Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions and understand how we can support your family.
How do I know if my child needs counselling?
Counselling can be extremely beneficial for children who are struggling with many typical life issues, including stress, having difficulty understanding or managing their emotions, experiencing conflict or bullying, or having behavioural difficulties.
Signs your child might need counselling include:
-
Increased worries
-
Prolonged fears or sadness
-
Difficulty separating from you or leaving the house
-
Isolating themselves from others
-
Experiencing emotional or behavioural reactivity
-
Increased emotional withdraw
-
Decreased interest in activities or hobbies
-
Persistent changes in appetite or weight
-
Consistent difficulty sleeping or prolonged sleep
-
Engaging in self-harming behaviours or suicidality
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic modality that was created for children to treat a number of mental health concerns in early and middle childhood. Children are not born with the ability to process or manage their emotions verbally, this is a skill that is learned and developed over time. Therefore, play therapy uses children’s natural mode of expression, play, in order to support the development of healthy coping skills. Using various therapeutic play therapy toys, children are supported to enact and express their challenges in a language that is more natural for them.
How many sessions will my child and family need?
The number of sessions really is unique for each child and family, and is dependent on a number of factors. During our initial counselling appointment, we will discuss the nature of the concern, establish goals for counselling, and come up with a treatment plan with a recommended number of sessions to best support your child and family.
In general, it is usually recommended to have a minimum of six sessions in order to establish a positive therapeutic relationship with the child and family unit. This helps to support the work towards the therapeutic goals. We will work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that fits for each child’s and family’s unique needs, all centered around trusting that you know your family best and when their counselling goals have been met.
What is the cost?
$160.00 for 50 minute Child Therapy and Parenting Sessions
$175.00 for 50 minute Family Therapy Sessions
Grants for Child Therapy can be applied for through Variety the Children's Charity or the CKNW Kids' Fund.
Will the sessions be covered by my Extended Health Plan?
All of our counselling services are provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Typically counselling services provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor are covered under extended health plans. However, as each extended health plan differs, you will need to review your extended health plan and provider to confirm coverage. All fees are collected from the client at the beginning of each session and we do not bill directly to extended health plans. We provide a receipt at the end of each session for you to submit to your extended health plan for reimbursement.