REGARDING COUNSELLLING SESSIONS:


What happens if I have to cancel last minute and reschedule my appointment or do not show up?
Communication is key to successful counselling. We would appreciate you letting us know with as much notice possible if you cannot make your appointment and need to reschedule.  If you are not able to give us a heads up and do not show up for your appointment it is Nicola Family Therapy’s policy for your therapist to follow up with you, check in and see if you would like to schedule another appointment. Our staff carry high caseloads, so in these situations one attempt will be made to reach out and then after that, it will be your responsibility to call the office to reschedule with your therapist.



 What will happen if someone I know comes into the office looking for me while I’m in session?

The staff at Nicola Family Therapy take confidentiality as the upmost importance. For example if anyone were to come into the office asking “ Is Jane Doe still here ” our staff are trained to reply with “I’m sorry, I cannot confirm or deny if the person you speak of is here.”



What if I feel my therapist is not the right “fit” for me?
It's normal to have concerns about whether your therapist is the right fit for you. Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective therapy. Here are some steps you can take if you're feeling uncertain:
Communicate your concerns: First and foremost, consider discussing your feelings openly with your therapist. They are trained to handle these conversations sensitively and constructively.


Reflect on your needs: Take some time to reflect on what you're looking for in a therapist and whether your current therapist meets those needs. Consider factors such as communication style, expertise, cultural understanding, and personal comfort.
Consider a trial period: If possible, allow 2-3 sessions to really give some time to see if a therapeutic connection is being made.  Sometimes, it takes a bit of time to establish rapport and trust.


Explore other options: If, after open communication and reflection, you still feel uncomfortable or disconnected, it may be worth exploring other therapists. Finding the right fit is crucial for your mental health journey, and there's no harm in seeking someone who aligns better with your needs and preferences.
 
*If for any reason you find talking to your therapist difficult, please reach out to our administrative team either by phone call (250-378-9222) or email (office@nicolafamilytherapy.ca) and we will do our very best to assign you to a new counsellor as soon as possible.
 


How long is therapy?
Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes. For children and youth, sessions can either run 30 or 45 minutes.  Clients typically meet on a bi-weekly basis depending on the client’s needs. The length of time while in therapy will depend on the individual client’s circumstance. The therapist and client will determine that together.


What does the first session look like?
Your first session will focus on getting to know you and your concerns. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, current situation, and goals for therapy.  You and your therapist will go over confidentiality and any limits to confidentiality at that time.  This is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions you might have about the process.
 
 
I am involved with probation/WCB/ICBC/etc and they require assessments, attendance records, and/or written reports, will my therapist be able to complete paperwork on my behalf?
Unfortunately, we do not diagnose, prescribe medicine, complete additional administrative tasks for insurance claims, court, etc.  We are a small office, with high caseloads, and the additional time needed for administrative tasks takes away from services being provided to more community members.  Individual therapists can write a letter documenting your attendance in counselling but will not speak to topics discussed and therapeutic work done.