Our counsellors primarily use a cutting-edge therapy called Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT). The goal of this therapy approach is to repair and rebuild the attachment bond between people by identifying and changing the negative, rigid interaction patterns in distressed couples. This approach is helpful for any relationship (romantic, work, family, etc.). 8-20 sessions are recommended on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.

Our counsellors are registered mental health providers for the First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Benefit. Please see the website below for more information or contact us.
https://www.fnha.ca/benefits/mental-health

Choosing the right therapist for you is a crucial first step in your counselling experience. The therapeutic relationship is the highest predictor of therapy success! You need to feel comfortable and safe with the therapist you choose to work with. We offer free consultations so that you can meet us, ask questions, learn about our services, and decide whether or not we are the right therapists for you and your situation. A free consult is not counselling; it is more of an interview of the therapist.

In counselling, it is your right at any time to:

• have a review of your progress
• be provided with a referral to another counsellor or health professional
• withdraw consent for the disclosure of your personal information, except where precluded by law
• end the counselling relationship by advising the counsellor
• access or obtain a copy of the information in your counselling records, subject to legal requirements.
• access or to obtain a copy of your personal information continues after the end of the counselling relationship.

Most clients find it helpful to experience counselling once per week while others find it more beneficial to attend every 2 weeks. We recommend more frequent sessions in the beginning and then a gradual reduction as appropriate.  This is done in consultation with your counsellor.

While counselling can bring deeper self-understanding, it can also uncover challenging topics and memories that may result in difficult and uncomfortable emotions. We will always invite you to communicate with us if these feelings are overwhelming you. Counselling is focused on facilitating change through safety and therapeutic connection. Any change (even good change) can affect a person’s established system. You may meet with some resistance from other people in your life as a result of the changes you make.

All the information you provide to your counsellor, including your identity is strictly confidential. No information will be shared with any other person or organization without your written permission to do so. There are 3 exceptions to this rule:

1. if a child is, or may be at risk of abuse or neglect requiring protection
2. if a counsellor believes that you or another person is at clear risk of imminent harm;
3. for the rare purpose of complying with legal order such as a subpoena, or if the disclosure is otherwise required or authorized by law

If your therapy is covered by an insurance policy, clients pay the fee and then seek reimbursement from the insurance company. First Nation Health Authority funding must be approved prior to the beginning of counselling.

Yes! We request that you advise us of your emotional support animal prior to coming to the clinic as we have a clinic dog, Finnegan. Finn is a Biewer Yorkie (hypoallergenic). Please advise us prior to your appointment if you prefer to not have Finn greet you for your appointment.

If you have a concern about any aspect of your counselling, you are requested to first address it with your counsellor.  If the concern is not resolved or you do not feel comfortable doing so, you are invited to discuss your concerns with one of the Arnica owners.