Frequently Asked Questions

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! We offer 20-minute free consultations so that you can meet us, ask questions, learn about our services, and decide whether we are the right therapist for you and your situation. A free consult is not counselling; it is more of an interview with the therapist.
We sure do.
We offer secure, high-quality video sessions so you can start your healing journey from the safety and comfort of your own couch (blankets and pets encouraged!). Many of our clients find that being in their own space helps them feel more relaxed and open from day one. You can always start virtually and switch to in-person later if and when you feel ready.
Yes! We can directly bill to most extended benefits (please contact us for a complete list), Autism Funding, ICBC, and Crime Victim's Assistance Program (with prior approval).
Think of the first session as a soft launch; we are not going to ask you to unpack your heaviest baggage the moment you sit down.
 
  • The Welcome: We'll start with some quick introductions and a bit of housekeeping (necessary stuff like privacy and paperwork) so you know exactly how everything works.
  • The Vibe Check: Most of the time is spent just getting to know each other. We'll chat about what brought you in and what you're hoping to feel better about.
  • The Pace: You are in the driver's seat. If you want to dive deep, we're with you. If you want to keep it light while you get comfortable, that's perfect too.

This depends on the type of appointment you booked. At Arnica, we offer consults, short, regular, and extended sessions.

Free consultations - 20 minutes
Short sessions - 30 minutes
Standard appointments - 50 minutes
Extended sessions - 80 minutes
There's no magic number. Some people find clarity in 4-6 sessions for a specific hurdle, while others prefer ongoing support for months or years. We'll check in regularly to make sure you're getting what you need and that our time together still feels valuable to you.
The most important factor in your progress is the relationship you have with your therapist. We encourage you to be picky, and we don't take it personally if we aren't the right match for you. We have a team of professionals to choose from, let us know if you want to switch.
This is such a common question but let us put your mind at ease. 
 
Short answer: If it matters to you, it matters to us.
 
There is a common misconception that you have to hit rock bottom before you're allowed to ask for help. In reality, the best time to talk is whenever you feel the need.
Whether you are navigating a massive life storm or just feeling a little stuck in life, you belong here. If it's heavy enough for you to feel it, it's heavy enough for us to help you carry it.
This is a very common concern, and you don't need to come in with a prepared speech.
 
Our counsellors are pros at 'finding the thread'. If you feel stuck, we'll ask some gentle questions to help get the gears turning. There is no right way to do therapy and no wrong thing to say. If you just want to sit there for a second and breathe, that's a great place to start too. We've got you.
We only go there if it helps shed light on what's happening for you now. If you're here because of a specific work stressor and don't want to talk about your third-grade playground experience, we won't force it. You set the boundaries.
First off, we have plenty of tissues, and we've seen it all. Even if you cry the whole time, that is perfectly okay, it's often just your body finally feeling safe enough to let go. You don't have to keep it together here. This is the one place where you don't have to take care of anyone else's feelings but your own.
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.
A good rule of thumb is to give it 3 to 4 sessions before making a final call (unless it is a clear 'no' right away).
 
The first session is usually just where they learn your history, which can feel a bit one-sided. By the third or fourth appointment, the initial nerves have usually settled, and you'll have a clearer sense of their personality, vibe, and whether their insights actually resonate with you.
If you have a concern about any aspect of your counselling, we suggest to first address it with your counsellor. If the concern is not resolved or you do not feel comfortable addressing it, you are invited to discuss it with the owner of the clinic.
This is a very normal thing to wonder! To protect your privacy, we follow a simple rule: We will never approach you first in public.
 
If we see you at the grocery store or a cafe, we won't say hello or acknowledge you unless you choose to say hi to us first.
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 obtain a copy of your personal information after the end of the counselling relationship.
What you say in the room, stays in the room.
 
Your privacy is the foundation of everything we do. We don't share your information with anyone unless you explicitly ask us in writing. Think of this as your vault, a place where you can be 100% honest.
 
The Safety Exceptions: Because we care about your well-being, there are a few rare, legal exceptions where we have to step in. These are specifically centered on safety:
  • If we believe you are at immediate risk of seriously harming yourself or someone else.
  • If we learn that a child or a vulnerable adult is being harmed or neglected.
  • If our records are subpoenaed by a court (which is very rare).
 
In any of these cases, our goal is always to keep you informed and involved in the process. We aren't here to go behind your back; we're here to keep everyone safe.
Counselling is focused on facilitating change through safety and therapeutic connection. Any change (even a good change) can feel bumpy at times. Our job is to make sure that your counselling is going at the pace that feels safest to you.