FAQs

Choosing the right therapist is an important step. Below are answers to common questions about counselling services in Calgary, including individual therapy, couples counselling, anxiety support, life transitions, and professional assessments.

Getting Started & First-Time Therapy Questions

I’ve never been to therapy before. What should I expect?

Starting therapy for the first time can feel intimidating, and that is completely normal. Your first session is primarily a space to get to know each other. We will discuss what brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and any concerns or questions you may have about the process. There is no pressure to share everything at once. Therapy moves at your pace and is collaborative rather than directive.

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

Counselling can help if you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally drained, or noticing patterns in your relationships, work, or daily life that you would like to change. Many people seek therapy not only during crises, but also for personal growth, self-understanding, and emotional wellbeing.

How does counselling work? What do I have to do?

Counselling is a collaborative process where you and your therapist explore concerns, identify patterns, and develop new ways of responding to challenges. Many clients begin with one-on-one therapy sessions focused on emotional wellbeing, stress management, or relationship concerns.

Depending on your goals, therapy may include support for life transitions, anxiety, self-confidence, or communication difficulties. You can learn more about the range of counselling services in Calgary available to better understand how therapy can support your situation.

What’s the difference between talking to a therapist and talking to a friend?

While friends can provide valuable emotional support, working with a trained professional offers a structured and evidence-based approach to growth and healing. Through individual counselling in Calgary, clients gain practical tools to better understand emotions, improve coping strategies, and create meaningful change.

For relationship challenges, structured couples counselling in Calgary can also help partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection in ways that informal support often cannot provide.

What happens during the first counselling session?

Your first session focuses on understanding your goals, current concerns, and personal history. Together, you and your therapist will begin identifying helpful directions for therapy and develop a plan that feels collaborative and supportive.

How should I prepare for my first therapy appointment?

You do not need to prepare anything formal. It can be helpful to reflect on what you hope will change in your life, what challenges you are experiencing, and what support might feel most helpful right now.

Do I need a referral to see a counsellor in Calgary?

No referral is typically required. You can contact a counsellor directly to book an appointment.

Do I need to prepare anything before my first session?

There is no formal preparation required. Some clients find it helpful to reflect on what they would like support with or what feels most urgent right now. If you are attending an assessment, you may be asked to complete questionnaires in advance.

How long are sessions?

Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Assessment appointments may vary in length depending on the type of assessment being completed. Details are provided in advance so you know exactly what to expect.

How often will we meet?

Session frequency depends on your goals, availability, and needs. Some clients attend weekly, while others prefer bi-weekly or monthly sessions. This can be adjusted over time and reviewed collaboratively.

Therapy Approach & Fit

What types of therapy do you offer?

I work primarily with adults and couples using evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Sessions are tailored to you rather than following a rigid formula.

How many counselling sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and concerns. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy focused on specific challenges, while others choose longer-term counselling to explore deeper emotional patterns.

Clients navigating major changes often find ongoing support through life transition counselling in Calgary, while individuals experiencing persistent worry or low mood may benefit from specialized anxiety counselling or depression counselling support.

How do I know if therapy is working?

Clients often notice gradual improvements such as increased self-awareness, reduced emotional distress, improved communication skills, and greater confidence in handling challenges.

Is it normal to feel worse before feeling better in therapy?

Yes. Exploring difficult emotions or experiences can sometimes feel uncomfortable at first. With time and support, many clients find therapy leads to meaningful relief and personal growth.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be helpful for some individuals, but counselling focuses on building insight, coping strategies, and emotional resilience. Therapy helps address underlying patterns rather than only managing symptoms.

For example, structured anxiety counselling in Calgary can support clients in understanding triggers and regulating stress responses, while depression counselling services focus on rebuilding motivation, emotional connection, and overall wellbeing.

How do I know if my therapist is the right fit?

Feeling safe, respected, and understood is essential. It is okay to discuss your needs openly or seek a different therapist if the fit does not feel right.

Do you give advice or tell clients what to do?

Therapy is not about being told what to do. My role is to help you gain clarity, explore patterns, and develop skills that align with your values. Guidance and practical tools are offered, but decisions always remain yours.

Anxiety, Stress & Emotional Health

Why do I feel anxious even when nothing seems wrong?

Anxiety can be influenced by past experiences, nervous system sensitivity, chronic stress, or internal expectations. Working with a therapist through anxiety counselling in Calgary can help identify these patterns and develop healthier coping strategies that support long-term emotional wellbeing.

Can counselling help with panic attacks or constant worry?

Yes. Therapy can help you understand triggers, regulate your nervous system, and build practical skills to manage anxious thoughts and physical symptoms. Many clients benefit from structured anxiety therapy sessions that focus on both emotional insight and skill development.

What therapy approaches help anxiety?

Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-informed therapy, and emotion-focused strategies are commonly used to support anxiety management.

Depression, Motivation & Emotional Numbness

How can therapy help if I feel stuck or unmotivated?

Counselling can help you explore underlying causes of low mood, rebuild a sense of direction, and gradually reconnect with meaningful activities and relationships.

Is emotional numbness or burnout something therapy can help with?

Yes. Therapy provides a supportive space to understand emotional exhaustion and develop sustainable coping strategies.

Self-Esteem, Identity & Boundaries

Can counselling help improve self-confidence?

Yes. Therapy can help identify limiting beliefs, strengthen self-compassion, and develop a more supportive relationship with yourself. Structured self-esteem counselling in Calgary can support clients in building confidence across personal, relational, and professional areas of life.

Why do I struggle with people-pleasing or setting boundaries?

These patterns often develop from past relational experiences or fear of conflict. Counselling can help you build confidence in expressing needs and maintaining healthier relationships.

Couples Counselling

When should couples consider counselling?

Couples often seek therapy when experiencing communication challenges, recurring conflict, emotional distance, or major life transitions. Structured couples counselling in Calgary can help partners develop healthier interaction patterns and strengthen emotional connection.

Can couples counselling help with communication problems?

Yes. Therapy can help partners understand each other’s emotional needs, improve conflict resolution skills, and build stronger connection.

What if my partner is unsure about attending therapy?

Individual counselling can still be beneficial. Personal insight and emotional growth often positively influence relationship dynamics.

Life Transitions & Stressful Changes

Can counselling help during major life transitions?

Yes. Therapy can support individuals navigating career changes, relationship shifts, relocation, parenting transitions, or identity development. Many clients benefit from focused life transition counselling in Calgary during periods of uncertainty or adjustment.

Why do positive life changes sometimes feel stressful?

Even welcome changes can create uncertainty and emotional adjustment. Counselling helps build resilience and confidence during periods of transition.

Chronic Illness, Pain & Health-Related Stress

How can counselling help if I am living with chronic illness or pain?

Therapy can support emotional adjustment, grief processing, identity changes, and stress management related to ongoing health challenges. Specialized chronic illness counselling services can help clients build resilience and improve overall quality of life.

Is emotional support important when coping with a health diagnosis?

Yes. Emotional wellbeing plays a significant role in overall quality of life and coping ability.

Practical Questions

Is counselling confidential in Alberta?

Yes. Counselling is confidential, with limited legal and ethical exceptions related to safety concerns or legal requirements.

Is online counselling effective?

Virtual therapy can be highly effective for many concerns and offers flexibility for busy schedules or mobility challenges.

How do I get started with counselling at Mindset Solutions Counselling?

You can begin by learning more about available individual counselling services, couples therapy options, or anxiety support. Reaching out for an initial consultation can help clarify your goals and determine the best therapeutic approach for your needs.

Location, Availability & Online Therapy

Where are you located?

I offer in-person counselling in Marda Loop, Calgary, Alberta.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. I provide secure online counselling to clients anywhere in Alberta.

Can I choose between in-person and online sessions?

Yes. If you are located in Calgary, you may choose in-person or online sessions. Clients outside Calgary can access services virtually.

What do I need for an online session?

A private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

Billing, Fees & Insurance

What are your fees?

Session fees are clearly outlined on the website and discussed prior to booking. Fees vary depending on the type of service (individual therapy, couples therapy, or assessment).

Do you accept insurance?

I do not offer direct billing. However, many extended health insurance plans in Alberta and across Canada cover services provided by a Registered Provisional Psychologist. You will receive a receipt that can be submitted to your insurer for reimbursement.

How do I know if my insurance covers therapy?

Coverage varies by provider and plan. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company directly to confirm coverage, annual limits, and any required documentation.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Payment is typically collected at the time of the session via secure electronic payment methods, such as credit cards or email transfer. Details are provided during the booking process.

Cancellations & Scheduling

What is your cancellation policy?

I require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to the full session fee.

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

Appointments can be cancelled or rescheduled through the booking system or by contacting me directly. 

Assessments & Reports

Do you offer psychological assessments?

Yes. I provide formal assessments, including ADHD assessments for adults. Assessment services involve multiple steps, including intake, standardized measures, interviews, and a written report.

How long does an assessment take?

The length of an assessment depends on the type and complexity, from 2 hours to 6 hours. You will be provided with a clear outline of timelines, costs, and deliverables before beginning.

Will I receive a written report?

Yes. Formal assessments include a comprehensive written report and a feedback session to review results and recommendations.

Confidentiality & Ethics

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychological practice. Information shared in therapy is kept private, with limited legal and ethical exceptions, which are discussed at the start of therapy.

What are the limits to confidentiality?

Limits include situations involving risk of harm to yourself or others, abuse of a child or vulnerable person, or legal requirements. These limits are explained in detail during informed consent.

Confidentiality, Ethics & AI Note-Taking

Do you use AI for note-taking?

Yes. I use Heidi Health, an AI-assisted clinical documentation tool, to support note-taking.

How is AI used in sessions?

AI is used only to assist with documentation. It does not replace clinical judgment, decision-making, or the therapeutic relationship.

Is my privacy protected if AI is used?

Yes. Heidi Health is designed for healthcare use and complies with strict privacy and security standards. Client information is handled confidentially and in accordance with professional and ethical requirements.

Does AI record sessions?

AI-assisted note-taking is used only with informed consent. You will always be told how notes are created and have the opportunity to ask questions or decline.

Can I opt out of AI-assisted note-taking?

Yes. You may opt out at any time. Your comfort and trust are essential to therapy.

Ending Therapy

How do I know when therapy is “finished”?

Therapy does not have a fixed endpoint. Some clients attend for a short period to work through a specific concern, while others engage in longer-term work. Progress and goals are reviewed regularly.

Can I return to therapy in the future?

Absolutely. Many clients return during different life stages or when new challenges arise.

Still Have Questions?

If you did not find what you were looking for, I invite you to reach out directly.