In coming for counseling you are likely embarking on a journey that is new to you and hence there are a lot of questions. Hopefully, these FAQ's will answer some of those and put you at ease.
- Q: What is counseling and how does it work?
- A: Counseling is about helping people work through issues that can no longer be coped with. They may seem too great an emotional burden or they are affecting day-to-day functioning. So counseling is a process through which the counselor helps the client examine all the various factors and aspects that contribute to their present life situation. The counselor then works with the client, using a variety of counseling techniques and tools, to bring about positive life changes.
- Q: Will what I share be kept confidential?
- A: Everything shared with the counselor is confidential and will not be released to others unless there is a signed permission form granting the release of private information.
It is advisable that in the event you are seeing a Medical Doctor, Psychiatrist, or Psychologist that the counselor be granted permission to contact these professionals for the purpose of coordinating treatment programs. This will require the sharing of confidential information but is in your best interest.
Your counselor also needs to know the names of any medications you are currently being prescribed as these can have possible side effects that can influence the counseling process. - Q: How long are the sessions?
- Each session is 1.5 hours. One full hour is devoted to working on the identified issue, while the last half hour is for summarizing and setting goals for the next appointment
- Q: How much will all this cost?
- A: nsights Counseling charges on a per session basis using a sliding fee scale geared to income. Payment is made at the end of each session and personal check's are accepted.
- Q: Is this covered by insurance?
- A: No. OHIP and Private Health Insurance only cover the costs of licensed psychologist and psychiatrists. However, Employee Assistance Programs may reimburse if you state thatthis is you counselor of choice or if it is recommended by your medical doctor that you see a counselor.
Counseling fees may be deductible as medical expenses for Income Tax Purposes (a print our of amounts billed will be provided upon requests). - Q: What is the role of Spirituality and Prayer in Counseling?
- A: Insights Counseling was established on Christian Principles. Prayer and Scripture reading in the session, as well as assigned homework using the Bible as a reference source is used where agreed to by the counselor and client. The level of spiritual beliefs of the client is respected and drawn upon.
- Q: To whom are the Counselors accountable?
- A: As professional counselors, we are bound by a code of ethics that governs generally accepted codes of conduct within the field of counseling. We are registered as professional counselors with the following bodies who can take disciplinary action to revoke our right to practice should we breach generally accepted codes of conduct:
- - The American Association of Christian Counselors
- - The Canadian Registry of Professional Counselors, Psychotherapist and Mental-Health Services
- - The Canadian Psychological Association (Special Affiliate Member Status)
Also, there are progress evaluations at every 4th session where the client has the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of his or her treatment program and the counselor.