Frequently Asked Questions
It's normal to have questions on your search to find a therapist. Here we provide some answers to commonly asked questions about things like modalities, credentials, and administration.
Credentials, Qualifications, and Education
What is a Canadian Certified Counsellor?
Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) must hold a Master's or Ph.D. level degree in counselling or a related field from a government-recognized and accredited institution to attain this designation. Individuals receiving treatment from CCCs are assured that their clinician maintains specific professional training and ongoing education. Additionally, applicants must undergo a supervised counselling practicum and pass a criminal records check for the vulnerable sector. They also need two references from prior clinical supervisors. To maintain their registration, clinicians must provide proof of 36 hours of approved continuing education credits every three years. Although Direct Billing is not available for clinicians with the CCC designation, many insurance policies cover services provided by Certified Counsellors. We always recommend checking in with your insurance company before the onset of services if you are unsure of your plans coverage limits.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor?
Registered Psychologists (R. Psych) and Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) are both regulated designations for mental health professionals. Both can assess and treat mental health conditions, and provide individual or group therapy. Both Psychologists and Canadian Certified Counsellors require a Masters level education in Psychology as well as full clinical practicums. Some Psychologists who have obtained additional training in the area of assessment are able to provide formal assessment for mental health diagnoses. Neither Psychologists nor Canadian Certified Counsellors can prescribe medications like psychiatrists. It is important to note that in Alberta, the terms "counsellor" and "therapist" are not protected terms. This means that anyone in the province of Alberta can refer to themselves as a professional counsellor or professional therapist, even if they have no training in the mental health field. This is why it is important to find a practitioner who is registered with a professional regulatory body such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) or The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA). The designation of Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) is regulated by the CCPA. To help put your mind at ease when looking for a therapist, be sure to look for either: a Registered Psychologist (R.Psych), a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), or a Registered Social Worker (MSW). These are protected designations that can only be claimed by those registered with the according regulatory body.
What education is required to be a counsellor? What education do you have?
Canadian Certified Counsellors are regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). To become a CCC with the CCPA you must have a master's degree in counselling or related professional field, specific coursework, direct practice experience, and adequate supervision. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology as well as a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. I am a registered Canadian Certified Counsellor.
Booking an Appointment
Are you accepting new clients? How should I book an appointment for counselling?
I am absolutely accepting new clients for counselling! You have a couple of options when it comes to booking our first meeting. If you would like to chat first or have some questions for me you can start by booking a Free 15 minute phone consultation. If you'd rather skip the consultation you can also go ahead and book a 1:1 Counselling session. Once you've booked a session the online booking system will prompt you to complete our intake package. Sessions can be booked at the link below.
Do I have to book a consultation first?
You do not need to book a consultation prior to booking a counselling session. The free 15 minute consultations are optional and for anyone who requires more information before booking. If it feels like a fit for you without the consultation you're more than welcome to go ahead and book that first session!
What is your general availability?
My general in-person availability is from Monday-Friday from 8AM-4PM. I offer sessions 1 evening per week in person, and can offer virtual sessions multiple evenings per week. If for whatever reason you are unable to find a time that works for you please feel free to send me an email so that I can try my best to accommodate your schedule: sarahmacdonald@scenicroutepsychology.com
Billing and Insurance
Are your services covered by insurance?
Canadian Certified Counsellors are covered by many, if not most mental health benefits plans. Coverage is generally plan-dependent and is often covered by the following insurance companies (as well as others): Blue Cross, Equitable Life, Greenshield, Johnston Group, and Sun Life. However, coverage is plan dependent. Please confirm that Certified Counsellors are covered by your mental health plan prior to booking if you require insurance reimbursement.
How can I check if your covered by my insurance?
Coverage for mental health counselling is usually plan-dependent, not company dependent. This means that you will have to check the specifics of your insurance plan to confirm whether counsellors are covered by your insurance plan. To confirm this, please check your insurance policy under the 'Health' or 'Mental Health' section. If your plan specifies 'Counsellors' you will be covered.
Do you provide direct billing?
We are unable to direct bill to insurance companies. If you require direct billing in order to access therapy we recommend searching for Registered Psychologists or Registered Social Workers who offer direct billing. Unfortunately, registration does not mean that practitioners will automatically be able to provide direct billing, as each insurance company has specific requirements in order to direct bill.
What to Expect
I've never been to therapy before, what can I expect?
If you've never been to therapy before, it's completely normal to feel unsure or anxious about what to expect. In therapy, you can expect a safe, non-judgemental, and confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I practice from a connection-based lens, which means my focus in the first couple of sessions is to support you to feel safe, comfortable, and connected to me as your therapist. In therapy, we talk about whatever is important to you. You are always allowed to say 'I don't want to go there yet (or ever)'. Sessions typically last around 55 minutes, and frequency varies depending on your needs and availability. It's common to feel a range of emotions during therapy, including relief, insight, and occasionally discomfort as you explore challenging topics. I'm here the whole time to make sure that no matter where we go you still feel safe, grounded, and supported.
What should I expect from my first EMDR session?
It's normal to feel a bit nervous or unsure when coming to your first EMDR session. Rest assured, the first few sessions of EMDR look very similiar to any other therapy session. EMDR goes through 8 phases, the first 2 of which include history taking and resource building. This means that our first few sessions are spent building connection, learning about EMDR, understanding your presenting concerns, and building skills to cope during the processing phases. If you have more questions about EMDR please see our page dedicated to EMDR information and FAQ's.
How long should I expect to be in therapy?
That's a tough question. The duration of therapy varies greatly depending on individual circumstances and goals. Some clients may find relief or reach their goals in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy spanning several months or even years. We will discuss this from the very start of counselling so that you know what to expect. It is also very normal to spend time away from therapy and come back with months or years in between.
Therapeutic Approach
What is your therapeutic approach?
My counselling philosophy is that healing takes place in the presence of connection. This philosophy is based on research that shows that the therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and client is the leading indicator of positive counselling outcomes. To ensure that I am honoring your unique needs, I have training in several researched therapeutic modalities. Among these include: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. With the foundation of connection and trauma-informed care, I integrate these approaches based on your unique counselling goals.
What are you like as a counsellor?
Beyond interventions and modalities, therapists also bring their unique personalities and styles to counseling. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable being yourself. In my office it's ok to take off your shoes and get comfortable, you're allowed to ask for something to fidget with, and it's ok to sprinkle in a little bit of dark humour. While I will provide psychoeducation, I try my best to steer clear of unnecessary jargon. I'm passionate about sharing psychoeducation in a way that relates to you and your experience. Above all, my practice is grounded in care and compassion. I hope to offer a space that is free from judgement, where you can explore your emotions and experiences with genuine honesty and openness.
What sort of issues and populations do you specialize in working with?
I provide counselling to adults, adolescents, and couples. I most often support clients in the areas of trauma, anxiety, burnout, and gender/sexuality. However, I also recognize that mental health symptoms are often intertwined and more complex than singular diagnoses. I therefore also have additional training in the areas of neurodiversity, depression, self-esteem, chronic pain, and life transitions. As a trained EMDR therapist, I often support clients who have experienced traumatic events and/or are experiencing PTSD and post-traumatic symptoms.
Other
Do you offer virtual counselling?
Yes! I offer virtual counselling to clients accross Alberta and within select provinces within Canada. This is because regulation of counselling professionals is based on provincial policies. If you are located outside the province of Alberta and/or are planning on relocating please reach out prior to booking your first virtual counselling session.
Do you offer sliding scale fees?
One of my values as a mental health practitioner is making counselling accessible for everyone. I offer sliding scale fees which go from $90 - $120 per session and do not require proof of need in order to access. If you are interested in accessing counselling on a sliding scale please book a free 15 minute consultation and bring up sliding scales during our call.