What is Counselling Like?

November 15, 2024

What to Expect in Therapy

Trying counselling for the first time can be an overwhelming process with a lot of questions and unknowns. I have had many first sessions with people who are very nervous to start counselling and are fearful of what it might look and feel like. The stereotypical image of the psychoanalytical approach that Freud presented with the client laying on a couch sharing their deepest darkest secrets can be intimidating and uncomfortable. Thankfully, this stuffy, formulaic approach is outdated, and while traditional psychoanalytical aspects may be present in today’s counselling modalities and every clinician takes a different approach, modern-day counselling tends to be much more collaborative.

We are going to go through the entire counselling process together, from when you first reach out to Virtual Connect, the initial consultation, the first appointment, and how to submit receipts to insurance. There are multiple ways to get connected with us, so this may vary for each person, as will your individual needs and preferences.  Research has shown that developing a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors for a successful experience in counselling. This is why at Virtual Connect we prioritize matching clients with clinicians who are best suited to meet their needs.

Once you are matched with a clinician, you will have the option to book in with them for a 15-minute consultation. This is a great way to test the waters if you are debating which clinician to work with. Alternatively, you have the option to book a 50-minute appointment with your matched clinician right away. You will be emailed an intake to complete, and then the counselling process begins!

Individual Counselling Sessions

You’ve been matched with a clinician and are ready to get started! What can you expect for your first session? I am going to share what I do for my first sessions, but I want to be clear that while there are similarities, each clinician has their own style and approach to counselling. I take the first appointment to get to know you better, but I also know many people wait a long time before reaching out for help, so we can also address anything that has been weighing on you. We will go through the information you provided in your intake and ensure I have a clear understanding of what your goals in counselling are. I firmly believe in the client-centered approach, meaning that our sessions are focused on you and what has brought you into counselling, both long-term areas of focus and new things that come in each day. Throughout our subsequent sessions, you will be heard and provided with psychoeducational tools, therapeutic support, a safe space to problem-solve, and a space that is just for you. During this process it is important to remember a few things: you are in charge, it is your life, and what you decide to share is entirely up to you. We will work together in our sessions, and you have to make the decision to continue to do the work outside of appointments as well. 

Couples Counselling Sessions

What to expect when you start couples counselling? Similar to above, this is my experience as a couples counsellor using the Gottman Method, but each clinician has their own style and process which may look a little bit different from my own. Starting this process can feel like a true journey. It starts with an intake all together to review multiple elements of the relationship, then I will complete individual intakes to explore where each partner is at. We will then come together to review all of the information collectively and start to establish goals for our work together based on what you are coming into counselling with. During the subsequent sessions, our work can change and vary based on each individual couple and what they are looking to work on. Couples counselling tends to be a combination of providing tools in session to practice and work on at home together to strengthen the relationship, as well as diving into gridlocked issues that are presenting in the relationship.

Family Counselling Sessions

Virtual Connect also offers family counselling, however as I am not one of our family clinicians, I can’t speak to the intricacies of this process. If you are interested in learning more about family counselling sessions specifically, please book in for a free 15-minute consultation with our family counsellor. 

Billing

Unless you are using funding from a third-party billing source that we currently accept, we ask that you pay upfront for your counselling appointment. You will then receive a receipt with all of the necessary information to submit to your benefit provider for reimbursement. If there is any further information that you require for your specific benefits provider we ask that you reach out to us. Please note that this process is dependent on your personal coverage. We recommend checking directly with your workplace or provider about your coverage and reimbursement process.

Summary

I have heard countless times from first-time clients that they are worried or scared to start counselling because they do not know what to expect. However, after their first session they share that they feel much more confident in engaging with the counselling process. I hope that by providing an idea of what your first sessions may look like, that you feel more at ease in reaching out to start your own counselling journey. We are here to help you feel comfortable and reach your counselling goals! When you’re ready to get started and book in with one of our clinicians, click the link below. Have questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at info@virtualconnect.ca. I look forward to hearing from you!