Frequently Asked Questions
Support for Families in Coquitlam & Across BC
At Strong River Counselling, we believe that when parents are informed, they feel empowered. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from families in the Tri-Cities and across British Columbia.
How do I know if my child needs counselling?
Every child is unique, but if you’ve noticed a persistent change in their "baseline," it might be time for support. Common signs we support include:
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Increased Anxiety: School refusal (common in SD43), difficulty separating, or constant "what if" worries.
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Big Behaviors: Frequent meltdowns, emotional reactivity, or defiance that feels unmanageable at home.
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Social/Emotional Withdrawal: Loss of interest in hobbies, isolating from friends, or a sudden drop in school performance.
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Neurodivergent Struggles: Navigating the social or emotional complexities of an ADHD or Autism diagnosis.
What is Play Therapy and
why is it in-person only?
Expressive Play Therapy is a research-based modality that treats mental health concerns through a child’s natural language: play. Children often lack the verbal skills to explain why they are anxious or upset. In our specialized Coquitlam playroom, we use sand trays, art, and toys to help them process their world. Because this work requires a tactile, sensory-rich environment, we offer these sessions exclusively in-person.
Do you offer virtual sessions for parents?
Yes! While child therapy is in-person, we offer Virtual Parent Support and EFFT (Emotion-Focused Family Therapy) across British Columbia. Many parents in the Tri-Cities prefer virtual sessions for convenience, while parents in the Interior or Northern BC use our secure Cliniko platform to access specialized clinical support from home.
How many sessions will we need?
The "roadmap" to healing is different for every family. Generally, we recommend a minimum of six sessions to establish a strong therapeutic bond and begin seeing meaningful shifts. During our initial Parent Intake, we will collaborate on a treatment plan that fits your family's specific needs and goals.
What are your rates and hours?
Child Therapy & Parent Coaching: $160.00 (50 mins)
Family Therapy: $175.00 (50 mins)
Hours: We offer evening availability on Wednesdays and Fridays (2:00 PM – 8:00 PM) to accommodate school and work schedules.
Is this covered by my insurance?
All services at Strong River Counselling are provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).
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Coverage: Most extended health plans in BC cover RCC services.
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Reimbursement: We collect fees at the time of the session via Cliniko and provide a detailed receipt for you to submit to your provider.
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Grants: We also support families applying for funding through Variety the Children's Charity or the CKNW Kids’ Fund.