Frequently Asked Questions About Online Counselling
What Should I Know Before My First Online Counselling Session?
Find a private space, headphones if you are not home alone, a stable internet connection, and have water and tissues nearby. Feel free to bring along a quiet pet, tea or snacks, and anything that makes you feel comfortable. If someone should wander into the room, please alert me subtly so we can keep your information private. If you have any concerns about remote counselling, feel free to set up a free meet and greet session or send me a message through my contact form or email!
What about billing?
Billing and booking appointments is done through the secure Jane App. You can use a credit card OR send e-transfers. At this time I do not direct bill insurance, however, I will provide receipts that you can submit to your insurance. Many benefit plans cover RCCs, including Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Greenshield, Medavie, etc.
The only exception to this is for clients who currently have CVAP funding. Click here to see my fees.
How do I know what approach is right for me?
Clients don't necessarily need to arrive knowing whether they want traditional counselling, hypnosis, EMDR, pain-focused work, or another approach. Together we can assess your goals and circumstances and determine which modality—or combination of approaches—is most appropriate.
Do I need to be in British Columbia to see you?
I can work with clients in any unregulated provinces in Canada. Currently this includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Nunavut and The Northwest Territories. I can also work with you if you are only temporarily away and experiencing a crisis, or requiring consistent sessions for your mental health regardless of your physical location.
Where are you located?
I am putting the ‘Wild’ in Wild Iris Counselling by running a remote business while seeing the world. If you are curious, don’t hesitate to ask. As a fully licensed RCC and Canadian Resident, my location will not impact your appointments as your location is what matters for Canada’s current regulations. Your safety, ongoing mental health, and the therapeutic relationship remain my first priority.
What if our internet connection drops?
I ask all clients to ensure they are in a private space with sufficient internet quality. I will do the same. This is especially important for Hypnotherapy sessions (although you will simply come out of hypnosis feeling refreshed when you have not heard my voice in a few minutes). If we cut out or lose connection for a short while, we can reconnect and continue with our session. Otherwise, I will contact you via another contact method that we will discuss together ahead of time. If you lose power or internet because of a storm or the weather, you will not be charged and we will connect at the next opportunity. Things happen and I will endeavour to help in all the ways I can.