Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when you should seek professional counseling?

If you need to research if you need to talk someone, the likely answer is ‘yes’. Going for an initial consultation is a great way to determine what is happening in your life, where you are on your journey and what you might need in the future.

Do you directly bill insurance companies?

Currently Journey Counselling does directly bill some insurance companies for counselling. Blue Cross, Medavie, Telus Health (Canada Life, Desjardins, Greenshield). For all others, please familiarize yourself with your policy to determine how much counselling is covered and what the limitations are to your specific policy. You will leave each session with a receipt that you are able to submit.

How can a client monitor or measure their progress?

Measuring one’s progress during counseling is a process, and this process is as unique as each client. Every client has very unique concerns, circumstances, backgrounds and beliefs. These unique qualities determine the client’s needs, expectations and eventually the outcomes, which will affect the pace of their progress.

Change is slow, it is normal that clients can expect significant change quickly and it is easy to become discourages when such change is not observable. When in counseling you will learn how to become an expert in small changes and keeping track of them.

What are the qualifications to be a Registered Psychologist in AB?

A Psychologist must have completed a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, as well as rigorous examination both written and oral by the College of Alberta Psychologists. In addition a Psychologist must adhere to the code of Ethics and maintain on going professional development.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Both provide counselling for a variety of mental health issues. Psychologists work extensively with individuals couple and families experiencing distress in various areas of life, such as relationships, work stress, and grief etc…

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with the capability to prescribe medications.

What if my spouse/family member refuses to attend or participate, should I still come, will it be effective?

Everyone has influence within the relationships that they are in. When one person changes invariably they affect the relationships that they are in, often in a positive way. Therefore it is recommended that the willing party attend counselling.