Frequently Asked Questions
General Counselling Questions
What issues do you help with?
We support individuals and families experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and PTSD, stress, life transitions, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, perinatal mental health, identity exploration, and adverse childhood experiences. Our practice is trauma-informed and equipped to work with both youth and adults.
Do I need a referral from a doctor to see a counsellor?
No referral is required. You’re welcome to connect with us directly. We offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to help determine if our services are the right fit for you.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
Counselling can help whether you’re struggling with specific challenges or simply seeking greater well-being and clarity. Our free phone consultation is a great way to explore if therapy is a good next step.
Do you offer in-person and online sessions?
Yes! We provide sessions in-person at our Squamish office, and virtually for clients anywhere in British Columbia. Virtual sessions are secure and confidential, allowing you to connect from the comfort of your own space.
How long is each session?
Sessions are typically 50 or 75 minutes. We also offer shorter 30-minute brief sessions, as well as a free 20-minute phone consultation for new clients. We work together to determine which session length is the best fit for each client. Session length is subject to change as needed overtime.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and situation. Some people benefit from a few sessions, while others choose longer-term support. We’ll discuss a plan that feels right for you.
Is everything I share confidential?
Absolutely. Your privacy is protected by professional ethics and laws, and we take confidentiality very seriously.
There are rare situations where we are legally or ethically required to break confidentiality, such as if there’s a risk of harm to you or someone else, or if records are ordered by a court. However, our approach is always collaborative. If any situation arises where information may need to be shared, we will do our best to involve you in the process, discuss what needs to be shared, and explore how to do so in a way that feels as safe and respectful as possible.
We’ll review confidentiality and its limits in detail during your first session so you know exactly what to expect.
Do you work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families?
Yes. Our team offers individual therapy for adults and youth (ages 12+), as well as couples, parenting, and family support. We specialize in working with young people navigating identity, stress, and emotional challenges.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
We draw from a wide range of evidence-based modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Systems Therapy, Collaborative Proactive Solutions, attachment-based therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and narrative therapy. Our practice is trauma-informed and integrates these approaches to meet your unique needs.
Practical & Logistical Questions
How do I book an appointment?
You can book online through our JaneApp portal or reach out by phone or email to schedule your free consultation or a full session.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be charged the full session fee.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Yes! Many of our clinicians offer evening and weekend sessions to fit busy schedules.
Where are you located? Is there parking available?
Our Squamish office is located downtown at 38142 Cleveland Avenue, Unit 206C, directly across from the Green Olive Café. Free street parking is available nearby.
How much does counselling cost?
20-minute phone consult: Free
50-minute individual session: $170
75-minute individual session: $255
50-minute couples or parenting session: $200
75-minute couples or parenting session: $290
50-minute counselling intern rate session: $50
You can view more info on our Fees Page
Do you offer a sliding scale or reduced fees?
Yes. We believe mental health care should be accessible. We have a counselling intern available at a set rate of $50 per session. We also offer sliding scale fees with some clinicians to help make therapy more affordable. Please inquire for details.
Do you accept insurance or direct billing?
Many extended health benefits plans cover therapy with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or a Registered Social Worker (RSW). We can provide receipts for you to submit to your insurer. Currently, we do not offer direct billing.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, debit, e-transfer, and cheques. Payment details are collected securely at the time of booking. If you’d like to pay by a method other than credit card, please email us at info@pacificsolsticegroup.com to book your first session.
What can I expect in my first session?
Your first session is a space to share your story, discuss your goals, and collaborate on a plan that feels safe and effective for you. It’s also an opportunity to ensure you feel comfortable with your therapist.
Can I switch counsellors if it’s not the right fit?
Absolutely. Finding the right therapeutic relationship is essential. If you’d prefer to try working with someone else on our team, we’ll help you transition smoothly.
Specialized Questions
Do you provide trauma counselling?
Yes. Trauma-informed care is a cornerstone of our practice. We support individuals who have experienced trauma, using approaches like EMDR, somatic practices, and emotion-focused therapy to help you heal safely and at your pace.
Do you work with youth and teens?
Absolutely. We provide therapy for youth ages 12 and up. In British Columbia, the age of consent for counselling is 12, which means youth can access counselling independently.
While we always strive to include parents and encourage youth to involve them, all session information is kept confidential at the discretion of the youth. We also help young clients build communication skills and navigate how to share important information with family when it feels safe and helpful.
If safety is ever a concern, we’re required to take steps to protect the youth, which can include involving parents or guardians. In those situations, we work collaboratively to create a plan that prioritizes safety and respect.
We help young people manage anxiety, depression, identity exploration, stress, school challenges, family dynamics, and trauma, using age-appropriate and compassionate approaches.
Do you work with first responders?
Yes. We understand the unique stressors faced by first responders and offer specialized services for trauma, PTSD, and occupational stress injuries.
Do you work with the LGBTQIA+ community?
Yes. We are committed to providing inclusive, affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
Do you offer culturally sensitive counselling?
Yes. We strive to honour diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, creating a safe, respectful space for all clients.
