HOW CAN THERAPY HELP?Many expect that 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 with managing stressors or pain and greater resiliency with adapting to life’s uncertainty. With your therapist, you will find motivation to overcome personal hurdles and to 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 IS THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?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 is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as relationship stress, loss or work transition. Many seek the guidance of a therapist as they pursue their own personal or professional exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all kinds situations. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER THERAPY PRACTICES?At Bliss Counselling + Psychotherapy, tailored services is 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 your 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 to 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 in 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. HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT’S THE “RIGHT FIT?”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 put so much emphasis on 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? Find more information, here. HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT TO BE IN THERAPY?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 be able to complete your treatment plan in a minimum of 8-12 sessions. Complex therapeutic goals may require more in-depth work or longer-term counselling. WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A THERAPY SESSION?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 in order 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 to 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 the ways in which 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 a series of weekly or bi-weekly sessions, which are 50 minutes. 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 to 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 participant, both during and between the sessions. IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?Confidentiality is an ethical responsibility of all therapists and mental health practitioners. In general, 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/or 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 in order to provide you with 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 in order to protect your privacy. HOW MUCH DOES COUNSELLING COST?Our standard rates vary depending on the length of the session as well as the experience and expertise of the clinician you are seeing. However, they are consistent with community norms, ranging from $150 to $195 per counselling hour (50 minutes in length). Shorter and extended sessions are available upon request. WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS?Cash, debit, e-transfer and all major credit cards accepted for payment. ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY MY HEALTH BENEFITS?The majority of our services are covered by extended health benefit plans. Check with your provider or work to find out what your plan covers, as every plan is different 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 prior to 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. If you have no coverage, the receipts are still useful for income tax use.Insurance companies that generally cover services from Bliss Counselling include:・Manulife・Great West Life・SunLife・StateFarm・Blue Cross ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY MY STUDENT BENEFITS?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/policy year, a maximum of $100 coverage per visit with a Psychotherapist or Social Worker. Plan details can be found here.• All Graduate Students are covered $400/policy year and up to 60% coverage per visit with a Psychotherapist or Social Worker. Plan details can be found here.University of Waterloo• Full-time Undergraduate Students are covered $800/policy year and up to 80% coverage per visit with a Psychotherapist or Social Worker. Plan details can be found here.• Full-time Graduate Students are covered $800/policy year and up to 80% coverage per visit with a Psychotherapist or Social Worker. Plan details can be found here.Conestoga College• Full-time Students are covered $300/policy year and up to 70% coverage per visit with a Social worker. Plan details can be found here. ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY OHIP?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 is different for each individual. DO YOU OFFER REDUCED FEE SERVICES?Not everyone has extended health benefits, that’s we we offer reduced fee services with our Psychotherapy and Social Work student practitioners and therapists. 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 experience of the clinician. Please contact us directly for more information.Local subsidized counselling agencies that may offer a sliding scale fee, include:• Carizon Family and Community Services• K-W Counselling;• Lutherwood;• Cambridge and North Dumfries Family Counselling; and• Perth Huron Family Services.If you struggle with addiction, you qualify for free counselling through St. Mary’s Hospital’s Substance Use Program. You may also want to check out Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which are free support groups with regular meetings in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. ARE YOUR SERVICES TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?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. Your may find more information here. WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?To avoid being charged for missed appointments, we require 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule appointments. With adequate notice, Bliss will be able to accommodate your desired change and offer the time slot to another client. We understand that emergencies and extenuating circumstances happen. Please contact us as soon as possible if there is a change needed in regards to your appointment. HOW CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR THERAPY AT BLISS?Feel free to book online, email or call us at 226-647-6000. We are located in Uptown Waterloo at 7 Willow Street and in Milton at 69 Main St E, Unit 5. BOOKING REGULAR WEEKDAY APPOINTMENTS IS CHALLENGING FOR ME, WHAT HOURS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE FOR SCHEDULING A SESSION?We recognize that schedules can be complicated! That’s why we offer weekend and evening sessions, throughout the week. Often these are the first time slots to be filled, please book in advance to ensure you receive the spot you wish. CAN YOU PROVIDE A DIAGNOSIS OR MEDICATION?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 are 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. WHAT IF MY PARTNER WILL NOT ATTEND COUPLES COUNSELLING?We work with individuals and partners in all types of relationships and related issues. An individual session may be quite helpful for someone to consider their own ideas and feelings. This can move the process along as one partner tries out new behaviours and gets fresh ideas on how to handle difficult situations. Sometimes a partner will want to join in counselling. Even if the other partner does not attend, it can be a useful experience to have individual counselling for relationship challenges. IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL THERAPY, WHAT OTHER SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?Bliss Counselling offers a wide array of services tailored to meet your needs: Individual Sessions, Relationship Sessions, Clinical Supervision, Group Sessions and Workshops, Virtual Sessions, Education, E-Courses, Teleseminars and Consultancy. We welcome you to visit our services pages for more information on these unique offerings. Make an Appointment Book an appointment with a Bliss Specialist today. BOOK NOW