Counselling

Anything! There is no "right" topic. People come to counselling for challenges like stress, anxiety, grief, relationship conflicts, or major life transitions. But they also come when they simply feel stuck, want to improve communication, or are seeking deeper self-understanding. If it matters to you, it matters here.

This is entirely up to you and your goals. Some people benefit from short-term counselling (a few sessions) to address a specific issue, while others prefer ongoing, long-term support to explore deeper patterns. We will discuss your goals in the first session and check in regularly to make sure the pace and duration feel right for you.

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of this process. What you share is kept private, allowing you to speak freely and honestly. There are rare legal exceptions (such as imminent danger to yourself or others), which we will thoroughly review with you in the first session, so you feel completely secure.

The cost for a 50-minute to 60-minute session in British Columbia can vary significantly based on the professional's designation, experience, and location (e.g., Vancouver tends to be higher).

Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) / CCC can price anywhere from $140 to $180 for a session. At 3 Cedars Wellness, we sit around the $155 mark.

In British Columbia, these terms are often used interchangeably in private practice and both refer to a professional who provides talk-based support. The distinction is generally more about the focus of the work. Counselling tends to be solution-focused and shorter-term, helping with present-day challenges, specific problems (like grief, stress, or conflict), and goal-setting. Therapy tends to be a broader, more in-depth, and often longer-term process that explores underlying patterns, root causes, and past experiences to facilitate deeper, lasting change.

The most important factor is the professional's registration. Look for designations like RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) or CCC (Canadian Certified Counsellor), as this means they have met specific education and ethical standards.

Choosing between a counsellor and a psychologist depends on your needs, but don't get caught up in the labels; the professional relationship is what matters most. In BC, session costs typically range from $140 to $180 for a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and $195 to $250+ for a Psychologist. While "counselling" often focuses on present-day solutions and specific challenges, "therapy" is generally a deeper exploration of underlying patterns, though the terms are often used interchangeably. An RCC is a great, often more affordable starting point for most common mental health needs, while a Psychologist is necessary if you require a formal diagnosis or specialized psychological testing. Always check your extended health benefits, as many plans cover both RCCs and Psychologists, and don't hesitate to ask about sliding scale options.