Common Counselling Questions

What happens in our first session?

In our first session, we will review the counselling policies, including confidentiality and informed consent. We will also discuss your counselling goals and challenges. Similarly, we are going to explore your resources and support network. Subsequent sessions will look different depending on your needs and counselling goals.

How often should can I see you?

Frequency of sessions depends upon your needs and comfort level. If you are navigating a challenging circumstance, you might benefit from weekly sessions. If you are looking for long-term support, bi-weekly or monthly sessions might be more appropriate. We can discuss this during the consultation appointment or our first session.

How many sessions do I need?

The number of sessions needed is dependent upon you, your concerns, and your existing support. Usually, around 6 to 8 sessions might be enough to gain some insight and learn new coping mechanisms. I will regularly check in with you to ensure that our counselling sessions are meeting your needs. In some situations, I might refer you to other resources or services to ensure that all of your needs are being met.

What are the benefits of counselling?

Counselling is confidential process designed to help you address your concerns, come to a greater understanding of yourself, and learn effective personal and interpersonal skills to help you thrive. Some possible benefits of counselling include:

• gaining insight into difficulties in your life, both past & present
• collaborative goal-setting to promote positive change
• increased self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence
• improving coping skills and life skills

What are some risks of counselling?

While counselling can be very beneficial, it is important to recognize that it does come with some risks. Some possible risks include:

• resurfacing of painful, upsetting, or traumatic memories
• feeling strong emotions, both in and outside of sessions
• changes in relationships can potentially occur as personal growth happens

Are things that I share in counselling confidential?

Information that you share within a counselling session is confidential. This means that it is private and your personal information will only be released with your consent. However, it is important to note that confidentiality can’t be maintained under the following circumstances:

1. You tell your counsellor that you plan to cause serious harm or death to yourself and your counsellor believes that you have the intent and ability to carry out this threat in the very near future
2. You tell your counsellor that you plan to cause serious harm or death to someone else who can be identified, and your counsellor believes you have the intent and ability to carry out this threat in the very near future.
3. You tell your counsellor about a situation involving abuse of children ( under the age of 19) or vulnerable adults
4. You are involved in a court case and a request is made for information about your counselling.

Do you offer in-person counselling sessions?

Yes, I am able to offer in-person counselling session at Vancouver or Burnaby. The Burnaby session are offered through Searchlight Counselling clinic at their Metrotown location. The Vancouver sessions are offered through Sara Ahmadian Counselling at our office in Kitsilano.