Therapy Options:

• In-person at the office

• Telephone sessions

• E-counselling

You must decide which of these is best for you. If you are unsure, feel free to contact the office to discuss and figure this out.

The following describes the process for in-person or telephone therapy. Click the e-counselling tab at the top for a description of e-counselling.

First Session

Once you have placed a call or emailed Live In Light Counselling Services, you may be asked a couple questions, as well as having the opportunity to ask your own questions to determine if you and the therapist are the best fit for your current needs. The first session involves a discussion of the counselling process to ensure that you fully understand it and agree to continue (this is called informed consent). Contact and basic background information is collected and some intake questions are asked. You then have space to discuss what has brought you to seek counselling. At the end of the first session a clinical plan will be discussed between you and your therapist to direct your work together.

The Process

The therapeutic process is different for each client and the methods used to move forward will depend on what you bring to the process and on your specific clinical needs. You must feel comfortable and safe after the first session with your therapist. If you are not, you should seek out another counsellor: this is not rude, it is encouraged!

The benefits of counselling are widely known but it is important to know the difficult part of moving through a counselling process. In some types of counselling you may find that once you begin to share your problems and concerns you will feel worse, problems may become more intense, you may feel overwhelmed for a period of time. This is predictable and indicates that you are working through what you need to – it may feel bad but it is a good thing! You must be in contact with your counsellor if your symptoms begin to interfere negatively with how you live your day-to-day life. Together you will come up with a positive plan to support you to more forward comfortably.

Techniques

Many techniques are used in therapy depending which type of therapy is best for you. These can include journaling, deep breathing, imagery, role play, visualization, progressive relaxation, drawing, self-awareness activities. Some clients find clinical ‘homework’ helpful, others do not. We will ensure that you are comfortable with every technique.

Sessions

Live in Light Counselling Services offers individual, family and group counselling in a time frame suitable to your individual needs and presenting concerns. Sessions can be in-person or by telephone. Typically we would meet (or speak) on a weekly basis or as needed for a 50 minute session. With time and based on client progress, you may reduce sessions from weekly, to biweekly and then monthly check-ins.

Some Reasons to Come