Question 1

HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION?

Accepted Answer

To book a session, please fill out the following Contact form.
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Question 2

WHAT ARE YOUR RATES/FEES?

Accepted Answer

Our current rates can be found on our Services & Rates page. 
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There is a sliding scale available for those with lesser means, please inquire and we'd be happy to talk with you about a lower rate.
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As well, we offer a free, 15-minute consultation to ensure that we are the right fit for each other. Click here to contact us to set up a consult.

Question 3

CAN I CLAIM THIS ON MY INSURANCE/MSP?

Accepted Answer

Many workplace benefits packages or health insurance policies do cover the services of a Registered Clinical counsellor; however, it is important to check with your provider to find out what your plan covers, as every plan is different. While we do not directly bill your extended health, we do provide you with an insurance friendly receipt that includes all the information about our counsellors, the services provided, and the amount paid. You can then submit this to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Question 4

WHO CAN COME TO COUNSELLING?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is for everyone. Many fear reaching out because they don’t want to be judged for what is causing them distress. Alternatively, many feel that nothing will be able to help them. While these are normal reactions, we can assure you that nothing is too small if it is bothering you. Similarly, nothing is too large, as counsellors are trained for many types of trauma, and if they are not, they can recommend someone who is. We provide a confidential, non-judgemental atmosphere for you to explore anything that is causing you distress.

Question 5

THERE ARE A LOT OF COUNSELLORS, I’M CONFUSED OF WHO TO PICK/WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU?

Accepted Answer

Choosing a counsellor can be a daunting task! Counsellors are all very different, we vary in style, approach, techniques, availability, and personality. To see if we are the the right fit, it is easiest to check out our team on the "About" page or meet with us for a free initial appointment. Contact us here to set one up!

Question 6

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Accepted Answer

Length of a therapeutic relationship will differ greatly from person-to-person. Sometimes only a few sessions are needed and, in some cases, a therapeutic relationship lasts many years. If you have access to a limited number of sessions and want to inquire about whether it is the right choice for you, please see the next question.

As well, typically, most clients prefer to have sessions once per week.

Question 7

I ONLY HAVE COVERAGE FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SESSIONS, IS IT WORTH COMING?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you have access to a limited number of sessions, we can choose goals that work within those sessions to give you the best experience possible. As a lot of therapeutic growth happens between sessions, we can provide you with tools and strategies to use on your own.

Question 8

ARE YOU REGISTERED WITH CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CVAP)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some of our counsellors are currently approved vendors with the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). Inquire Today!

Question 9

ARE YOU A VERIFIED VENDOR WITH ICBC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some of our counsellors are verified vendors with ICBC. Inquire today!

Question 10

ARE YOU REGISTERED WITH AUTISM FUNDING?

Accepted Answer

Currently, Athina is the only approved provider with the Autism Funding Network. Inquire Today!

Question 11

HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION?

Accepted Answer

Each session is typically 50 minutes; however, we are happy to accommodate longer sessions depending on circumstances and preference. Learn more!

Question 12

WHAT IS A TYPICAL SESSION LIKE?

Accepted Answer

A typical session usually consists of a quick review of what was worked on last session, and any updates that have occurred between sessions. Then we will reference current goals, and if the circumstances are right (there is nothing more pressing to work on), then we can begin to work towards them with various tools and techniques. Some techniques are more ‘formal’ with a distinct beginning and end, whereas others are less ‘formal’ and involve various techniques. For more about the techniques we use, click here.  
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The first session is a little different. During the first session, we discuss current concerns, goals, and techniques that we may use in subsequent sessions to support you in achieving your goals.

Question 13

IS REMOTE COUNSELLING EFFECTIVE?

Accepted Answer

During this time of crisis, more and more counsellors are moving their practices to a remote setting. This can be confusing for individuals, who are used to having in-person resources available. Rest assured that telehealth counselling (phone or video) has been given a good report over the last decade.

Teletherapy is similar to traditional therapy in that you can seek out a therapist for a single session to manage a single problem or challenge, or for regular meetings that address long-term concerns. Attesting to its diverse application, teletherapy is beneficial for a range of people, as well. Many adults, children, couples, families, and various ethnic groups find it useful.

Beyond convenience and inclusivity, teletherapy is reliable for treatment and assessment. You don’t need to go through tough times alone. Online counselling is proven support and effective therapy.  The uncertainty of our time requires all the resources possible. To learn more, visit our Remote Counselling page or Psychology today's Blog on In-Person vs. Remote Counselling.

Question 14

WHAT DOES ART & PLAY THERAPY OVER VIDEO LOOK LIKE?

Accepted Answer

The main difference is, of course, that your child and the counsellor will not be in the same physical space. Art and play are still very possible, but instead of playing with the same game, or working on the same project, your child and the counsellor will be doing separate projects. For example, we may ask that a parent gives their child colouring/drawing utensils for a remote session. In this case, we would also bring my colouring/drawing utensils to the session, and your child and the counsellor would work on our projects through the screen as we talk. We might ask your child to draw various images that represent them or their challenges and then show them to us. To build rapport and connection, we would make a similar image to share with your child.

From what we have found, children are very receptive to online therapy. More often than not, we find that children are sometimes even more comfortable speaking to someone over a screen. We have done both in-person and video session with children, and what we have noticed is that children are often less shy over video and more willing to talk.

To learn more, reach out today.

Question 15

WHAT TYPES OF COUNSELLING TOOLS OR MODALITIES DO YOU USE?

Accepted Answer

Please see our Working Approaches outlined on the About page to learn more.

Question 16

WHAT ISSUES DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?

Accepted Answer

Each of our counsellors have specific experience in certain areas but we are open to working with many different difficulties.
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Please see our Areas of Focus page for all information on our areas of speciality.

Question 17

ARE YOU OPEN TO CLIENTS WHO BELONG TO [SPECIFIC MINORITY GROUP]?

Accepted Answer

Yes. we do not discriminate against any groups; anyone is welcome.
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We have specific experience with those who identify as LGBTQ2S+, POC, and those who live with disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities).
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We are LGBTQ2S+ and poly-friendly! Non-judgmental to humans of all gender identities, sexual orientations, religious backgrounds, and cultural backgrounds.

Question 18

DO YOU TAKE CLIENTS OUTSIDE OF B.C.?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we see clients who live in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, PEI, Yukon, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nunavut, and the North West Territories.
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We currently do not take clients who reside outside of these provinces/territories or Canada. However, due to our online practice, we are open to clients anywhere within these areas.

Question 19

ARE SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything in session is confidential. However, there are a few limitations surrounding this, as per the BCACC guidelines surrounding imminent safety concerns, abuse, and legal subpoena. If you have any specific questions, please reach out.

Question 20

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A THERAPIST, COUNSELLOR, PSYCHOLOGIST, PSYCHOTHERAPIST, PSYCHIATRIST?

Accepted Answer

Therapist - A broad term that covers many helping and healing professions.

Counsellor - An unregulated term in B.C., therefore technically anyone can refer to themselves as a “counsellor”. However, there are regulating bodies, such as the BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors), that only allow members with a Masters degree and specific numbers of clinical hours to be members. Those registered with BCACC have the RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) designation. Counsellors have in-depth knowledge of diagnosis, medications, and treatments, but cannot make formal diagnoses or prescribe medication.

Social Worker or RSW - Social workers can hold a bachelors or masters degree in social work. Those with a masters degree can become an RSW (Registered social worker) if they meet the criteria.

Psychologist - Someone with a PhD (doctorate degree) in psychology. They can assess for mental health conditions, but cannot prescribe medication.

Psychiatrist - Someone with a PhD in medicine (medical doctor) who specializes in mental health. They can assess, diagnose, as well as provide prescription medication.

Psychotherapist - A general term for any of the above. Sometimes, this is specifically identifying someone who uses the psychoanalytic (Freudian) approaches.

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