1. What is counselling and how can it help me?

Counselling is a collaborative process where you work with a trained professional to explore personal challenges, improve mental health, and develop effective coping strategies. It can help with emotional difficulties, relationship issues, trauma, stress, self-esteem, and more.

​

2. What issues do you work with?

I support clients with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, inner child work, grief and loss, relationship issues, self-identity, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and life transitions. If you’re unsure whether counselling is the right fit for you, you’re always welcome to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation.

​​

3.Do you offer online or in-person counselling?

Yes, I offer both online and in-person counselling. In-person sessions are available at two locations: Metrotown and Yaletown, where I work on different days. Online sessions are offered throughout the week. You can find my availability through the online booking link on my website. Online sessions are conducted through Zoom or the Jane platform.

​

4. How long is each session, and how many sessions will I need?

Individual sessions are either 50 or 80 minutes long, depending on your needs. An 80-minute session is recommended for the first 1 to 3 sessions, which focus on assessment, building a therapeutic relationship, and developing a treatment plan. These longer sessions help lay a strong foundation for your healing journey. 80-minute sessions are also commonly used for trauma work, as they allow enough time to explore deeper issues and facilitate meaningful transformation.

The number of sessions depends on your goals—some clients benefit from short-term support (6–12 sessions), while others prefer longer-term therapy.

​

5.What happens before, during, and after the first session?

After the free 15-minute consultation, if we feel like a good fit, I’ll create your profile in my booking system. You’ll receive an email with a link to complete an intake form and consent form before your first session. The first session is an intake and assessment session (usually 80 minutes). We’ll explore what brings you to counselling, your background, and your goals. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working with me. After the first session, we’ll discuss a treatment plan and set a pace that works for you. In the beginning, weekly sessions are common. Over time, we may transition to bi-weekly sessions or longer intervals depending on your progress.

​

6. How do I book an appointment?

You can check availability and book sessions directly through my website, including the free 15-minute consultation (click the BOOK button on the homepage). If you can’t find a suitable time, feel free to reach out to me via email, phone, or WeChat. You can also add yourself to my wait list if my current caseload is full.

​

7. What are your fees? Do you offer a sliding scale?

Please check my online booking system for my fees. I do offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients experiencing financial hardship. Please reach out to discuss availability.

​

8. Can I use my insurance to cover the service?

Many extended health plans provide coverage for Registered Clinical Counsellors. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm your eligibility. If covered, you will receive a receipt with my registration number after each session, which you can submit for reimbursement. I am also a registered provider with the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) and ICBC, so your sessions may be covered through those programs if applicable.

​

9.What methods of payment are accepted?

The preferred payment method is Interac e-Transfer, sent to: clairecaocounselling@gmail.com.

I also accept credit card payments through the online booking system.

​

10. What is your cancellation policy?

  Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged the full session fee, unless due to emergency circumstances.

​

11. What if I am running late?

If you’re running late, your session will still end at the scheduled time, as other clients may be booked after you. Please send me a quick text or leave a message with your estimated arrival time. Please note that I may be in session and unable to respond immediately, but I will wait up to 30 minutes for you to arrive. After that, the session will be considered cancelled, and the full session fee will still apply.

​

12. Are our sessions confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of the counselling relationship. What you share in session stays between us, with a few legal exceptions (e.g., risk of harm to self or others, child abuse, or if subpoenaed by the court). Please see the counselling consent form for more detailed information.​