#101-346 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 6L4
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical counselling?
Clinical counselling helps people improve their mental, emotional and physical health while encouraging positive relationships with self and others. The building of a trusting and comfortable relationship between client and counsellor is important, as counselling may cover topics of distress and discomfort. Therefore, questions or comments on the overall counselling process are encouraged and are invited at any time.
Can I talk to a counsellor before scheduling an initial session?
Absolutely. We are happy to connect with you before your first session. We are open to answering any questions you should have regarding services and to determine if one of our counsellors is the right fit for you. Motion Counselling provides a 15-minute phone consultation for clients, free of charge.
Is everything I discuss with my counsellor confidential?
Information about counselling sessions will not be released to anyone outside of Motion Counselling without your informed, voluntary, and written consent. Exceptions to client confidentiality include the following:
- When you may be a danger to yourself or others
- When there is suspicion or disclosure of abuse of vulnerable persons, such as a child or elderly person
- When records are subpoenaed by court order
What can I expect during my first session?
During the first session, together we will review the major components of counselling (the nature of counselling, informed consent, confidentiality, rights and responsibilities, etc.). We will then explore your personal history, reasons for seeking counselling and discuss ways in which you wish your life to be different.
Is online counselling suitable for everyone?
No, online counselling is not suitable for everyone. Online counselling is not suitable if:
- You are in crisis
- You are suicidal and/or homicidal
- You are under direct psychiatric care
- You are under 16 years of age and unable to obtain consent from a parent/guardian
Are services covered by my Extended Health Plan?
Many extended health benefit plans offer coverage for counselling fees. Check with your benefits provider to see if they cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) or Registered Social Workers (RSW). Please note that we do not offer direct billing at this time, and clients are responsible to seek reimbursement from their plan providers.
Do you offer Sliding Scale Fees?
While we do not offer sliding scale counselling fees, we do have Masters Level Counselling Interns who are supervised by Registered Clinical Counsellors, and are able to offer counselling at a reduced and affordable rate.
Social Media Policy
COVID-19 Response
Effective July 20th, 2020, Motion Counselling will be resuming in-office counselling sessions. We recognize that some clients may feel more comfortable (or have come to prefer) online counselling, which will continue to be an option.
Keeping clients, counsellors and their families safe are of the utmost importance to us. In order to ensure this, we ask that you please familiarize yourself with our updated office protocols:
- Please complete our online COVID-19 screening survey, which will be emailed to you prior to each appointment
- Please only proceed with your appointment if you are FREE OF ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS, which may include:
- cough
- fever
- sore throat
- chills/body aches
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- new loss of taste or smell
- If you need to cancel or re-schedule an appointment due to illness, you will NOT be charged for the missed appointment
- Chairs will be set back by eight and a half feet between counsellor and clients and it is requested to maintain social distancing at all times
- Unless required for mobility/personal assistance, we ask that only individuals with a scheduled appointment enter the office. Children may be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Upon arrival to the office, please sit in the waiting area and your counsellor will come out and direct you to the counselling office at the beginning of your session time and once the office has been sanitized
- Please maintain social distancing in the waiting area
- Please use the hand sanitizer as you enter the counselling office prior to your appointment
- Effective March 11, 2022: Following provincial guidelines, masks are no longer required to be worn indoors. If you feel more comfortable wearing masks, please inform your counsellor and your choice will be honoured and respected