Frequently Asked Questions about Counselling

These are some of the common questions we get asked about counselling. If you have questions about rates, making payments and your benefits provider, please visit the rates page.

Booking a Session

  • If you’re new to Harbour Family Counselling, please start by booking a free 20-minute consultation call with one of our counsellors before scheduling a full session.

    This initial call helps us ensure the counsellor you choose is the right fit and gives them a chance to understand your needs ahead of time. That way, they can prepare for your first session and make the most of your time together.

    To get started, browse our counsellors page to learn more about each therapist, then use our booking calendar to schedule your free consultation.

  • Our free 20-minute consultation call is a chance for you to meet with one of our counsellors and see if they’re the right fit for you before booking a full session. During the call, you’ll have the opportunity to share a bit about what brings you to counselling and what you’re hoping to get out of it. The counsellor will also explain their approach and answer any questions you have about the process.

    This conversation helps ensure a good match and allows your counsellor to understand your needs so they can be prepared for your first session. It’s a simple, no-pressure way to start your counselling journey and feel confident about moving forward.

    You can browse our counsellors page to learn more about each counsellor and book your free consultation here when you’re ready to get started.

Cancellation Policy

  • 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.

Questions about Counselling

  • 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.

Questions about 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.