behaviours
  • Sexual abuse and trauma
  • Post traumatic stress
  • Relationship conflict, divorce, separation
  • Communication skills, assertiveness, anger management
  • Grief and loss
  • Life transitions such as losing or starting a job, changing careers, relationship endings or beginnings, a new baby, starting or finishing school, relocation, facing a serious illness or accident
  • Stress Management
  • Life purpose and meaning
  • Personal development, self-esteem, goal setting

Which Treatment Approaches Do You Offer?

Our counsellors are flexible in their treatment approaches and will work to find an effective combination for your unique issues and preferences. Please visit the Our Counsellors page and follow the link to each therapists's profile to learn about the particular therapeutic approaches they offer. 

What Are Your Counsellors' Credentials?

Victoria Counselling Centre is run by a group of professionally trained Registered Clinical Counsellors. They are all active members with a professional association such as the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. This means that:

  • Their Masters level education and credentials have been verified
  • They abide by a common code of ethics
  • They will be held accountable should a client report a complaint
  • They are professionally insured
  • They undergo continuing education
  • They receive ongoing supervision

What Is a Complimentary Consultation?

At Victoria Counselling Centre we offer a complimentary 10 minute phone consultation (please see our Contact page to schedule). This is an opportunity to explain what you're wanting help with, and for our counsellors to determine whether they are able to assist you.

How Do I Schedule an Appointment?

Victoria Counselling Centre accepts client self-referrals as well as direct referrals through physicians and other health care professionals. We offer flexible appointment times that range between 8am-8pm depending on the specific counsellor's availability. To schedule your complimentary consultation,

  • Email your request for a consultation through our Contact page
  • Or call 250-984-8052 and leave a message with your name and telephone number

What Are Your Fees?

Our services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. We encourage you to call your insurance provider or employer and ask specifically if Registered Clinical Counsellors or Canadian Certified Counsellors are covered. Our fees are based on recommendations by  the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors:

  • Rates vary depending on the type of counselling (i.e., individual, couple or student) and the counsellor that you work with. Please visit our Rates page for more details
  • Please ask your counsellor what methods of payment they accept

What Are the Limits to Confidentiality?

What you share with your counsellor is confidential with the following exceptions:

  • There is a risk of imminent danger to an identifiable third party or to self
  • There is suspicion of child abuse or neglect
  • A disclosure is ordered by a court
  • The client has agreed to share information with another person (e.g., physician, family member, etc)

How Long and How Frequent Are Counselling Sessions?

Your specific session lengths will be determined with your counsellor prior to starting counselling. Our counsellors will adjust the time based on your needs and preferences, so be sure to let them know what works for you. Generally speaking,

  • Sessions are 50 minutes in length
  • Sessions are typically every week, or every two weeks
  • As you begin to experience improvement and change, it is possible to space your sessions out over time
  • After you’re satisfied with the progress you’ve made, you can set up “follow-up” sessions and check-in with your counsellor every month or second month to help maintain the changes
  • Should new issues or challenges arise at any point you can request to change the frequency of sessions subject to your counsellor’s availability

How Many Counselling Sessions Are Required?

The number of sessions required depends on the kind of issue you’re struggling with and how you’re experiencing progress in treatment. Because this is highly individual, we do not set predetermined limits or expectations on the number of sessions you receive. Research shows that on average.

  • People experience decreases in emotional distress within 3-4 sessions
  • Significant and lasting improvement is most likely to occur after 12 or more sessions
  • People can continue to see benefits in longer term counselling particularly for severe depression, trauma, and personality issues

How Does Counselling Start?

In your first session, you and your counsellor will discuss and mutually agree on the following things:

  • What can be expected from counselling
  • What the limits to confidentiality are
  • The length and cost of each session
  • Policies about cancellation and lateness
  • Emergency contact information
  • Your hopes and goals
  • A general treatment plan
  • Any other important agreements or considerations

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