Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend counselling sessions to be weekly or bi-weekly, especially at the beginning to support our therapeutic alliance. But there are no rules — we can discuss this to make a plan most support to you.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME TO THERAPY?WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?If you need to cancel or postpone a session, please give 48 hours notice. If you cancel less than 48 hours, you will be charged the full session rate.
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE?I offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots, prioritizing university students. At this time, my spots are full. Here is a list of low-cost counselling options. If you’d like to be added to my waitlist, please reach out info@emilyloski.ca
WHAT IS YOUR SICK (OR WEATHER) POLICY?If you are unable to provide 48 hrs notice but do not wish to miss your session due to illness or weather, we can move the session to online.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERAPIST & COUNSELLOR?In BC, and other parts of Canada, the words counsellor and therapist are not regulated. I use the terms interchangeably.
In BC, with appropriate requirements, one can become a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). The BCACC regulates the standards of practice and ethical code for counsellors who practice in BC.
WHO IS COUNSELLING FOR?Often counselling/therapy feels reserved for those who are in crisis. While counselling/therapy is incredibly supportive to those navigating crisis, it can also be supportive for anyone who has experienced a childhood, grew up in a society, or has feelings and emotions — aka everyone.
Counselling is not just there for us to navigate our way out of a crisis but to learn the more tender parts of ourselves to live a more meaningful, aligned life. You're in the driver's seat for your therapy — if things are feeling stable, comfortable and secure at the moment, it can be a great time to connect with a counsellor. This time can explore things that once caused you a sense of distress, or it can provide a safe space to look forward and expand your dreams. Additionally, It can be supportive of connecting with a counsellor before experiencing a crisis — as a crisis will inevitably happen to all of us. If you develop a therapeutic alliance (even just a few sessions) and then pause sessions until shit hits the fan, you already have a safe landing place to return.
WHAT IS THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS LIKE?Initial — The first sessions focus on building a solid therapeutic alliance, a sense of safety, and comfort in sharing your story. Background information is supportive in creating a well-rounded case conceptualization, and treatment plan, and most importantly for me to get to know the experiences that have shaped you. The first few sessions typically focus on your past, but we always dive in at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Exploration — As we continue to develop the therapeutic alliance, we can begin exploring more complex challenges while making meaningful changes. Working together to build the path that supports you best is essential.
Potential Conclusion — Oftentimes with counselling there is not a hard stop, but a gradual decrease in frequency. Once the client has developed enough tools where they feel comfortable to move through life on their own, the frequency of sessions will naturally taper off. Then if a tricky situation or other things pop up that the client would like to explore, the relationship can continue. There are no rules.
Have a question I didn’t include?
Feel free to reach out here or send me an email — info@emilyloski.ca