Open Space Counselling
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, what we discuss in counselling is is kept strictly confidential. However, there are three exceptions to this rule:
- If your therapist believes you are at imminent or serious risk to harm yourself or others.
- If your therapist believes a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of or is being abused.
- If we are officially subpoenaed in a court case.
This really depends on the issue at hand and the context in which you are experiencing the problem. At the first session, you and your counsellor will discuss the optimal frequency and likely duration of counselling. With more complex and long standing issues, you will likely need more sessions to untangle things and build up internal stability. Therapy is a process. That said, most of our clients experience some relief early on in the therapy process, and indicate that they are experiencing positive shifts in their lives after 4-6 sessions.
Sometimes crises emerge that make the distance between sessions too difficult to weather without support. Between session phone calls will be prorated your counsellor’s fee by the minute, and are subject to your counsellor’s availability. We encourage emailing your counsellor only regarding availability and setting up sessions, rather than communicating sensitive information.
In the first session of counselling, your counsellor’s only agenda is to connect with you, and to understand you as accurately as possible. By the end of your first session, we will have a clearer sense of the nature of your current struggles. We will explore what you are hoping to get out of therapy and what internal changes you would like to see happen. You may have some questions for your counsellor as well about what you can expect, and we always welcome this.
At the first session, your counsellor will be able to clarify what the focus of your work could be, and establish with you what frequency of sessions will be most helpful.
The services of Registered Clinical Counsellors and Canadian Certified Counsellors are covered by many extended health benefit plans, but please contact your service provider to inquire about your specific plan prior to booking any services, including free consultations. An official receipt will be provided after each session to be submitted for reimbursement. Clients are responsible for paying for session fees upfront.
We accept e-transfer or credit card payments. If paying by e-transfer, please send the e-transfer the day of your session.
We see adult clients (age 18+) of all different backgrounds, political affiliations, genders, and sexual orientations. We are feminist, antiracist and LGBTQ+ allies.
