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FAQs

Therapy is a big step for some and it can bring about questions. Here are some common questions we get asked. If you have any other questions, please reach out and we would be happy to answer them.

General Questions
Before Starting

  1. What is counselling?

    Counselling is a confidential process where a trained professional helps you explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to improve your well-being.

  2. How do I know if I need counselling?

    If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, or having trouble in relationships or with life transitions, counselling can help.

  3. What’s the difference between counselling and therapy?

    The terms are often used interchangeably, though "therapy" can imply a broader scope or longer-term process. It depends on the provider’s background and the issue being addressed.

  4. How do I choose the right counsellor?

    Look for someone whose approach and personality feel like a good fit. You might also consider their specialty areas, qualifications, and whether you feel comfortable with them after an initial consultation.

  5. What if I don’t feel a connection with my counsellor?

    That’s okay—fit is important. It’s fine to switch and find someone who feels like a better match. Your comfort is of utmost importance and we prioritise the therapeutic relationship in our practice. We welcome any feedback and would be happy to refer you to another counsellor if needed.

  6. What's a modality?
    A counselling modality is a particular way of working with clients that can encompass techniques, strategies, and evidence based theorethical frameworks. Some common modalities are CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, and Motivational interviewing. At Sovereign Wellness, we provide a holistic approach that uses many different modalities based on your needs.

During Counselling

  1. What happens in a counselling session?

    You’ll talk about what’s on your mind or what you’re struggling with. The counsellor may ask questions, offer insights, or guide you through exercises or coping strategies. We might also explore somatic feelings in your body, do a mindfulness exercise, or practice a technique to go deeper.

  2. How long are sessions?

    Most sessions are 60 minutes long. But we offer 90 minutes for those that prefer a thorough session.

  3. How many sessions will I need?

    It varies—some people benefit from just a few, while others continue for months or years. You and your counsellor will discuss your goals and revisit them over time.

  4. How often should I attend counselling?
    This depends on your goals and intentions in therapy. Weekly at first is recommended, as it can take a few sessions to learn your story and basically what makes you, "you." Our goal is to arm you with agency, not keep you in counselling forever. Session frequency will be discussed periodically to assess how things are going. We are always open to feedback.​​

Confidentiality, Consent, and Privacy

  1. Is counselling confidential?
    Yes, counsellors are bound by confidentiality, with some exceptions (e.g., risk of harm to self or others, abuse disclosure, or legal obligations). We will go through this in our first session.

  2. I don't understand informed consent, what does it mean?
    We don't like when our clients feel surprised or unprepared for something. Informed consent makes sure that you, the client, are provided relevant information about the counselling processes including: it's nature, goals, potential risks, and benefits. This is so you can make a voluntary and informed decision about whether to proceed with therapy in general or a specific modality or technique. We want you to feel empowered with the knowledge you need to be an active participant in your own care.​

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