Our Clinicians are client-centered. What that essentially means is our clients take the lead in deciding what direction we take in the therapeutic process. We will guide and inform our clients every step of the way and we ensure our clients are ready to approach certain topics in a counselling session. We meet the client where they’re at and will take their lead in terms of how much direction or guidance to provide based on what their goals are.

We are a trauma informed group practice. We understand unresolved past trauma has an impact on present life. When the client is ready, we walk with the client to work through the past trauma gently and compassionately.

The first session is called the intake session. This is where the counsellor will ask lots of questions, in an effort to get to know the client and what is going on in the client’s world. The client can share as much or as little information as they are comfortable with; the counsellor will gently guide the session by asking specific relevant questions about the issue the client has identified. The counsellor will ask additional relevant questions about family history, relationships, mental health, physical health, and more. Goal setting begins near the end of the first session, and typically more thoroughly during the second session.

Subsequent sessions typically start off with a check-in on any new issues/challenges that occurred between the last session and the current session. Often counsellors will assign some homework/tasks related to the client’s goals between sessions. Homework is reviewed and discussed during the session, as necessary. Next, we will review what the client wishes to focus on in the session, or we pick up where things were left off in the last session. Identified goals and the treatment plan determine how the counsellor and client focus their time in sessions. Sometimes that plan may deviate depending on what may unfold in the client’s life.

Sessions typically are 55 minutes in length. We do have longer options, which are usually agreed upon by the counsellor and client in session if it is requested or required. Often couples or family sessions run 90 minutes in length. All Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) sessions are 90 minutes in duration. Other services, such as mediation or some of our high-conflict services, vary in length, up to three hours.

At Aspire Too, counselling goals are set up directly with the client and are related to the presenting issues. The client identifies goals that they would like to achieve with the support and guidance of their counsellor. Goals and tasks are typically specific and measurable. Our clinicians will have our clients break down goals into smaller attainable goals so we can build mastery. The client defines what success means to them. Clinicians and clients work together to clearly define goals and measure progress and success.

The homework/reading will greatly depend on the client’s presenting challenges and the therapeutic modalities used. Most often, clients are assigned homework that will provide direction on what to focus on between the therapy sessions. This homework is designed to assist the client to progress in the therapeutic process. We often remind clients that most of the work is done outside of the counselling session, by how the client applies the new information and skills learned in counselling to their life and circumstances.

Absolutely!! Aspire Too ensures your confidentiality is always upheld. What is disclosed in session will remain confidential and will not be disclosed to other parties unless there is a Consent to Release information that is discussed with the counsellor and signed by both the client and the counsellor.

It is important to note that our Clinicians do have a “duty to report;” if we have a client who is suicidal, homicidal, at risk of harm, or is aware that a dependent child is being harmed. In those cases, we are required to release pertinent information to authorities to ensure safety. This is discussed in session with the client before any report is made, if it is safe to do so.

We suggest considering what may be holding you back and what you would like to see things look like in the future. However, most people are aware of what they need to work through. So not to worry, we do not require you to do a lot of preparation. We have an intake form that provides us with the necessary information to get started. Your clinician will gently engage you in a conversation to get started.

At Aspire Too, we acknowledge that starting counselling can be scary and uncomfortable. Our goal is to help make that process as safe as possible for our clients to feel comfortable to explore the root of the pain and improve their situation. The walk with us will be gentle, safe, and we will ensure that our clients are in control of each session. Our offices are warm, welcoming, confidential, and inclusive spaces.

The cost per individual counselling session is $155/hour. Other services (couples counselling, family counselling, mediation, etc) are priced higher and specific to that service. Many insurance providers (Blue Cross, Canada Life, Great West Life, etc.) have mental health coverage that is covered for our registered counsellors. We are also covered under many company Employee Family Assistance Programs (EFAP). We also provide direct billing for many insurance providers. For more information and details on insurance please check with your insurance provider or employer, or contact our office at (306) 382-2391. We also provide services that are fully covered for people with access to Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations.