What to Expect from Counselling
Reaching out is often the hardest part. This page covers what actually happens in a session,
what it costs, and how insurance works — so there are fewer unknowns before you decide.
What Is Counselling?
> Counselling is a form of talk-therapy typically held in a private setting where the individual
> meets with a trained professional to discuss issues or problems they are facing in their lives.
> Counselling provides a safe space for clients to share their perspectives and work to develop
> new perspectives on their situations and experiences. The therapeutic relationship is a key
> component of the process. This relationship is one that is confidential and non-judgmental, as
> well as being collaborative, meaning the client and the counsellor work together towards
> desired outcomes and goals for counselling. Counselling is **NOT** crisis intervention or
> suitable for acute mental health disorders. If the practitioner believes the client requires
> care outside the scope of practice, they will be referred to a higher level of care.
What to Expect in a Session
We start with a free 15-minute phone call. It is not a session and there is no obligation — a
chance to describe what is going on, ask anything, and see whether we are a good fit. Fit
matters, and it is reasonable to speak to more than one counsellor before choosing.
Sessions are 60 minutes, in person in Squamish or by secure video anywhere in British Columbia.
>
Initial sessions start with an introduction and explaining the confidentiality agreement\*.
> After this, the client is given a brief explanation of the counselling process - that this room
> and the time in this room belongs to them to discuss whatever they need to and will be met
> without judgement. The client typically will discuss the reason they are seeking counselling,
> establish goals, and go over history and other important details relating to the client's
> current situation. Subsequent sessions will depend on treatment goals but generally involves
> collaborative dialogue, exploration of personal history, symptoms and current strengths and
> values. I equip clients with appropriate tools and strategies to help address symptoms and to
> better manage everyday life.
What Approaches Do I Use?
> I believe in an integrative and eclectic approach to counselling. There are several benefits to
> using multiple theoretical approaches. Mainly, working from the perspective that no one theory
> suits every client and each client requires a unique approach. Integrating several approaches
> provides the freedom to use a collaboration of interventions and strategies that best suit the
> client and their needs. Some of the core theoretical approaches I use include Somatic and
> Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, Emotions Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural
> Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.
Fees
| Session | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Individual counselling — in person, Squamish | 60 min | $150 |
| Individual counselling — online across BC | 60 min | $150 |
| Child & adolescent counselling (ages 5–18) | 50 min | $150 |
| Parent consultation | 50 min | $150 |
| Parent consultation | 30 min | $75 |
| Couples counselling — in person | 75 min | $220 |
| Health & wellness coaching — online, clients outside Canada | 60 min | $150 |
| Free phone consultation | 15 min | No charge |
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Individual sessions include athlete mental health and mental performance work at no different
rate. A sliding scale is available for individual counselling — if cost is the thing standing in
your way, please ask. That conversation is welcome and stays confidential.
GST is not charged. Counselling is exempt, so the fee above is the full amount.
Insurance and Receipts
Counselling is not covered by MSP. BC's public plan does not cover Registered Clinical
Counsellors, or psychologists.
Most extended health plans do cover RCC services — through work, a spouse's plan, or a student
plan. Coverage varies a great deal, so check your plan for the words "Registered Clinical
Counsellor" specifically. Some plans cover psychologists and social workers but not RCCs, and
the difference is easy to miss.
I do not direct bill. Payment is made at the time of the session and I issue a receipt you
submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Every receipt includes my full name, registration
number (RCC #22079) and the date and fee — everything an insurer asks for.
Worth checking with your provider before we start: whether RCC services are covered, the
per-session amount, and the annual maximum.
Booking, Payment and Cancellations
Booking is online through Jane, my scheduling system. You can see live availability and book
directly — no phone tag.
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[Book a session →](https://toriwoodwellness.janeapp.com/)
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Payment is due at the time of the session.
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Confidentiality
> Confidentiality agreement ensures that everything discussed between the client and counsellor
> is kept confidential unless the counsellor has reason to believe the client may cause harm to
> themselves or others. Also if records are subpoenaed by the court, confidentiality will have to
> be broken.
If You Need Help Right Now
Counselling is not crisis intervention, and I am not available between sessions for urgent
support. If you are in crisis, please use one of these — all free, confidential and available
24 hours a day:
- 9-8-8 — Suicide Crisis Helpline. Call or text, anywhere in Canada
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) — BC crisis line
- 310-6789 — BC Mental Health Support Line (no area code needed)
- 9-1-1 or your nearest emergency department if you or someone else is in immediate danger