Tackling that first counselling appointment
Sometimes taking the first step is the hardest. Counselling can feel like that too. We can come up with ten thousand reasons why we don’t need to go to therapy but when you strip away all of the excuses, it’s often rooted in a little bit of fear of the unknown. What’s it going to be like? What will they ask me? Where do I even begin?
We want to remove any potential barriers that might prevent you from seeking counselling so we wanted to share with you a little about what you can expect with the initial appointments at Some Other Solutions. If you’re already feeling solid, scroll down further to read more about the different types of counselling we offer that might be of interest to you.
Appointments made easy
It starts with booking the appointment and we know that not everyone feels comfortable picking up the phone and making that call. So if you don’t want to call the office at 780-743-8605, you can book directly online.
Click the Book an Appointment button at the top right corner of the website. From there, you’ll be able to read the bios of the different counsellors and see which one might be the right fit for you and your needs. Decide whether you want to visit in person or online, click the right option for you and finish the booking process.
Insurance?
While we don’t offer direct billing, we do our best to make things as easy as possible for you. We process payments on the day of your session and email you a receipt to submit for reimbursement to your insurance provider. Counselling rates are $185 per session.
The first appointment
We know it can feel overwhelming and nerve wracking coming into your first appointment. Our priority is to make you feel like you are walking into a warm and welcoming space. We want you to feel comfortable and at ease. When you arrive you’ll be greeted by Jerrica, our Executive Assistant, or your counsellor who will walk you into the session rooms.
Nervous? Bring a coffee or a tea to the session to help you feel grounded, calm and relaxed. Need an extra confidence booster? Wear something you feel comfortable in. No sense in feeling uncomfortable and fidgety in clothes that you don’t love.
After counselling
We highly encourage you to schedule counselling sessions with a bit of a buffer afterwards. As in…don’t leave counselling and be at school pick-up five minutes later. Give yourself space to process emotions or insights that may arise afterwards. Setting time aside for yourself, like taking a nice bath, journaling, making art, or going for a long walk, are all great ways to help you process.
Types of Counselling
We offer a variety of counselling services to both families and individuals, some of which include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Our team of skilled counsellors are well equipped with many tools to meet your unique needs and goals.
Take for example, Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which aims to equip you with the tools and tactics you need to help you attain and maintain good mental health. By addressing current, day-to-day concerns and encouraging the examination of how perceptions shape emotions, CBT teaches you how to recognize, question and adjust your thoughts, attitudes and beliefs that underlie emotional and behavioural responses, thereby resolving issues such as depression and anxiety.
CBT fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship between therapist and client, and teaches you practical strategies and skills. Generally lasting anywhere from six to 20 sessions, CBT is a structured approach that is laser-focused on specific issues and objectives.
By tracking and documenting your thoughts during challenging circumstances, you learn how to gain insight into how your thinking patterns may trigger unwanted patterns and negative emotions.
DBT is another wonderful approach used by our counsellors rooted in CBT, but designed specifically for you to experience intense emotions and focuses on helping you come to accept your current reality while making positive changes in your life. Rather than relying on coping mechanisms that may not be helpful, DBT helps you develop healthier ways of dealing with your emotions and stressors.
This approach to therapy is particularly effective for those who struggle with emotional regulation.
In fact, DBT has been proven to be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-harm, suicidal behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, eating disorders (specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia), depression and anxiety.
If you or someone you love would benefit from booking a counselling session, we are here for you if you need our help. Please check out our web page where we outline all of the types of counselling programs we provide.