Question 1

How do I schedule a session?

Accepted Answer

I'd suggest reaching out to me at info@dvscounselling.ca.(info@dvscounselling.ca) We can then schedule a 20 minute phone or video consultation to determine if you think we are a good fit and would like to proceed with booking a session. I try to respond to messages within 48 hours, Monday to Friday.

Question 2

How often should I attend counselling?

Accepted Answer

It really depends! At the beginning, it might be helpful to meet each week or bi-weekly, and then gradually extend to monthly (or longer) sessions. In considering what would be best for you, we can discuss your concerns, how long they have been occurring, and how strongly they are affecting you.

Question 3

What is your confidentiality policy?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is key, and I take it very seriously. You need to feel secure that you can share what is occurring for you.

This is why I choose to use Jane for video calls, appointment reminders, scheduling, payments and chart note storage. Jane stores their data on secure SOC 2-audited servers on proper data centres (Montreal, Quebec). Jane encrypts data using 256 bit encryption when sent between a device and their servers. Please see their website for more information: https://jane.app/guide/security/security-faq (https://jane.app/guide/security/security-faq)

Although, there are circumstances where any counsellor would legally need to break confidentiality. They are:

-A risk of serious harm to your safety or the safety of someone else.
-Concerns of neglect or abuse to a child, youth or vulnerable adult.
-If the counsellor were subpoenaed by the court of law to provide information.
-If the counsellor were sued by a client, then relevant information may also be released.

Question 4

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Individual sessions are 50 minutes in length and $150.
Couples or family counselling sessions are 50 minutes at $170.

Question 5

Do you see clients in-person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

Both! 
 
I offer in-person sessions on Thursdays in Victoria, and Monday to Wednesday at Back to Back Chiropractic in Colwood.

For online sessions, I have a robust system set up to host virtual counselling appointments so you can attend from the comfort of your home.

Question 6

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I require 24 hours notice for a session cancellation/rescheduling, or a full session amount will be charged.

Question 7

Do you work evenings and weekends?

Accepted Answer

I do offer early evening, weekday sessions with some as late as 5:30pm.

Currently, I am not seeing clients on the weekend.

Question 8

Will my benefits cover our sessions?

Accepted Answer

Many might, but please ensure you check with your insurance provider to find out if you're covered for registered clinical counselling, and what the yearly maximum is. After I receive payment, I issue a receipt that can be submitted to your insurance provider.

Question 9

Would MSP cover my session?

Accepted Answer

Sadly no. MSP does not cover counselling sessions.

Question 10

Do you work with kids?

Accepted Answer

I really enjoy (and have much experience!) working with kids.  Kids are actually pretty awesome.

I'm happy to welcome kids ages 7 and up, and teens, to my practice!

Working with kids often involves movement (playing, colouring, games...) and that can be much more beneficial in-person, so I'd recommend that these sessions be booked for the office instead of virtually.

If a teenager would prefer a virtual session, I'm set up for that.

I'm also happy to offer some family counselling, and parenting support.

Please reach out and we can discuss what would be helpful for you and your family!

Question 11

Do you offer couples/marriage counselling?

Accepted Answer

I'm not currently welcoming new couples into my practice, but am happy to continue seeing current or past couples counselling clients.

Question 12

What is your time zone?

Accepted Answer

Pacific Standard Time.

Question 13

What's your social media policy?

Accepted Answer

Social media can be useful tool to build connection and share resources, but as a registered clinical counsellor, there are some guidelines I must follow.

1) I cannot follow any past or current clients as it may constitute a break in confidentiality. As well, viewing your social media could jeopardize the work we do together by providing information outside of the counselling session. (While I won't see your cute dog on Instagram, I'd love to meet him during a virtual session!!).

2) Interacting with clients must happen off social media, so please use my website, email info@dvscounselling.ca (info@dvscounselling.ca)or give me a call at 1-506-306-5002 to set up a session.

3) There is no expectation that a client will follow my page. I use it as a tool to share happy life moments (ex. photography, nature, baking...) and follow other mental health providers.

Question 14

My partner and I are separated, do we both need to sign our child's consent forms?

Accepted Answer

This is a really important question, and the answer is yes.

If you and your partner are separated, I will require informed consent from both legal guardians before initiating counselling services with a child or youth.

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Danielle van Schaik, MA, RCC, CCC