Common Questions

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Is therapy right for me?

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems?
How can therapy help me?
What is therapy like?
Is medication a substitute for therapy?

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
Is therapy confidential?
I live far away - how can I access your service?

What hours are you available for counselling appointments ?
What methods of payment are available?


Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out counselling/therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they determine their life course. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including abuse, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, living with addictions, bereavement and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

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Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

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How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, work challenges, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, spiritual growth, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
  • Building a better relationship with God

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What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly or bi-weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. (Counselling sessions can be scheduled for a larger block of time when clients have longer distances to travel).Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking counselling are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

  • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

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Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

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Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

Hardie Counselling & BrainWorX, Inc. services does not do any third party billing, However, we do provide receipts with every payment which then can be submitted to your insurer. We will also issue invoices upon request. You may be covered in full or in part by your company's employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:

  • Do I have employee/family assistance plan (EFAP) benefits?
  • Is there a deductible and, if so, has it been met?
  • How many hours per year does my plan cover?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • Do I need prior approval from my benefit provider?
  • Do you need to approve the therapist I choose? (i.e.: Psychotherapist? Social Worker? Psychologist?)

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Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

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I live far away - how can I access your services?

In some instances, face-to-face in office counselling may not be possible. There is research that falls on both sides of the debate as to the effectiveness and usefulness of this method of counselling. More and more often, Therapists are beginning to use new technologies to make counselling more accessible for clients, depending on the issues presented.
Counselling services may be available via phone, Skype, webcam or on-line depending on the situation.
Please contact Hardie Counselling & BrainWorX, Inc. for further information if you are interested in pursuing this form of counselling and inquire about the best method that could meet your needs.

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What hours are you available for counselling appointments?

Counselling hours are flexible and take into consideration your work schedule and time zone.

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What methods of payment are available?

Hardie Counselling & BrainWorX, Inc. accepts cash, cheque, e-transfer, PayPal and all major credit cards for payment for your convenience.

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