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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a psychologist, counsellor, and therapist?

This is one of the most common and important questions.

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In Alberta, titles like therapist and counsellor can be used broadly, and training levels can vary significantly. A registered psychologist, however, has:

  • A graduate degree in psychology

  • Extensive supervised clinical training (far beyond practicum experience)

  • Formal registration with a regulatory body

  • Ongoing requirements for ethics, continuing education, and competency

 

Many counsellors and therapists also have valuable training and experience but the depth, structure, and regulation of training can differ.

 

Because of this, there can be differences in:

  • clinical approach

  • scope of practice

  • assessment and diagnosis

  • and cost of services

 

Higher fees often reflect more years of training, supervision, and regulatory standards.

Why do psychologists charge more?

Psychologists typically complete:

  • additional 2-5 years of supervised practice (where depth happens)

  • comprehensive exams and ongoing competency requirements

  • formal registration processes

 

This training is focused not just on listening, but on:​

  • evidence-based treatment planning

  • ethical decision-making

  • working with more complex or high-risk situations

  • assessment

 

In sessions, this often means:

  • more structured and goal-oriented work

  • integration of evidence-based therapies (like CBT, ACT, DBT)

  • a clearer treatment direction

 

That said, the best fit always depends on your needs, goals, and comfort level.

What’s the difference between talk therapy and structured, evidence-based therapy?

Therapy can look different depending on the clinician and approach.

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Some therapy is more:

  • open-ended

  • supportive

  • conversation-based

 

Other approaches are more:

  • structured

  • goal-oriented

  • based on research-backed methods

 

In structured therapy, you might:

  • learn specific tools or strategies

  • work toward clear goals

  • track progress over time

 

Both styles have value but many people find structured approaches especially helpful when they want practical change, not just a place to vent.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your goals.

 

Some clients:

  • want support for a specific issue

  • have limited insurance coverage

         (often 6–10 sessions)

 

In these cases, therapy can be:

  • focused

  • practical

  • tailored to make the most of that time

 

Others prefer:

  • longer-term support

  • deeper exploration and ongoing growth

 

Both are valid. We can adjust the approach based on what works best for you.

Do I need to have a big issue or mental health disorder to go to therapy?

Not at all.

 

People come to therapy for many reasons, including:

  • stress or burnout

  • anxiety or overthinking

  • life transitions

  • feeling stuck or unsure

 

You don’t need to be in crisis.

 

Sometimes therapy is simply a space to better understand yourself and feel more grounded.

I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help, why should I try again?

This is more common than people think.

 

There are a few reasons therapy may not have felt helpful in the past:

  • the approach didn’t match your needs

  • it wasn’t structured enough (or was too structured)

  • there wasn’t a strong therapeutic fit

 

Therapy is not one-size-fits-all.

 

It’s also important to know:

  • therapy isn’t about someone “fixing” you

  • it’s a collaborative process

 

You should feel:

  • heard

  • supported

  • and like you’re actually moving somewhere

 

It’s okay to ask questions, give feedback, and advocate for what is and is not working.

What is therapy and what is it not?

Therapy is:

  • a space to explore thoughts, emotions, and patterns

  • a place to learn tools and strategies

  • a collaborative process focused on growth

 

Therapy is not:

  • quick advice or instant fixes

  • someone telling you what to do

  • a passive experience where change happens without effort

 

The goal is to help you better understand yourself and build skills that support you outside of sessions.

I’m under 18, what does privacy and confidentiality look like?

Your privacy matters, even if you’re under 18.

 

Therapy is most helpful when you have a space where you can talk openly, so most of what you share in session is kept confidential.

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At the same time, parents or guardians are usually involved in a supportive and appropriate way, especially since they are responsible for your care.

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What parents may be involved in:

  • General updates on how you’re doing overall

  • Progress toward goals (e.g., “things are improving,” “we’re working on anxiety/stress”)

  • Ways they can support you at home (e.g., communication strategies, coping tools)

  • Scheduling, attendance, and general participation

 

What stays private:

  • The specific details of what you talk about in sessions

  • Personal stories, thoughts, or feelings you’re not ready to share

  • Day-to-day experiences or conversations

  • Sensitive topics, unless you choose to include your parents

 

Limits to confidentiality:

There are some situations where information must be shared to keep you or others safe, such as:

  • risk of harm to yourself

  • risk of harm to someone else

  • situations involving abuse or neglect

 

If something like this comes up, we would talk through it together as much as possible.

Do psychologists go to therapy too?

Yes.

 

Psychologists are human, and we also benefit from:

  • support

  • reflection

  • and our own growth work

 

We’re trained in therapy but that doesn’t mean we can fully step outside ourselves. Having our own support is part of maintaining good practice and wellbeing.

Do psychologists analyze people outside of sessions?

This one comes up a lot, and the short answer is no, please don't worry.

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Just like any other profession, we switch off outside of work.

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We’re not walking around analyzing strangers or friends all day. In session, we’re focused and intentional but outside of that, we’re just people living our lives.

How do I know if therapy is a good fit for me?

A good fit often feels like:

  • you can be yourself

  • you feel understood

  • there’s a sense of direction or progress

 

It’s okay if it takes a few sessions to figure that out.

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That’s also why I offer a free initial consult so you can ask questions and see if it feels like the right fit before committing.

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