Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling

Scheduling and Payment

  • Session fees at Harbour Family Counselling range from $155 to $190 depending on the type of service and the counsellor. A free 20-minute consultation is available for new clients.

    Our rates vary depending on the counsellor you choose, their experience level and the type of service you’re looking for. For a list of our rates, you can visit our rates page, or our counsellor profile pages.

  • Many extended health benefit plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). We provide receipts you can submit for reimbursement. Check with your provider for details.

  • We require 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations with less notice may be subject to the full session fee. If you can’t attend in person, you’re welcome to switch to a video session.

    Exceptions are made for circumstances beyond your control, such as accidents or illness.

    View our Cancelation Policy for details.

  • Payment is required at the end of each session unless other arrangements are made in advance. Accepted forms of payment include: cash, cheque, e-transfer, or credit card.

    You can safely save your credit card in your booking profile on Janeapp and payment will be processed automatically.

    A receipt will be emailed to you for your extended health care plan and tax purposes. Fees for Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) are often covered by extended health plans. It is recommended that you check with your plan directly as plans vary.

    View more details on our payment page.

Your First Counselling Session

  • We have a selection of counsellors that can act as a team to help you through your life moments.

    For instance, a therapist specializing in children can help counsel your child or teen, while you speak with a different therapist about your own challenges. Browse our counselling team page for ideas.

    Book a free consultation with a therapist you feel best meets your needs and they will help guide you to the right team members.

  • Yes, we ask that you book a free consultation call with a counsellor before you book a session with them. This will help you and the counsellor decide if it is the right fit.

    We have counsellors who specialize in children and youth, while others are better with couples counselling and adults. A free consultation call will help us build a team around your needs.

  • You can book directly through our booking system. Just head to the Our Counsellors page, choose who you'd like to see, and click Book a Session. If you're unsure who to choose, you're also welcome to start with a free consultation.

    If you haven’t done so already, please book your free 15-minute consultation call first before you book a full sessions.

  • 3922 Cedar Hill Cross Rd.

    Usually, clients will either wait for their session in their car, or on the bench outside if it’s a sunny day.

  • A therapy session is a conversation focused on you. Your counsellor will create a calm, supportive space where you can explore whatever is on your mind. You don’t need to have everything figured out ahead of time. Just showing up and being real is enough.

  • You don’t need to bring anything or prepare in a specific way. Just come as you are. If it feels helpful, you can write down a few thoughts or questions beforehand, but it’s completely optional.

  • Try to be open and honest, even if that feels a little uncomfortable at first. Therapy works best when you bring your whole self to the conversation. Trust the process, and give yourself credit for showing up.

    Some clients will take notes during a session. This isn’t required, though it can help you to jot down an insight so you don’t forget it.

    Your counsellor may give you ideas or practices to take away with you. There could be book or article recommendation. While your session might be the spark, the work you do between sessions is where the insights take root.

  • Counsellors ask open-ended, reflective questions to help you explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive way. You might be asked things like:

    • “What’s been feeling heavy or difficult lately?”

    • “What do you hope will change through counselling?”

    • “How have you been coping with stress or conflict?”

    • “What would feel like progress for you?”

    In family or parent sessions, questions may focus on relationship patterns, communication challenges, or your child’s unique needs. There’s no right or wrong way to respond. You're encouraged to go at your own pace. The goal is to create space for honest conversation, clarity, and meaningful change.

  • Of course. Many people feel that way, especially in the beginning. Your counsellor understands that and will help you feel at ease. You can go at your own pace, and you never have to share more than you’re ready to.

  • Both options are effective. It really comes down to what feels most comfortable and accessible for you. Some people enjoy the flexibility of virtual sessions, while others prefer being in the room. You can always switch if your needs change.

    Sometimes, a client will not be able to make a session in person. We encourage you in this case to join us for a video call.

  • Yes, in some cases. If you’d like to bring a partner or family member to a session, let your counsellor know in advance. It can be helpful to have someone there for support, depending on your goals.

    If you are looking for couples counselling, we do offer that service and please let your counsellor know ahead of time so we can work this out for you.

  • Sometimes. Your counsellor might suggest something to try or reflect on between sessions. But it's always optional and tailored to what feels manageable for you.

  • Yes. Your privacy is very important to us. What you share in therapy stays between you and your counsellor, with a few exceptions related to safety or legal requirements. These will be clearly explained when you begin.

Your Ongoing Sessions

  • That depends on what you're working on and what feels sustainable. Some people come weekly, others every two weeks. You and your counsellor will decide together what makes the most sense for you.

  • It’s different for everyone. Some people find clarity or relief after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. You’ll set the pace together with your counsellor based on your goals.

  • Pay attention to how you're feeling during the week. Some people keep a journal, others reflect on what came up in session. Even just noticing patterns or emotions as they arise can help deepen the work.

  • Yes, if it feels useful. Sometimes sharing a session with someone close to you can support a specific goal or conversation. Just speak with your counsellor ahead of time so they can prepare accordingly.

    If what you’re looking for is couples counselling, we do offer that, and please let your counsellor know if you would like that service.

  • That depends. Sometimes it works well, but in some situations we may recommend different therapists to ensure each person feels safe and supported.

    For example, we find it works very well to approach a family with a team approach, supporting your children with a counsellor who specializes in children, while you recieve parenting support from a different counsellor.

    There have different therapists for different life challenges. We can help you decide what’s best for you.

  • The counselling-client relationship is unique and can be sensitive.

    It’s possible you may see your counsellor outside sessions, perhaps at a grocery store or summer fair. Some clients want to avoid contact with their counsellor outside sessions, while others will stop to say hello. Your counsellor will follow your lead.

    If you do stop to say hello, your counsellor will greet you, and will not disclose the nature of your relationship if they see you’re with others. Your privacy comes first.

  • Yes. Finding the right fit is important. If you’re not connecting with your current counsellor, we’ll support you in switching to someone else. There are no hard feelings. Your comfort is what matters most.

Family Counselling

  • Family counselling focuses on the dynamics between family members, not just individual concerns. Sessions explore how communication, conflict, or transitions affect the family system as a whole. Unlike individual therapy, which supports one person, family counselling works to improve understanding, connection, and cooperation between everyone involved.

  • Our counselling team includes counsellors with specialized training and experience in working with children, youth, and families. We consider age, personality fit, presenting issues, and cultural background when recommending a counsellor. If you're unsure who to choose, we offer complimentary 20-minute consultations to help you find the right fit.

  • Our practice is collaborative. We consult as a team, drawing on each other’s experience and knowledge to support our clients more effectively. For families, this might mean that one counsellor works with a child while another supports the parents, helping everyone move forward in a coordinated and supportive way.

  • Child and parent programs offer focused support in a structured format. These programs are designed to build specific skills like emotional regulation, communication, and conflict resolution, while offering guidance for the unique challenges of parenting. They can be a powerful way to make progress both individually and as a family.

  • In many cases, yes. When parents are involved in the therapeutic process, outcomes for children often improve. Parent sessions provide space to process your own concerns, gain insights into your child’s needs, and learn tools to support change at home. Your counsellor may recommend check-ins or separate parent sessions as as we as a parenting support program as part of a comprehensive approach.

  • That depends on the concerns you're hoping to address. Sometimes, sessions include all immediate family members; other times, it’s helpful to meet with specific combinations (like a parent and teen). Your counsellor will guide you on what makes sense for your situation.

  • Yes, one-on-one sessions can be arranged as part of the family counselling process. These sessions allow each person to share their perspective in a more private space and can help the counsellor better understand the dynamics within the family.

  • Family counselling can support a wide range of concerns, including communication problems, conflict, parenting struggles, blended family transitions, grief, and emotional or behavioural challenges in children or teens. It’s also helpful during major life transitions like separation, illness, or relocation.

  • Not necessarily. Positive change can happen even if not everyone attends. Often, working with just a few members, such as parents or a child and one caregiver can still create meaningful shifts in the family dynamic.

    Using a team approach, we also recomment having one counsellor who focuses on the child, and another who will work with the parent.

  • Each session is guided by your family’s needs. The counsellor may invite discussion, ask reflective questions, explore recent challenges, or introduce strategies for improving communication and connection. Sessions are collaborative, respectful, and paced so that everyone feels heard.

  • No. Our counsellors create a neutral, supportive space where all voices are valued. The goal is to help family members understand one another better, not to assign blame or choose sides.

  • Come with an open mind and a willingness to listen. You might find it helpful to reflect beforehand on what you hope to gain from counselling, and any key concerns you'd like to address. The first session is an opportunity for everyone to share, set goals, and build trust with your counsellor.

  • Absolutely. We regularly support families navigating co-parenting, blended family roles, or changes after separation or divorce. Sessions can help clarify expectations, reduce conflict, and strengthen the parenting relationship—even if you're no longer living under one roof.

  • Every family is different, but some clients notice improvement within a few sessions. For deeper or longer-term issues, ongoing support may be more beneficial. Your counsellor will check in regularly about progress and adjust the plan as needed.