List of Concerns

I can provide counselling for a variety of different types of concerns using best practices in the counselling field. I can provide service for anyone 16 years of age or older. Some areas for counselling include, but are not limited to, anxiety and mood problems, relationships, social functioning or adjustment issues, grief/loss, motivation, body image, self-confidence/self-esteem, general stress, trauma, and workplace stress.

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Limitations

While I am able to provide counselling to a wide range of individuals, I am unable to provide some services. In these cases, I can recommend or refer you to an appropriate practitioner. These services include the following:

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- Provide psychological assessments

- Determine psychological diagnoses

- Prescribe medications or monitor medications

- Provide counselling services to individuals with severe psychiatric issues and some personality disorders

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Consultation

Part of having a successful counselling experience is finding a therapist that is the right fit for you. As such, I provide a free consultation by phone prior to our first appointment. Your therapy should always be in your control, and if at any time you feel that I am no longer the right person for you, I would encourage you to discuss this with me and I would be happy to help you with a referral to another counsellor.

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Appointments/Rates

Appointments can be made by booking online or by emailing info@sarahghorsford.com. My current fee is $145 (HST included) for one hour. Full payments are accepted at the end of each session in any form of payment. You will be provided with a receipt at the time of payment. Services are considered a tax-deductible medical expense.

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Insurance Coverage

Some extended health care plans will cover employees and family members for counselling by a Registered Psychotherapist or Canadian Certified Counsellor. However, you may be required to pay this cost up front. Please ensure you retain a record of your receipts. Find out if you are eligible for coverage by contacting your third party insurance plan department and discuss this at your initial session if you are looking for coverage for a specific type of practitioner.

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Missed Appointments

If you need to cancel your appointment please provide at least 24 hours notice. You may do so via online or via telephone. Should you cancel late or not attend your session you are responsible for the full session fee. Extenuating circumstances may be taken into consideration.

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Virtual vs. In-Person Sessions

A number of things should be considered when deciding what format is best for you. Virtual counselling can be great if distance/access to transportation or illness are considerations. And although being in the comfort of your own home can be helpful while adjusting to counselling, most individuals find that they get more out of meeting with someone in-person. This helps you practice social skills, helps you to activate by getting out of the house, you can get access to more tangible resources and you can leave their problems in the counselling space which helps you learn how to compartmentalize. Find out more here, but if you have questions about what is right for you, do not hesitate to ask. 

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Difference Between Counselling and Coaching

Unfortunately, the line between counselling and coaching can be difficult to define as they often overlap. In general terms, a counsellor is trained to explore one’s emotional issues and works with the client to regulate their emotions, or to heal emotional wounds. Sometimes counselling will involve putting plans into action, but this is not always the case. Coaching, in comparison, does not focus on the emotional problem, even though emotions will likely be present. For example, when one is investigating what motivates them and they make changes to their behaviours to move forward in life, there is often emotional exploration and then emotional healing. However, the focus of coaching is on motivation, action, and accountability.

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