Please Ask Us Questions

 Adapted from the Canadian Psychological Association Website (www.cpa.ca)

WHY WOULD I SEE A THERAPIST?     Making a decision to see a psychologist or a counsellor can be difficult. Many people feel uncomfortable about the prospect of talking about things that are distressing or embarrassing. Talking to friends and loved ones can be very supportive but sometimes it is difficult for people we know well to be objective and honest because of their feelings for us and due to their roles in our lives. In addition, our family and friends may not recognize the nature or seriousness of a psychological problem or the expertise to help us cope with it.

 HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT? You are welcome to book through our online booking system which will create a client profile for you.  You are also welcome to directly email the counselor/psychologist/consultant you are interesting setting up an appointment with:

• Christina Atkinson, M.A., R.C.C., catkinson@anchorpointecounselling.com
• Amanda Szabo, M.A., Educational Consultant, aszabo@anchorpointecounselling.com
• Carmen McKay, M.A., Counsellor, cmckay@anchorpointecounselling.com
• Dr. Karla Saruk, R.Psych, ksaruk@anchorpointecounselling.com

 HOW ARE COUNSELLING SERVICES PAID?   The services provided by a psychologist or registered counsellor in private practice are not covered by provincial health insurance plans and we invoice our clients directly. Many people have extended health benefits through their employers that cover some amount of psychological or counselling service annually.  It will be important to check in with your extended health provider to see what coverage you and your family members have access to so that we can help you schedule accordingly. Payment for services are made on the same day of the appointment through our online payment options.

 WHAT HAPPENS ON MY FIRST VISIT?  The initial session focuses on describing the nature of your mental health issue, which requires your counsellor/psychologist to gather details about your personal history. These questions will include such things as when did your problem start, what makes it better or worse, and how does the problem affect your work, relationships, and day-to-day functioning. Questions about your personal history can include details about your experiences growing up, your education and work history, your marital status and interpersonal relationships, and whether you use medication, alcohol or drugs. This information-gathering phase can take one or more sessions.

 WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PERSONAL INFORMATION I DISCUSS WITH MY PSYCHOLOGIST OR COUNSELLOR?   Information disclosed to your counsellor/psychologist is confidential and cannot be disclosed without the client’s consent except under certain specific conditions. These conditions are referred to as the “limits of confidentiality,” These limits typically involve situations where the client gives the counsellor/psychologist information that leads them to suspect that harm might come to someone. If your therapist suspects that a client is going to harm himself or someone else, that a child is being abused or neglected, or that another health care practitioner has sexually abused a patient in some way, then they have an obligation to report this information to the appropriate authority. The courts also have the power to subpoena a therapist’s files.  A counsellor/psychologist must retain records of their contacts with clients. These records typically include details about the clients presenting problem and history, psychological test data and any diagnoses made, as well as details about sessions attended. 

 WHAT ARE PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS?  Psychological tests are used to gain a better understanding of the kind of problem in thinking, feeling or behaviour a person presents.  For example, some tests are used to assess and help diagnose mood, some are used to assess problems in memory or concentration, and some might be used to better understand learning styles. Some are pencil and paper tests that pose questions to which you must answer true or false, and others might require you to manipulate objects or remember numbers or phrases. Testing is used to help the psychologist arrive at a diagnosis of your particular problem.