FAQ

A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is a mental health professional in British Columbia who has completed a master’s degree in counselling, psychology, or a related field and is accredited by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

RCCs specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and self-esteem struggles. They use research-backed therapeutic approaches such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support emotional healing.

Seeing an RCC means you’re working with a trained professional who provides a safe, confidential, and supportive space to explore your thoughts and emotions while equipping you with practical tools for change.

If you’ve been struggling emotionally, feeling stuck in patterns that aren’t serving you, or simply wanting to improve your mental well-being, counselling can help. Therapy isn’t just for crisis situations—it’s also for personal growth, emotional regulation, and deepening self-awareness.

You might benefit from therapy if you:

• Feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed regularly.
• Have experienced trauma, loss, or major life transitions.
• Struggle with relationships, communication, or boundaries.
• Battle self-criticism, low self-esteem, or imposter syndrome.
• Want to develop healthy coping strategies and emotional resilience.

Still unsure? We offer free consultations to help you decide if therapy is a good fit for you.

Your first session is all about getting to know you. Think of it as a warm and welcoming conversation where your therapist will:

• Ask about your current concerns, life history, and goals for therapy.
• Explain their approach to counselling and how they can support you.
• Answer any questions you have about the process.
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There is no pressure to share everything right away—you set the pace. Whether you need immediate tools to manage stress or want to explore deeper patterns over time, your therapist will tailor the sessions to your needs

Finding the right therapist is a personal choice, and we want you to feel comfortable and supported. Here are some tips:

• Identify your needs – Are you looking for support with trauma, relationships, anxiety, or personal growth? Some counsellors specialize in specific areas.
• Consider the approach – Therapists use different methods like EMDR, Somatic Therapy, or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If you’re unsure what works best for you, we can guide you.
• Think about personality fit – Therapy is most effective when you feel safe with your counsellor. You can book a free consultation to see if you connect with them.

At Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre, we match you with a counsellor based on your unique needs, preferences, and goals.

Yes! Your privacy is a top priority. Everything you discuss in therapy stays between you and your counsellor. There are just a few legal exceptions to confidentiality, including:

• If there is immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else.
• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.
• If court-ordered to release session records (this is rare).

Your therapist will go over confidentiality in detail during your first session, so you can feel safe knowing your personal information is protected.

Most extended health insurance plans in British Columbia cover therapy sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), or Registered Social Worker (RSW). However, coverage depends on your plan.

We recommend checking with your insurance provider by asking:

• Does my plan cover counselling with an RCC or CCC?
• How much is covered per session or per year?
• Do I need a doctor’s referral for reimbursement?

While counselling is not covered under BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), many employers offer benefits that include therapy. After your session, we’ll provide an official receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.

This varies depending on your personal goals, the challenges you’re facing, and the type of therapy you choose. Some people feel relief after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term therapy to work through deeper patterns.

Here’s a general guideline:

• Short-term therapy (4-10 sessions): Great for specific challenges like stress, mild anxiety, or life transitions.
• Medium-term therapy (10-20 sessions): Helps with deeper emotional processing, relationships, and self-esteem.
• Long-term therapy (20+ sessions): Recommended for complex trauma, PTSD, childhood wounds, or ongoing personal development.

During your first session, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan and adjust it as needed based on your progress.

Most clients start feeling some relief within a few sessions, especially when they begin applying what they learn in therapy. However, deeper healing—especially for trauma or long-standing patterns—takes time.

Some people notice:
-Immediate relief from having a safe space to talk.
-Gradual shifts in thinking and emotional patterns over a few weeks.
-Long-term transformation with consistent sessions and self-work.

Remember, healing isn’t linear—it’s okay to have ups and downs. The key is progress, not perfection, and your therapist will support you through the process.

We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your session.

• Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee equal to the full session rate.
• If you’re experiencing an emergency, please reach out as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Respecting this policy allows us to accommodate other clients who may be waiting for an appointment.

Our session fees vary depending on the therapist’s credentials and session length:

• Individual Counselling (RCC/CCC): $160 per session
• Couples Therapy: $175 per session
• EMDR & Trauma Therapy: $160 per session

We understand that affordability is a concern for some clients, so we offer low-cost counselling with our intern and graduate counsellors. Contact us to learn more about pricing options.