Common counselling FAQ’s
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a collaborative session between the counsellor and the client. A professional counsellor helps the client identify goals and solutions to problems that cause emotional turmoil in their lives. Counsellors seek to improve communication, coping skills, self-esteem, and change negative behavioral patterns of the client. The overall goal of the counsellor is to improve the quality of life of the patient.
Does Counseling Really Work?
The benefits of counselling have been demonstrated in many studies. Numerous studies have shown that people who were active in therapy did better compared to those who were not active. Psychotherapy produced positive effects in more than 92% of participants who decided to undergo counselling for their mental and emotional issues.
Seligman, M. E. P. (1995). The effectiveness of psychotherapy: The Consumer Reports study. American Psychologist, 50(12), 965–974. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.50.12.965
How do I know if a counsellor is right for me?
This is a common question. Finding the right counsellor can sometimes be time-consuming and frustrating. A good way to know if a counsellor is right for you is to take advantage of any free consultation the counsellor offers. This way you can talk to the counsellor about any concerns you have and ask questions to get a “feel” for them. The right counsellor is out there for you!
What Makes Therapy Successful?
The short answer is – YOU! Therapy is a personal journey that helps many clients along the way. Your success depends on how open you are to the process. If you are willing to take the time to look within and do the work necessary for change, you will be successful.
Will my insurance cover the cost of counselling?
If you have extended benefits through your or your spouse’s workplace insurance plan, the costs of counselling services might be covered.
Sunlife, Aspiria, Great West Life, Lifeworks, Manulife, Morneau Shepell, Sunlife and other providers may reimburse people for services they receive from a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) affiliated with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA), a national regulatory association.
To find out if you are eligible for coverage, ask your extended health/insurance provider the following questions:
Do you cover Registered Professional Counsellors (RPC’s)?
Most insurance providers cover counsellors from various professions (social work, psychology, art therapy, expressive therapies); however, some only cover registered social workers and/or psychologists.
Would you make an exception?
If your company does not cover Registered Professional Counsellors (RPC’s), you may consider asking if they would make an exception. Some insurance companies have made exceptions in order to meet the specialized needs of their clients.
What does “candidate” mean in Registered Professional Counsellor candidate (RPC-c)?
RPC-c’s have successfully completed an approved education program and successfully completed the CPCA qualifying exam. RPC-c’s are licensed to practice under the supervision of a fully licensed Master Practitioner of Clinical Counselling who has undergone approved supervisor training (MPCC-s).
What is supervision in counselling?
Supervision in counselling is when a professional counsellor uses the services of another professional counsellor, qualified to supervise counsellors, to review the way they work with their clients. Supervision is a key requirement by many professional counselling membership and regulatory bodies, such as the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA), to ensure all counsellors in practice are keeping their skills up to date and that they work in a safe and ethical way. Supervision in counselling also forms part of the counsellor’s continued professional and personal development. Supervision is the key to what makes counselling a managed and professional activity.