Therapy, or counselling, is a professional treatment for emotional, psychological, or behavioral concerns. It involves working with a trained professional to explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe, supportive environment.

Therapy can help you manage stress, boost self-esteem, improve relationships, address mental health concerns (such as depression and anxiety), and develop coping strategies for life’s challenges.

Therapy also provides a space for self-reflection, personal growth, and healing, helping you gain insight and tools to improve your overall well-being.

The terms are often used interchangeably, and I personally do not make a distinction between them.

However, some differentiate counselling as short-term support for specific issues, while psychotherapy or therapy focuses on deeper emotional or psychological concerns, aiming for long-term healing and personal growth.

• Counsellor, Therapist, or Psychotherapist: These terms all refer to trained professionals (usually with a master’s degree) that provide psychotherapy services.

  However, the regulation of the counselling (psychotherapy) profession varies depending on the province.

  Currently in BC, the counselling profession is not regulated, so the terms counsellor, therapist, and psychotherapist are often used interchangeably.

  However, some professionals (like me) hold specific certifications or memberships with organizations like the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), which upholds certain professional, educational, and ethical standards.

• Psychologist: A trained professional with a doctoral degree (e.g., PhD) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through psychotherapy.

• Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (MD) who can diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medications, and offer other medical treatments. They typically do not focus on psychotherapy.

The answer to this varies greatly from person to person. Some seek therapy for short-term support during challenging times, while others view it as an ongoing wellness tool–much like going to the gym–to maintain mental and emotional well-being.

I personally support both perspectives. Therapy can be a crucial source of support during difficult times, but you don’t need to have a specific “problem” to benefit from it. I also recognize that financial considerations influence how people approach therapy, so I always ensure that our time together is meaningful and aligned with your goals.

The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual needs and goals.

I typically recommend starting with weekly or biweekly sessions to build momentum, but some clients prefer a more spaced-out schedule to accommodate their financial situation and insurance coverage.

As therapy progresses, we can adjust the frequency to what feels right and is practical for you. Ultimately, we’ll work together to find a pace that supports your growth and well-being.

For your first session, come as you are. This is your time to share whatever is on your mind.

Some clients find it helpful to prepare a list of concerns and goals to guide the session.

For virtual session, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the experience:

• Find a quiet, private space free from distractions or interruptions

• Position your device in a well-lit area so we can see each other clearly

• Ensure you have a reliable internet connection

• Arrive a few minutes early to test your audio and video settings

• Use headphones or earphones to improve audio quality