YOUR FIRST SESSION

Once you have made your appointment, you will be asked to complete a few forms. You can complete these forms either before or during your first meeting. These forms ask basic information about your:

Telephone, email and address information
Emergency contact’s telephone, email and address information
Medical history
Current prescriptions/medications
Prior experience in psychotherapy
Presenting concerns
History of drug and alcohol use
History of trauma, if any
Initial goals for therapy

If you currently being seen by a psychiatrist or other health care professional, your therapist may also ask you to complete a Release of Information. It is your choice whether to consent.

Your First Meeting

During your first meeting, most counsellors will ask you some preliminary questions as a way of getting to know you and your reasons for seeking counselling. These questions might include:

What concerns bring you to therapy at this time?
Have you been in counselling before? If so, what was most helpful or problematic about the experience?
What are you hoping to experience, accomplish or discover in counselling?
How long do you expect to come for counselling?

During your first session, we also encourage you to ask your clinical counsellor any questions you may have. The following questions are typical:

What is your general therapeutic orientation and approach?
Do you have any areas of specialty?
How frequently or long do you typically see clients?
Do you take insurance?
Are you available for phone sessions?
What is your position on medication?
How active are you in session?

The Importance of Match

Scientific research has identified that counselling is effective. It has also been demonstrated that the effectiveness of the therapeutic process depends more on the quality of interpersonal rapport between a counsellor and client than a therapist’s techniques, education or approach. It is believed that the relationship between a counsellor and client is the most significant predictor of therapeutic success.

We encourage your to consider how you feel in the presence of your new therapist as a way of deciding whether he, she or they are a “suitable” for you. Remember, sometimes it takes a few appointments to get a true sense of what it might be like to work with someone.

Confidentiality

There are laws that protect the communication between a client and therapist. In most cases, the information you share with your therapist cannot and will not be disclosed to anyone without your written permission. Exceptions to confidentiality include:

Suspected child abuse, dependent abuse or elder abuse.
Threats of serious physical harm to others

Does Insurance Cover Counselling?

In some cases, insurance plans can help cover the cost of counselling. Check directly with your insurance company to inquire about your plan’s coverage. Here are some questions that might be helpful to ask:

What mental health benefits do I have under my plan?
Do I have out of network benefits?
Can I see an intern under my plan?
How much will insurance cover per session?
How many sessions will be covered?
Do I have coverage to see an out-of-network provider? At what level?
Do I need prior approval from my primary care physician?
Will I need a diagnostic evaluation for insurance purposes?

Orchard Valley Counselling Services Inc.

We provide supportive counselling services in the Central Okanagan Valley to Children, Teenagers, Adults, Couples and Families throughout the Okanagan Area including in Kelowna, and West Kelowna.

Call Toll-Free: 1.877.215.7759

Phone Local: 236.361.0043

Book An Appointment