Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling & Coaching
We know starting counselling or coaching can bring up a lot of questions. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common ones. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out, we’re always happy to help.
Getting Started with Therapy
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Not at all. You don't need to be in crisis or have a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Many people come to us because something feels off and they want space to figure it out. Others simply want to feel more like themselves, handle stress better, or work through a transition they weren't expecting. If something has been on your mind, that's reason enough to reach out.
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If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're just going through the motions, therapy is worth considering. It's also a good fit if you want to understand yourself better, communicate more effectively, or build healthier ways of coping, even if nothing is dramatically wrong. You don't need to have it all figured out before your first session. That's what the session is for.
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Yes, and this is more common than you might think. A lot of people come in feeling anxious, flat, or just off without being able to put their finger on why. Our therapists are skilled at helping you make sense of that. Often, the simple act of having uninterrupted space to speak honestly starts to bring things into focus. You don't need to arrive with a clear problem statement.
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Your first session is really a conversation. Our therapists will ask about what brought you in, what's been on your mind, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. You don't need to prepare anything or have a clear agenda.
Some people arrive with very specific goals. Others just know something needs to change. Both are completely fine starting points. Sessions are 50 minutes, conducted by secure video or phone, and most people leave the first one feeling a little lighter simply from having had the space to talk.
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The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important factors in how therapy goes, and research consistently backs this up. We recommend browsing therapist profiles and looking for someone whose areas of focus match what you're dealing with. If you're not sure who to choose, reach out and we'll help match you. And if after a session or two the fit doesn't feel right, switching is always an option. Finding the right person is part of the process.
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Both, though it's more nuanced than that. Our therapists do listen carefully, but therapy isn't just a space to vent. Depending on your goals, sessions might involve learning practical strategies, identifying patterns in your thinking or behaviour, working through emotions, or building specific skills. Some sessions feel more reflective. Others are structured around tools you can use between appointments. The balance depends on what you need and where you are in the process.
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Bring it up, either with your therapist directly if you feel comfortable, or with us. A lot of people worry about being rude or hurting someone's feelings, but our therapists genuinely understand that fit matters. Sometimes a small adjustment in approach makes a real difference. Other times, working with someone different is the right call. Either way, we'll make the transition as easy as possible. Your comfort and progress come first.
Accessing Therapy in Alberta
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No referral needed. You can book directly with one of our therapists online, with no doctor's note or waitlist through a physician required. Some people choose to loop in their family doctor as part of their broader care, but it's not a requirement.
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Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) does not cover private counselling provided by psychologists, counsellors, or social workers outside of a physician's office. AHCIP typically covers mental health services delivered by a physician, such as your family doctor or a psychiatrist. For private therapy, coverage usually comes through extended health benefits from your employer or a personal insurance plan. See the insurance section below for more detail.
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Public services through Alberta Health Services and Recovery Alberta are designed primarily for acute mental health concerns, crisis support, and psychiatric care. They're an important part of the system, but wait times for non-urgent support can be significant, and you have limited say in who you see.
Private therapy gives you faster access, continuity with a therapist you've chosen, and the flexibility to work on a wider range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, trauma, relationships, and personal growth, at a pace that works for you. Many people use both systems for different things.
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Many clients are able to book within a few days. Our online booking system shows current availability in real time, so you can find a time that fits your schedule without going back and forth. If you're not sure which therapist to choose, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.
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Yes. All of our sessions are delivered online or by phone, so your location doesn't limit your options. Whether you're in a city or a smaller community, you can access the same quality of care without the drive.
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Our therapists are regulated to practise in Alberta, so services are primarily available to clients who live here. If you're in another province, it may still be possible depending on your therapist's specific designation and licensing body. Get in touch and we'll be upfront about what's available in your situation.
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Yes, and the research supports this. Online therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person sessions for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relationship challenges.
Many clients actually find it easier to open up from their own space. It also removes the practical barriers that can get in the way of consistent attendance, such as travel time, parking, and taking time off work. Consistency, more than format, tends to be what drives results.
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Yes. Sessions are conducted through JaneApp, a platform built specifically for health professionals that meets HIPAA, PHIPA, and PIPEDA privacy standards. Your information is encrypted, stored securely, and protected both technically and by the ethical and legal obligations our therapists carry. We also recommend attending sessions from a private space where you feel free to speak openly.
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Absolutely. If you'd prefer not to be on camera, whether for comfort, privacy, or practical reasons, phone sessions work just as well for most concerns. Same structure, same 50 minutes. Just let us know when you book.
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A stable internet connection and a quiet, private space are all you really need. Sessions can be accessed from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You'll receive clear instructions before your first appointment, and the process is straightforward with no technical expertise required.
Online Therapy (Virtual Counselling)
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It depends on what you're working on and how you progress, and that's genuinely how therapy works. Some people come for a focused stretch of 8 to 12 sessions to address something specific. Others find value in longer-term support as they work through more complex concerns. Some prefer open-ended therapy with no set endpoint. Our therapists will talk through what makes sense for your situation early on, and that plan can always change as you go.
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Weekly sessions are most common at the start, as they help build momentum, keep the work fresh, and make it easier to establish new habits. As things shift and you start applying what you've learned, many clients move to bi-weekly or monthly sessions. The right frequency is something you and your therapist will figure out together, and it can change over time.
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Some people notice real shifts within the first few sessions. For others, change is more gradual, especially when working through longer-standing patterns or experiences. Both are normal.
What tends to make the biggest difference is showing up consistently and engaging with the work between sessions, including any homework your therapist suggests. Progress compounds when you put it into practice.
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Progress may show up in different ways, such as feeling more emotionally balanced, communicating more effectively, or responding differently to situations that previously felt overwhelming. Some changes are subtle at first. Many people notice increased awareness before noticeable behavioural change occurs. Discussing progress openly with your therapist helps ensure the process stays aligned with your goals.
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Yes, and please don't hesitate to ask. The connection you have with your therapist genuinely matters, as it's one of the strongest predictors of how therapy goes. If something feels off, you're welcome to request a different therapist at any time. We'll handle the transition smoothly so your progress isn't disrupted.
Therapy Process, Frequency, and Results
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Our therapists work with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress and burnout, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, ADHD-related challenges, communication issues, parenting, separation and divorce, and life transitions.
Some people come with a specific issue in mind. Others are going through a difficult period and want support while they navigate it. If you're not sure whether what you're experiencing is something we work with, just reach out and we're happy to help you figure that out.
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Our therapists draw from a range of evidence-based approaches and tailor their work to each person's needs and goals. These may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and other clinically supported methods.
The approach that's right for you depends on what you're working on. Our therapists will discuss this with you and adjust as the work evolves.
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Counselling is provided by regulated clinicians with formal clinical training. It's designed to support mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties, and may involve exploring emotional patterns, personal history, and deeper behavioural change. Sessions can continue for months depending on what's being addressed.
Life coaching is action-oriented and focused on goals, accountability, and personal development. It doesn't involve diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions. Some people choose coaching when they want structured forward momentum. Others prefer counselling for deeper emotional work. Some find value in both at different times.
Types of Therapy and Concerns We Help With
Therapist Credentials and Qualifications
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Every therapist at The Mental Health Clinic holds a recognized professional designation and is registered with a regulated body in Alberta or Canada. That means they've completed advanced education, supervised clinical hours, and ongoing professional development, and they're accountable to a licensing body that sets and enforces standards of practice. We're happy to answer questions about any of our therapists' qualifications before you book.
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Our team includes clinicians with the following designations:
Canadian Certified Counsellors (C.C.C.), regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Counselling Therapists (CT), regulated through the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA).
Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSW) and Registered Social Workers (RSW), regulated through the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).
Insurance coverage varies by designation and plan. We recommend checking with your provider to confirm what's covered under your specific benefits.
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Yes. Every clinician on our team is registered with a professional college or association that regulates practice in Alberta or at the national level. You can verify credentials directly with the relevant body, and we encourage it. Knowing your therapist is accountable to a regulatory standard is part of what makes the process feel safe.
Booking, Availability, and Practical Information
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You can book directly through our online booking system. Browse therapist profiles, check availability, and choose a time that works for you. No phone calls required, though we're always happy to help if you'd prefer to reach out directly. If you're unsure which therapist to choose, we can help guide you based on your concerns and what you're looking for.
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Yes. Our therapists offer evening availability and are open to weekend availability by request to work around jobs, kids, and everything else life involves. Availability varies by clinician, and the booking system shows current openings so you can find a time that genuinely fits or call us to make arrangements.
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Many extended health benefit plans cover counselling provided by regulated clinicians. Our therapists hold designations recognized by major insurers including Sun Life, Manulife, Equitable Life, and Green Shield to name a few.
Coverage depends on your specific plan, including what's included, which designations are eligible, and your annual maximum. We recommend contacting your insurer before your first session to confirm your benefits. If counselling isn't covered, a Health Spending Account (HSA) may be an option worth exploring.
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Our services are available to teens aged 13 and older and adults. For children under 13, we recommend connecting with a therapist who specializes in child or play therapy. We're also not set up to provide psychiatric assessments, medication management, or emergency crisis support. If you're in immediate distress, please contact the Alberta Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642 or go to your nearest emergency department.
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Honestly, most people who give it a real chance. Therapy tends to work best when someone is committed to make a change, consistent in showing up, open to reflection and willing to sit with some discomfort, not because it has to be hard, but because change usually involves looking at things honestly.