Frequently Asked Questions
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How can counselling benefit me?
Counselling offers an opportunity for you to express yourself in a safe, non-judgemental environment. When you’re sitting with the right person and feel that ‘click,’ something happens in the brain and body where it expresses things that have been long locked away. A great sense of relief often occurs that we now know from neuroscience is the body restoring its parasympathetic, ‘rest and repair’ mode. Secrets that we keep to ourselves and others eat away at our health!
Besides that, by working with the right counsellor you can understand yourself more deeply, take better care of yourself, improve the quality of your relationships, overcome negative patterns of behaviour, and learn to set clearly defined goals. You work closely with someone in your corner helping to re-design and improve your life as it better fits with your emerging values.
What is a counselling session like?
You will be greeted in a waiting room where you are welcome to tea and water before joining your counsellor in a comfortably charming sound-proofed room. Together you’ll chat about what counselling involves so there is no mystery or surprise. Your counsellor will get to know you so that the therapy is specially fitted to you as a unique person. Nothing occurs without your consent and awareness. Once you’re done, you will receive a detailed receipt following payment by credit card or e-transfer that may be submitted to your Extended Insurance Plan.
What makes Thrive different from other counselling options?
Thrive has over a decade of its mission to activate the MOST AUTHENTIC WAY OF BEING for our therapists and our clients. From the top down, we are practicing the belief that everyone has a deeper self they are meant to be, and that this may be discovered with the right mixture of safety and challenge. We help you realize that your biggest struggles are actually clues as to who you are a meant to be and will ultimately drive your evolution. We are thrilled to share your victories as you overcome stuck points and find out what life truly has in store for you.
How many sessions does it take?
Growth and healing are best viewed as a journey that you learn to live instead of a cure that you take like a pill. For this reason, everybody is different. We often find that 4 to 8 sessions accomplish a great deal of relief. With that said, clients may experience transformation within a few sessions or realize there is something bigger they want to work on the long term.
How often should I come?
When possible, it’s a great idea to come in every week or two when you get started. The biggest first step is building trust and safety with your counsellor, that’s what allows good work to be done. Once this occurs, clients often space out appointments to a month or more, or take breaks from counselling altogether.
Does insurance cover your fees?
Our Clinical Counsellors are covered under most Extended Health Plans, but always call or check online to ensure your plan covers counselling specifically.
How long is a counselling session?
Most sessions are 50-minutes, leaving your counsellor 10 minutes to prepare notes and to help organize the best treatment possible. Most of our therapists also offer 80-minute and 110-minute sessions as well. Some of us even offer multi-hour or full day sessions!
More Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling at Thrive
These frequently asked questions build on the answers above and cover what people most often want to know before booking: how to start, where we are, how online sessions work, fees and insurance, privacy, and what therapy actually feels like. If your question is not here, reach out and a real person from our team will answer it.
On this page
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started
Do I need a referral to book counselling?
No. You can book directly with us. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor’s referral before they reimburse counselling, so check your policy if you plan to claim.
How do I book my first appointment?
Start with a free 15 minute consult. You can fill in our contact form, book through our new client booking page, or call 604-227-0297.
What happens during the free consult?
We listen to what is going on for you, answer your questions about how we work, and talk through which therapist and format might suit you. There is no pressure to book further sessions.
Can you match me with a therapist?
Yes. Tell us what you are looking for, including any preferences about approach, identity, experience or schedule, and we will recommend one or more counsellors who fit.
Can I choose my own counsellor instead?
Absolutely. Browse our team to read each counsellor’s background, approaches and credentials, then request the person who resonates with you.
What if my first therapist is not the right fit?
Tell us. Fit matters a great deal in counselling, and switching therapists is normal. We will help you find someone better suited without any awkwardness.
How do I prepare for my first session?
You do not need to prepare anything formal. It can help to jot down what prompted you to reach out, any goals you have, and questions for your therapist. If you plan to claim on insurance, have your plan details handy. Most of all, come as you are.
Can I bring up something difficult in my very first session?
Yes, if you want to. You can also take your time. Some people share their hardest experience right away, while others build trust over several sessions first. Your therapist will follow your lead and help you stay grounded either way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online and In-Person Sessions
Where is Thrive located?
Our therapy rooms are at 470 Granville Street in downtown Vancouver, in Suites 518 and 901. After hours, use buzzer 0518 or 0901. We are steps from Granville SkyTrain Station and a short walk from Waterfront Station.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes. Many clients meet their therapist by secure video, which removes travel time and makes it easier to fit sessions into a full week. Learn more about online counselling across BC.
Is online counselling as effective as meeting in person?
For many concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress and relationship issues, research suggests online therapy can be as helpful as in-person sessions. Some people simply prefer one format, and you can choose what feels right.
What do I need for an online session?
- A private, quiet space where you will not be overheard
- A phone, tablet or computer with a camera and a stable connection
- Headphones if others are at home
- A few minutes before and after to settle in and reflect
Can I switch between online and in-person counselling?
Yes. Many clients mix both, meeting online on busy weeks and in person when they want a change of scene. Just let your therapist know.
Do you offer counselling outside the office?
Our Thrive2Go mobile counselling service brings support to organizations, workplaces and homes.
Questions About Fees, Insurance and Payment
How much does counselling cost?
Rates vary by service and session length, and current rates are shown when you book or on our contact page. We are happy to talk through options during your free consult.
How do I pay, and can I claim it on insurance?
After each session you receive a detailed receipt following payment by credit card or e-transfer, which you can submit to your extended health plan. Coverage depends on your plan and the counsellor’s designation, so check what your plan includes.
Is there a lower cost option?
Yes. Our low cost counselling program offers sessions with intern counsellors who work under clinical supervision. It is a good option if budget is a concern.
Which designations will my plan look for?
Plans often list designations such as Registered Clinical Counsellor, which is granted by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, or Canadian Certified Counsellor through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Each counsellor’s profile lists their own credentials.
Questions About Privacy and Confidentiality
Is what I say in counselling confidential?
Yes. Your counsellor keeps what you share private. There are a few legal limits, such as a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, suspected abuse of a child, or a court order. Your therapist will explain these in your first session.
How is my information protected?
Our contact form is encrypted, and we will not share your information or add you to a mailing list without permission. You can read more in our privacy policy.
Will my employer know I am in counselling?
No, unless you choose to tell them. If you use workplace benefits, your insurer processes the claim, not your manager.
Questions About What Counselling Feels Like
What if I do not know what to talk about?
That is very common. Your counsellor will guide the conversation, and many people discover what matters most once they start talking. Feeling stuck is a perfectly good place to begin.
Will I have to talk about my childhood?
Only if it is helpful and you feel ready. Some approaches explore early experiences, while others focus mostly on the present. You always choose what to share and when.
What if I get emotional in a session?
Tears, anger and laughter are all welcome. Our therapists are trained to help you feel steady, and we pace deeper work so you leave feeling grounded rather than overwhelmed.
How will I know counselling is working?
Many people notice small shifts first, such as sleeping better, reacting less intensely or speaking up more easily. Your therapist will check in regularly about progress and adjust the approach if needed.
Can I take a break from counselling?
Yes. Some clients come weekly for a while, then space sessions out or pause, and return when life shifts again. You are always welcome back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Approach
What is the Thrive Formula?
It is the three stage framework our therapists share. First we help your nervous system feel safer (Regulate). Then we explore how you adapted to stress and what no longer fits (Reveal). Finally we turn insight into practical change in your relationships and daily life (Reclaim).
Which therapy approaches do your therapists use?
Our team draws on a range of methods, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy, CBT, the Gottman Method and body based approaches. Each profile lists the methods that person uses, and our guide to types of therapy explains the differences.
Will my therapist give me homework?
Sometimes your therapist may suggest a reflection, a skill to practise or a small experiment between sessions. These are invitations, not tests, and you decide what feels useful.
Do you work alongside doctors or psychiatrists?
Our therapists do not prescribe medication, but they can work alongside your family doctor or psychiatrist with your written consent. If medication questions come up, your therapist may encourage you to speak with your doctor.
Can a family member or partner join a session?
Often, yes. If it would help to bring someone in for a session, talk with your therapist first so you can plan the purpose and structure together.
Do you see teens?
Our work focuses mainly on adults, couples and families, and some of our therapists work with teens. Ask during your free consult and we will let you know who may be a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scheduling
Do you offer evening appointments?
Availability varies by therapist. Many clients find times that fit around work or school, especially with online sessions. Share your preferred times when you book and we will look for a match.
Is there a waitlist?
Some therapists have full schedules at times, while others have openings sooner. If your first choice is booked, we can suggest someone with similar experience who is available now.
What if I need to reschedule?
Life happens. Contact your therapist or our team as early as you can, and ask about the notice period during your first appointment so there are no surprises.
How long are sessions, and can I book longer ones?
Most sessions are 50 minutes, and many of our therapists also offer longer sessions for deeper work. Ask your counsellor which options they provide.
Questions About Specific Concerns
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes. We offer couples counselling for partners at every stage, including approaches such as the Gottman Method.
Do you support ADHD and autism?
Yes. Our neurodivergent affirming therapists offer ADHD counselling and support for autistic adults and teens.
Do you work with trauma?
Yes. Many of our counsellors are trauma informed, and some offer EMDR therapy, a structured approach described by EMDRIA.
Are you LGBTQIA+ affirming?
Yes. Our team welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and several counsellors specialize in queer identity and relationships.
Can you help with addictions or habits I want to change?
Yes. Our addiction counselling looks at what a habit does for you, not just how to stop it, and builds healthier ways to cope. If you are physically dependent on alcohol or other substances, speak with a doctor before cutting back, since withdrawal can be risky.
Do you support first responders and people in high stress jobs?
Yes. We work with paramedics, firefighters, police, corrections staff, health care workers and others whose work exposes them to repeated stress or trauma. See our page for first responders.
Can I get help with grief and loss?
Yes. Grief can follow a death, a breakup, a move, a health change or the loss of a hoped for future. Therapy offers space to feel it fully and to carry it in a way that lets life continue.
I feel burnt out. Is that a reason to come in?
Definitely. Burnout often shows up as exhaustion, cynicism and feeling ineffective, even when you are working hard. Counselling can help you recover your energy, reset boundaries and reconsider what you want from work.
Do you offer psychedelic integration support?
Some of our therapists offer preparation and integration support for people exploring psychedelic experiences, focused on safety and meaning making. Thrive does not supply or administer any substances. Learn more about our psychedelic integration team.
I am new to Canada. Can you help me adjust?
Yes. Moving countries can bring loneliness, identity questions and family strain alongside new opportunities. Our diverse team approaches every culture with curiosity and respect, and you can request a therapist whose background or experience feels relevant to you.
Is Thrive a crisis service?
No. Counselling is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, call the BC mental health support line at 310-6789, or call 911 in an emergency.
Still Have Questions?
We are always happy to help. Book a free 15 minute consult through our contact page or call 604-227-0297, and we will answer any question not covered in these frequently asked questions.