FAQ
Counselling can be an incredibly effective way to work through personal challenges, build self-awareness, and develop healthy coping skills. However, the process of choosing a counsellor and starting therapy can often feel overwhelming. To help you make the best decision for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about counselling as well as the services provided by Metanoia Mental Health.
If your question isn’t listed below, please call or email us, we would love to answer it.
Our Services
How long is each counselling session and how often?
Sessions are generally 50 minutes in length. Your counsellor will discuss with you your goals for counselling and determine with you frequency of sessions based on your goals. Frequency can always be changed. On average, most people like to come to counselling once every 2-3 weeks.
What happens if I miss my appointment? Do I get charged?
Every counsellor has their own no-show policy. This will depend on the expectations of your therapist that should be written and made clear to you in your informed consent. Your counsellor should talk about this with you within the first session. In most cases, therapists will not charge you for missed appointments due to emergency reasons, but this is something to clarify with your counsellor.
If I need medication, can you prescribe me some?
No. However, we can provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who can prescribe medication. Your therapist can support you in coordinating between each provider to make sure the necessary communication happens between therapy and other professionals on your mental health team, pending obtaining consent from you to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
I need to talk to someone now. Can you help?
We do not offer emergency/crisis counselling. If you are in immediate danger/risk, call 911.
I'm Canadian but I do not live in Alberta. Can I still use your services?
In Canada jurisdiction over profession is assigned to the provinces/territories. Each province has enacted legislation and established social work regulatory bodies to govern the profession in accordance with the legislation. Provincial social work legislation varies from province to province. Individual social workers become registered by becoming a member of a provincial regulatory body.
If working with a social worker, it is required for them to be registered with the particular province’s regulatory body where you are living in order to work with you.
Counselling
I want someone I know to start seeking professional help… How can I bring it up without being insulting?
If you’re concerned that a friend or loved one may be struggling with mental health issues, you may be wondering how to broach the topic of therapy. It’s important to approach the conversation with sensitivity and care.
One way to start the conversation is by expressing your concern and letting the person know that you’re there for them.
You could say something like, “I’ve noticed some changes lately, and I just wanted to let you know that I’m here for you.” If the person is receptive, you can then ask if they’ve considered seeking professional help and if they feel if this could be supportive for them. Therapy can be an incredibly effective treatment for mental health issues, and it can provide much-needed support during difficult times.
Ultimately, the decision whether or not to go to therapy is up to the individual (unless mandated), but by starting the conversation, you can let your loved one know that you’re there for them and that you care.
How can I get help without my family knowing?
Registered Social Workers in Canada are legally required to follow a code of ethics and standards of practice. In this document, it outlines the expectations of social workers in regards to confidentiality. Social workers only disclose confidential information to other parties (including family members) with the informed consent of clients, clients legally authorized representatives or when required by law or court order. The general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable and imminent harm to a client or others. In all instances, social workers disclose the least amount of confidential information necessary to achieve the desired purpose. In most cases, when services are provided to minors, informed consent must be obtained from the minor’s guardian. However, there are exceptions to every rule. If the minor is a mature minor, a social worker may provide services to the minor by obtaining consent directly from the minor without obtaining consent from the guardian.
More information on standard of practice can be found at https://www.casw-acts.ca/files/attachements/casw_code_of_ethics.pdf
More information about minors working with Social workers: https://acsw.in1touch.org/document/2024/SUM_MinorsAndConsentIssues_20150326.pdf
How many sessions will it take for me to notice change?
The number of counselling sessions required to address a concern can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the issue. In some cases, a single session may be sufficient to help a person identify and begin to work through their struggles. However, more complex problems may require ongoing counselling in order to achieve the desired change. The length of time required also depends on the willingness of the individual to engage in the process and do the necessary work outside of sessions.
Counselling is most effective when it is viewed as a collaborative process between therapist and client. As such, both parties should be invested in the outcome and willing to put in the effort required to achieve results. With commitment and dedication, counselling can be an effective tool for making lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is counselling different from talking to a close friend ?
It is common for people to seek the support of their friends when they are struggling with something. Friends can provide a listening ear, offer advice, and help to put things in perspective. However, there are also some key ways in which counselling differs from talking to a friend.
First, counselling is provided by a trained professional who has to abide by a code of ethics and standard of practice that guides their work. Counselling sessions are confidential, meaning that anything you discuss will be kept between you and your counsellor. Counselling also follows evidence-based theories of supporting people to create change in their life, helping you to explore your feelings and thoughts in a safe and structured way. For these reasons, counselling can be a valuable tool for anyone who is dealing with a difficult situation.
How can I know if online counselling is better for me versus face-to-face counselling?
When it comes to seeking counselling, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best type of counselling for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences and the severity of your concerns. That being said, there are a few key ways to know if online counselling might be a better option for you than face-to-face counselling.
First, consider whether you would feel more comfortable talking about sensitive topics from the comfort of your own home. If you tend to feel shy or anxious in social situations, online counselling could help you to feel more relaxed and open up more easily. Additionally, think about whether you have a busy schedule that might make it difficult to commute to appointments. With online counselling, you can often choose from a variety of scheduling options that can better fit your needs. Finally, take into account if you have confidential space in your home with access to the internet/camera or phone. You will want to make sure that you feel safe in talking about your presenting concerns without the listening ears of others.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue online or face-to-face counselling is a personal one. By taking some time to consider your needs and preferences, you can decide which option is right for you.
Need help deciding between both? Contact us today and let’s talk about it.
What’s the difference between a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Social Worker, Registered Psychologist, and Psychiatrist?
There are a number of professional help available to individuals seeking support with mental health and well-being. It can be difficult to understand all the difference between the titles and what each professional can provide. Here is a breakdown of the main differences:
A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) is a Masters level mental health professional. They must complete an accredited masters program in order to be granted their credential. RCC’s and CCC’s may work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to provide therapy. The focus of therapy is to assist individuals in overcoming challenges and bettering their life. Some, but not all insurance plans will cover these credentials for insurance purposes. It is best to check with your provider!
A Master of Social work (MSW) is a master level health professional who can be registered with a professional body based on the province they live in. Master level social workers are able to provide services to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. Many Master of Social Workers provide psychotherapy for clients and are often covered with insurance providers for psychotherapy.
A Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) is another Masters level mental health professional who has completed postmasters, an additional 1600 hours of direct clinical practice and 100 hours of clinical supervision, and has written and passed the ASWB Clinical Exam. Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSW) have an advanced standing in clinical social work and the credentials “RCSW” are protected titles in Alberta. Clinical Social Workers hold advanced clinical certifications that allow them to independently use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in order to make a mental health diagnosis. These provinces hold a clinical registry for this purpose. Most insurance companies will cover the credentials of an RCSW for psychotherapy. It is still best to check with your provider to make sure.
A Provisional Psychologist must remain under the supervision of a psychologist within the defined mandate of a supervision plan approved by the RASC until they have successfully completed the required 1600 hours of supervised practice. Prior to providing services, the registered provisional psychologist must inform their clients that their cases will be discussed with the supervisor. Approved supervision must also be maintained at all times (i.e., subsequent to completion of the required 1600 hours) until the registered provisional psychologist has satisfied all the registration requirements and has received official notification of registration as a psychologist. Some insurance plans will cover a provisional psychologist for psychological treatment. Again, it is best to look into your insurance provider to make sure.
Depending on the province in Canada, a Registered Psychologist (RPsych) may hold a master in a related psychology field or has obtained their doctorate in psychology from an accredited university program. In order to use the title “psychologist,” they must be registered with their provincial college. Registered Psychologists have completed 1600 hours of supervision and a comprehensive exam. Psychologists can provide psychological testing and assessment, as well as counselling services.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialized training in psychiatry. Their main focus is on diagnosing and treating mental illness using medication and other medical interventions. Psychiatrists are able to assess and prescribe medication for mental health concerns.
In conclusion, there are many types of mental health professionals available to individuals seeking support. It is important to understand the difference between each type of professional in order to choose the best fit for your needs.