How long does counselling usually take before I start feeling better?

Every person’s journey is unique, and there is no set timeline for change. Some people begin to notice a sense of relief, clarity, or understanding within a few sessions, while others may take more time to work through deeper or more complex experiences. Both are completely valid.

Many clients start to notice more meaningful and lasting changes after about 10 to 12 consistent sessions, although this depends on the type of work you are hoping to do. Some people come to counselling to work through a specific challenge or crisis they are facing in their lives right now, and shorter-term support may be enough to help them feel steadier and more resourced.

Others want to explore the root of long-standing patterns, beliefs, or emotional responses and work on shifting old ways of coping or relating. This kind of deeper work often benefits from a longer stretch of regular sessions, allowing time to build trust, integrate new insights, and practice change in a way that feels grounded and sustainable.

Counselling is not a race, but a supportive and guided process of exploration, understanding, and growth. Throughout our work together, we will regularly revisit your goals, check in on how the process is feeling for you, and make adjustments as needed to support your evolving needs and pace.

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

Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision, and feeling comfortable and supported matters. The connection you feel with a counsellor can play an important role in how safe and helpful counselling feels. At Firefly Therapeutics, we want you to have the opportunity to make this choice with clarity and confidence.

We offer a free 20 minute consultation with any of our counsellors. This conversation gives you space to ask questions, share what you are hoping for, and get a sense of the counsellor’s approach, style, and presence. Many people find this step helpful in deciding whether it feels like the right fit before committing to ongoing sessions.

Can I use my insurance to pay for counselling sessions?

Many extended health insurance plans offer reimbursement for counselling services provided by qualified mental health professionals. As a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (Provisional) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA), your sessions with me may be eligible for coverage under your plan’s mental health or paramedical benefits.

Coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan and employer benefits. Some insurance providers that commonly reimburse counselling services from CPCA-registered practitioners include Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, ClaimSecure, Equitable Life, Empire Life, and Desjardins. Not all plans within these providers offer the same coverage, so confirmation is always recommended.

To check your benefits, contact your insurance provider and ask whether your plan covers counselling with a CPCA-registered counsellor or MPCC-Provisional designation. I provide detailed receipts that include my professional designation and registration information to support insurance claims. While coverage cannot be guaranteed, many clients are able to receive partial or full reimbursement through their extended health benefits.

How long are counselling sessions and how often should I attend?

Standard counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length. Many clients find this provides enough time to explore concerns, reflect, and build momentum between sessions. Some people choose to attend weekly, especially at the beginning of counselling or during more challenging periods, while others prefer every second week as they settle into the process or balance other commitments.

Extended sessions of 80 minutes are also available for those who would like more time for deeper exploration, processing, or integration. Session frequency is always a collaborative decision, and together we can discuss a schedule that feels supportive, manageable, and aligned with your goals and pace.

Do I need to be sober or stable to begin addiction counselling?

No. You do not need to be sober or have everything figured out to begin counselling. We meet you where you are, without judgment or expectation. Many people come to counselling feeling unsure, conflicted, or ambivalent about their relationship with substances, and that uncertainty is a valid place to start.

Whether you are questioning your use, actively using, in early recovery, or have been sober for some time, counselling can provide a supportive and confidential space to explore patterns, understand what substances may be helping you cope with, and gently reduce shame. Together, we focus on building awareness, strengthening your capacity for change, and supporting movement toward choices that feel more aligned with your values and wellbeing, at a pace that feels right for you.

What should I do if I am feeling overwhelmed or in crisis outside of sessions?

If you are in immediate danger or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department right away. Your safety is always the highest priority.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally distressed, or in need of support between counselling sessions, help is available. You can reach out to the following crisis support services, which are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day:

• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada)
  Call or text 988 for immediate support with emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.

• BC Crisis Line
  Call 310-6789 (no area code needed in BC) for emotional support and crisis assistance.

• 211 British Columbia
  Call 211 or visit bc211.ca to find local mental health services, crisis supports, and community resources.

Counselling is one part of a broader support system, and reaching out for additional help during difficult moments is a meaningful act of self-care. We encourage clients to use these resources whenever extra support is needed outside of scheduled sessions.