What are the benefits of counselling?

Active Listening

• Listening from a neutral position allows you to convey your thoughts, feelings, and ideas unencumbered by worry or judgment.

Non-Judgmental Atmosphere

• There is no right or wrong. You can learn to navigate through feelings/emotions that are difficult to express to others or to understand yourself.

Growth

• Working together to create a space that not only recognizes individual growth, but nourishes it.
  

What is your philosophy when it comes to counselling? How does it differ from others?

Respect the story being shared by the person.

• Listening and challenging in a respectful way not only helps the person get their negative thoughts out, but also encourages them to consider different perspectives.

Affirming one’s true identity - your self-worth.

• Finding your self-worth is essential for maintaining one’s mental health in the present and in the long run.

Creating an inviting and safe space.

• I strive to create a place of trust where you can release the anger and emotion out. Even if it means swearing!

Providing tools that are specific to your needs.

• Everyone has different experiences, but they also come from different places and cultures. Therefore, my approach focuses on tools that will work for the individual, not based on “books” or “theory”.
  

Who is an ideal candidate for counselling?

• Anyone and everyone who needs to find a safe place to release their thoughts and feelings.

• Counselling is not just for adults, but also for young pre-teens and teens who maybe feeling confused or uncertain about their identity.

• Family sessions can provide clarity around misunderstandings or the opportunity to understand how each role is impactful within the family unit.

What would I expect from my sessions?

• It may feel overwhelming at first, but it’s your time to be heard. The goal is to give you a chance to talk about what is on your mind with someone neutral, at the pace that is right for you. 

• The room is meant to have a holistic feel versus a medical or ‘therapy’ feel.

• Sharing your story is being vulnerable; a place of comfort means no judgment.

How many sessions would I need to book or be required to attend and at what frequency?

• There is no minimum or maximum amount of sessions, but past clients have confirmed that it can take 2-3 sessions to see or understand particular issues or concern you may be facing.

• Some people come every two weeks or once a month to clear their minds and keep themselves on the right track.

Are counselling services covered by individual health benefits?

• Services provided by Breathe Counselling are covered by the majority of workplace benefits packages or health insurance. It’s important to check with your provider to find out what your plan covers, as every plan is different for each individual.

Are counselling services tax-deductible?

• Counselling services provided by a Registered Social Worker (RSW) can be claimed as a medical expense when filing your income tax return. Registered Social Workers are now authorized “medical practitioners' ' for the purposes of claiming medical expenses. Therefore, if your insurance company does not cover the services provided by Breathe Counselling services, remember you can claim it on your income taxes.

Does counselling work for people who do not have a western mindset and values associated with specific culture.

• If culture is important to you, then they are important to Breathe Counselling.  The object of counselling is to help find your true self, not lose yourself. Counselling is not for western mindset but individual self-identity, no matter what your cultural background is. 

Can you provide counselling in other languages?

• Yes! Breathe Counselling can also provide sessions in Punjabi and Hindi.