How do I book an appointment?

Please click the “Book Now” button on the top right of this page or go to: https://counsellingwithholly.janeapp.com or send an email to info@counsellingwithholly.com

Where are you located?

I am located in the beautiful west coast city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. At 2246 East Hastings street, between Templeton and Garden street - or 1.5 blocks west of Nanaimo street (and about 10-minutes east of downtown).

My office location can be easily seen from the street as it’s indicated by a neon sign that looks like a large cowboy boot - it’s above Wohlford & Company (boot store).

There is free street parking all around the area and a number of buses that pull practically right up to the door.

Are you offering in-person sessions or online?

In-person and online are available. Currently my schedule is open through to the end of 2024 and I’m available from 12pm to 8pm on Sundays and Mondays.

Is your office accessible?

Unfortunately, my office is currently located upstairs in an old heritage factory building so there’s no elevator. However, online sessions will always be an option if this is a barrier for you.

What are your qualifications?

I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) with the Cooperative Counselling Association of Canada (ACCT) and my counsellor number is 2262. I received my professional training from The Clearmind International Institute and graduated with a diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling in 2018.

Are you covered by MSP (Medical Services Plan of Canada/Public Health Insurance)?

No, only doctors of psychiatry are covered under MSP (see below for more details).

What insurance plans are you covered by?

Providers that cover my designation are Sunlife (just give Sunlife my name), Pacific Blue Cross, Equitable Life of Canada, ClaimSecure, GroupSource and in some cases Manulife (though they may require a formal letter from a therapist or for you to mail in your claims to receive reimbursment - and even so I can’t guarantee they will cover your claim). If you don’t see your provider listed I would be happy to send you a letter from both my counselling association and myself in support of a claim approval.

Important note: Not all insurance plan packages are the same, read the information booklet included with your plan carefully. If you are unsure of what designations are covered by your insurance, please call or email your provider. If you need coverage to attend sessions - please confirm your insurance covers my services prior to booking . I cannot guarantee coverage with your provider, only you can.

How do I make a claim with my insurance?

Each counselling session will be automatically charged using the card you have on file in my booking system (through the Jane App) - once the charge has processed you will automatically be sent an invoice.

You can then take the invoice to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. Depending on the provider this may be done by phone, mail or online. They will either mail you a cheque or directly deposit it into your account (if you gave them your account information). Typically, you will receive your reimbursement in a few days - however, I cannot accurately quote provider processing times.

Can I use e-transfer?

Yes, you can, just let me know beforehand. Please send the e-transfer to my email address with the password set as “counselling”. Once I have manually processed it through the booking app you will automatically receive your invoice.

What are your rates?

I charge $125 CAD for each sixty-minute session or $175 CAD for each ninety-minute session.

However, if you are finding regular counselling prices to be a barrier to receiving support, I do also offer sliding scale or package rate options (where we would discuss what would be more financially feasible for you for each session or we’d create a set rate for a specified number of sessions).

Is there a difference between counselling and counseling?

No there is no difference, it all just depends on where you live. In the United States they spell counselling with one “L” and here in Canada or in the United Kingdom it is spelled with 2 “L’s”. To make it confusing, sometimes in Canada you will see it spelled with one “L” because our southern neighbours (The USA) have such a big cultural influence on us through TV and the internet. Either spelling will take you to my website.

What is Counselling?

According to the American Counselling Association, counselling is defined as, “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals.”

What is Psychotherapy?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider (licensed professional counsellors, licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, or other licensed professional with mental health training). During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Psychotherapy helps you learn how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy, counselling, psychosocial therapy or, simply, therapy.

However, in order to be designated as a “Psychotherapist” you need to be registered with a psychotherapy association.

What is Experiential Therapy?

According to Psychology Today, “experiential therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses expressive tools and activities, such as role-playing or acting, props, arts and crafts, music, animal-care, guided imagery, or various forms of recreation to re-enact and re-experience emotional situations from past and recent relationships.”

What’s the difference between a Psychiatrist (M.D. or D.O.), Psychologist (R. Psych or Ph.D.), Clinical Counsellor (RCC or CCC) or Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC or RCP)?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess and diagnose patients as well as evaluate medical and psychological data. They can also order and perform medical laboratory or psychological tests and are qualified to prescribe medications. Sometimes they will use psychotherapy techniques. Covered by MSP.

A psychologist has completed their graduate university training in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, clinical neuropsychology or educational/school psychology. They hold a doctorate and work in a specialized field (although in AB & SK they may hold a master’s degree). They are trained to assess and diagnose and use psychotherapy techniques but cannot prescribe medications. Typically work with those with serious mental illness. Not covered by MSP but are covered by most insurance plans.

A clinical counsellor holds a minimum of a master’s degree in psychology or social work and provides psychotherapy. They are qualified to treat (provide counselling and counselling interventions) and evaluate but cannot diagnose or prescribe medications. They typically work with a more general counselling population (not serious mental illness). May receive additional training and specialize. Are required to be registered with a regulating body, obtain regular supervision, meet yearly competency requirements and ongoing personal development. Not covered by MSP but are covered by many insurance plans. Are typically less expensive than a psychologist.

A registered therapeutic counsellor someone who holds a degree or a diploma in therapeutic counselling or psychotherapy and has received professional training. They are also qualified to treat and evaluate (provide counselling and counselling interventions) and cannot diagnose or prescribe medications. They typically work with a more general counselling population (not serious mental illness) however, like a clinical counsellor they may receive additional training and specialize. Are required to be registered with a regulating body, obtain regular supervision, meet yearly competency requirements and ongoing personal development. Not covered by MSP and are covered by any insurance plan that specifies counsellor, psychotherapist, RTC or RCP. Are typically less expensive than a clinical counsellor.