FAQs

Many expect success, motivation and the skills needed to maneuver all of life’s obstacles are innate – they just have to “make it happen.” But what happens when you’ve learned ineffective methods, developed problematic patterns, or find yourself stuck amidst the options?

Therapy can help! Therapy offers dedicated time to examine patterns, build skills, and develop a deeper understanding of your strengths and how to use them. By attending sessions, you may feel more competent in managing stressors or pain and greater resiliency in adapting to life’s uncertainty. With your therapist, you will find the motivation to overcome personal hurdles and reach your goals.

Therapy offers some of the following benefits:

• Developing new skills for handling stress and anxiety
• Modifying unhealthy behaviour and long-standing patterns
• Attaining insight into personal patterns and behaviour
• Increasing confidence, peace, vitality, and well-being
• Improving ways to manage anger, depression and moods
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively
• Improving listening and communication skills
• Developing new ways of relating to self and others
• Revitalized relationships and increased intimacy
• Enhancing the overall quality of life

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to unpack long-standing emotional, relational, or sexual challenges or problems with anxiety and depression. Other times, it’s in response to unexpected changes in life, such as relationship stress, loss or work transitions. Many seek the guidance of a therapist as they pursue their own personal or professional exploration and growth.

Working with a therapist can provide insight, support, and new strategies for all kinds of situations. Therapy is right for anyone interested in getting the most out of life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change.

At Bliss Counselling + Psychotherapy, tailored services are our specialty!

We care about the details! This is why from the very first point of contact, our aim will be to fully listen to your concerns, to understand your experiences, and establish your needs so that we may find you a Bliss therapist who is the absolute best fit.

Each of our clinicians specialize in an area of mental, emotional, financial, professional, relational or sexual health. No matter the reason you are seeking counselling, our clinicians will incorporate a variety of counselling and psychotherapy approaches to ensure that your unique individual and relational needs are heard and supported.

We are committed to providing you with the highest level of care in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. We are accountable for creating an accepting and inclusive space where our clients are welcomed and feel at home. Our therapists are diverse in their experiences and care deeply about you receiving services that are equitable, accessible, inclusive, and based on research evidence and the communities we serve. At Bliss, you can expect that we will be anti-oppressive, gender-affirming and sex-positive in our approach.

Research shows that the fit between the client and the therapist will determine the “success” of a therapeutic outcome.

Each of our therapists have different styles, personalities, and areas of expertise, which is why we emphasize matching you with someone who could be the best possible option!

When meeting with a Bliss therapist for the first few times, be on the lookout for whether you feel as though you could build an authentic, genuine, positive and trusting relationship. Do you notice open and honest communication, collaboration, compassion, empathy, mutual understanding, respect, or any additional values and beliefs you feel are important to your comfort, safety, and growth?

The length of treatment will depend on your goals for seeking therapy. You and your therapist may discuss this question and develop a treatment plan together within your first 1-3 sessions.

Your therapist will likely recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions at the beginning to establish a working relationship.

Depending on your therapeutic goals, you may complete your treatment plan in at least 8-12 sessions. Complex therapeutic goals may require more in-depth work or longer-term counselling.

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. During therapy sessions, it is standard to talk about the primary issues and concerns in your life. Our therapists will encourage you to speak freely about your emotions, desires, and fears to reveal vulnerable feelings that have been pushed out of your conscious awareness.

Your Bliss therapist will help you develop a deeper understanding of past or current challenges, outline the sources of your concern, and help you identify patterns. You can expect to review your emotions, thoughts, early-life experiences, and beliefs to gain insight into your life. Making the unconscious conscious. By recognizing recurring patterns, you will see how you may avoid distress or develop defence mechanisms so that you can take steps to change those patterns. Your therapist’s approach will depend on your particular situation and preferences. Your therapist may combine therapeutic approaches. As you progress through therapy, you will develop awareness, build coping skills and will be able to think more clearly and positively about everyday activities.

It is common to schedule 50 minute sessions weekly or bi-weekly. Sometimes individuals who are going through a particularly difficult challenge may request more time per session or more than one session per week. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific goal or longer-term, addressing more complex concerns or ongoing personal growth.

Between sessions, you may be asked to practice what you are learning in therapy or to develop a more detailed understanding of what has been discussed outside of the sessions. For example, you may be asked to read a relevant article or book, listen to a podcast, watch a short video clip, complete exercises or worksheets, or track certain behaviours. Otherwise, it is important to process what has been discussed and to integrate it into your life. For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active and engaged participant, both during and between the sessions.

Confidentiality is an ethical responsibility of all therapists and mental health practitioners. The law protects the confidentiality of all conversations between client and clinician. Information about your work with your therapist is not shared with anyone else without your written consent. Even the fact that you are attending counselling will remain confidential. If you happen to see your therapist in the community, they will not greet you unless you greet them first.

The only thing that takes precedence over confidentiality is safety, meaning there are limits to confidentiality where your therapist has a legal obligation to report to the appropriate authorities, which include:

1. intent to harm one’s self or others;
2. risk of harm to children and dependents;
3. disclosure of harm by a health professional (no matter how long ago);
4. if your therapist receives a court order for your clinical records or to testify.

When appropriate, your therapist may consult with other mental health professionals and engage in clinical supervision to give you the best possible service. When discussing aspects of your case in supervision or consultation, every effort will be made to exclude information that could identify you to protect your privacy.

Our standard rates vary depending on the length of the session and the experience and expertise of the clinician you see. However, they are consistent with community norms, ranging from $80 to $215 per counselling hour (50 minutes). Shorter and extended sessions are available upon request.

Cash, debit, e-transfer and all major credit cards are accepted for payment.

Extended health benefit plans cover the majority of our services. Check with your provider or work to find out what your plan covers, as every plan differs for each individual.

If you have an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) or Employee Benefits, it is important to confirm with your work or insurance provider what credentials they require in a counselling practitioner before your first session. Please ask your provider the following questions:

・Do I have coverage for counselling, psychotherapy, social work or psychological services?

・What are the credential requirements for the therapist, and do I have coverage for counselling with a Registered Social Worker or Psychotherapist?

・What is my allowable coverage per session, per person, per year?

At the end of your session, we will provide you with an insurance-friendly receipt that includes all the information about your practitioner, the service provided, and the amount paid. You may then submit this receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. Even if you do not have coverage, the receipts are still useful for income tax purposes.

Insurance companies that generally cover services from Bliss Counselling include:

・Manulife
・Great West Life
・SunLife
・StateFarm
・Blue Cross

Students at Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College are covered by their student benefits to work with a specialist at Bliss Counselling.

Wilfrid Laurier University

• All Undergraduate Students are covered $800 per policy year, with a maximum coverage of $100 per visit with a Therapist or Social Worker.

• All Graduate Students are covered $400 per policy year and up to 60% coverage per visit with a Psychotherapist or Social Worker.

University of Waterloo

• Full-time Undergraduate Students are covered $800 per policy year and up to 80% coverage per visit with a Psychotherapist or Social Worker.

• Full-time Graduate Students are covered $800 per policy year and up to 80% coverage per visit with a Psychotherapist or Social Worker.

Conestoga College

• Full-time Students are covered $300 per policy year and up to 70% coverage per visit with a Social worker.

No. Counselling is covered by OHIP when it is provided by a medical doctor, through a crisis visit to the hospital, or through a non-profit community service.

Many private insurance plans or employer benefit packages include coverage for our services. Check with your provider to find out what your plan covers, as every plan differs for each individual.

Not everyone has extended health benefits; that’s why we offer reduced-fee services with our Psychotherapy and Social Work student interns. Our students provide quality care by receiving regular guidance with their caseloads from our roaster of Clinical Supervisors and advisory groups at Bliss.

Our Bliss therapists may also offer reduced-rate services at the individual counsellor’s discretion. Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis and vary based on the clinician’s experience. Please get in touch with us directly for more information.

Local subsidized counselling agencies that may offer a sliding scale fee include:

• Camino Wellbeing

• Lutherwood

• Porchlight Counselling and Addictions Services

• Perth Huron Family Services

If you struggle with addiction, you may want to check out Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which are free support groups with regular meetings.

Since September 26, 2012, counselling services provided by a Registered Social Worker (RSW) may be claimed as a medical expense when filing your income tax return. You may find more information here.

We require 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule appointments to avoid being charged for missed appointments. With adequate notice, Bliss can accommodate your desired change and offer the time slot to another client. We understand that emergencies and extenuating circumstances happen. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible if a change is needed regarding your appointment.

Feel free to book online, email, or call us at 226-647-6000. We are located at 7 Willow Street in Uptown Waterloo and 69 Main Street E, Unit 5 in Milton.

We recognize that schedules can be complicated! That’s why we offer weekday, weekend and evening sessions. Please book in advance to ensure you receive the spot you wish.

In Ontario, only medical doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists can make a mental health diagnosis. Of these professionals, doctors and psychiatrists are covered by OHIP and can prescribe medication. If you have questions about receiving a diagnosis or starting medication, we recommend asking your family doctor or visiting a walk-in clinic as a first step.

We work with individuals and partners in all types of relationships and related issues. An individual session may be helpful for someone to consider their own ideas and feelings. This can move the process along as one partner tries new behaviours and gets fresh ideas for handling difficult situations. Sometimes, a partner will want to join in counselling. Even if the other partner does not attend, it can be a valuable experience to have individual counselling for relationship challenges.

Bliss Counselling offers services tailored to your needs: Individual Sessions, Relationship Sessions, Clinical Supervision, Group Therapy and Workshops, Virtual Sessions, Education and e-courses, Teleseminars and Consultancy. We welcome you to visit our services pages for more information on these unique offerings.