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FAQ’s

FAQ's

Below are some commonly asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to reach out directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What to expect in the first session

After meeting and greeting each other, the first thing we do is review informed consent and confidentiality. This is an important part of this process, where we discuss my approach, risks and benefits of therapy, limits of confidentiality and other important information. Any questions are welcome. Then we spend some time with me getting to know you and your unique situation, strengths and struggles and potential goals for therapy.

Therapy is strictly confidential and your privacy is very important to me. There are some limits to confidentiality which we discuss at the beginning of working together. These include immediate physical risk to self or others (thoughts of suicide or homicide), abuse or threat of abuse to minors (under age 19) or other vulnerable adults, or due to legal requirement (court subpoena).
The cancellation policy is 48 hours. Exception may be given due to sudden illness, and certainly in the case of an emergency.

Most people choose to have a standard 50 min session; however longer sessions are possible. Neil will sometimes do 90-minute session or 120-minute. Longer sessions can especially be helpful for couples and families, and for doing trauma treatment, especially using EMDR. Please enquire with further questions if necessary.

Currently therapy is not included in general MSP medical coverage. If you have extended benefits through employment, please check these benefits to see what coverage you have – most benefit plans do offer some coverage for counselling. Registered Clinical Counsellors are generally included in most employment plans in BC. Neil is also currently covered by the following third party payers: First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Crime Victim Assistance. Neil is also an approved counsellor for PAOC ministry credential holders.
Payment can be made by e-transfer, credit card or cash. Please discuss in the first session if a direct billing option is available. I also work closely with other third-party referral sources, including local churches.

I have an office in Abbotsford and welcome all clients to see me in person if possible. The office is located on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible. I also provide services online to clients from all over Canada. These services are provided through a secure online platform.

EMDR is one of the therapeutic modalities that I have extensive training, experience and supervision in providing. I completed my basic training in 2012, have attended numerous advanced trainings, and have successfully used this modality to help many clients. It is a therapy that is approved and highly researched for treating trauma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociation, phobias, addictions, anxiety disorders and complicated grief and loss.

For further information, please feel free to read more about EMDR through this link: https://emdrcanada.ca/about-emdr/

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Whether you’re facing life’s challenges, navigating change, or simply looking for support, reaching out today is the first step toward a healthier, more balanced future.
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