Questions about counselling
Practical information about sessions, privacy and finding the right support.
Getting started
Do I need to know exactly what to say?
No. You can start with what has been difficult lately, what you hope might change, or a question. I will help guide the conversation, and you can choose how much to share.
What if the fit is not right?
You can tell me if an approach does not feel helpful, ask to change the focus or decide not to continue. If your needs fall outside my scope, I can discuss other support options with you.
Appointments and costs
What do I need for an online session?
Sessions take place through Jane’s video platform. Use the join link in your appointment email or sign in to your Jane account to open your appointment when the join option is available.
A device with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection and a private space where you can talk. Headphones may help with privacy. Before the first session, I confirm connection instructions, your location and a plan if the connection drops.
Online sessions are offered to clients located in British Columbia.
Can we meet in person in Surrey?
Yes, by prior arrangement and subject to counselling-room availability. I confirm the location and appointment details with you before booking. There is no permanent walk-in office.
Which languages can I use in sessions?
I offer counselling in English, Hindi and Punjabi. Let me know which language you prefer when arranging your consultation.
What if the standard fee is difficult to afford?
A limited number of reduced-fee places are available by arrangement. You can raise affordability during your free consultation.
I have a brief conversation with you and agree on a fee before the first session. I do not routinely ask for tax returns or bank statements. The arrangement is reviewed together after six sessions, without an automatic increase or end to counselling.
Can I use benefits or ICBC coverage?
Some benefit plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors. Check your plan’s eligibility, limits and receipt requirements. My BCACC member number is 22807.
I offer direct billing for eligible, approved ICBC counselling. Coverage and approval requirements are confirmed before booking. Read about ICBC and fees
Privacy and teens
Is counselling confidential?
Your privacy matters. Before counselling begins, I explain how information is handled and the limits to confidentiality. Exceptions can include a serious, imminent risk of harm, a legal duty to protect a child, or a court requirement.
I also explain any information-sharing requirements connected with third-party funding, such as ICBC, so you can make an informed decision. You can ask questions about privacy at any point.
For teens: will you tell my parents?
Before we begin, we’ll talk about what stays private and when I may need to share information for safety or legal reasons. I do not automatically give parents a detailed account of your sessions. You can ask about privacy before deciding what to share.
We’ll also discuss whether you can give your own consent to counselling or whether a parent or guardian needs to be involved. A young person who can consent as a “mature minor” has the same confidentiality standards as an adult client, including safety and legal exceptions.
When appropriate, we’ll talk together about how a parent or caregiver could support you. Read about the limits to confidentiality
For parents and caregivers: how can I be involved?
I work with teens aged 13 and up. Before starting, I discuss consent, privacy and caregiver involvement with the teen and, where appropriate, their parent or guardian.
We clarify what information can be shared, with whom and under what circumstances. When appropriate, I discuss with the teen how you can support the counselling work.
Types of support
Can I ask about neurodivergence or learning differences?
Yes. You can ask about support with the emotional and everyday concerns that bring you to counselling, whether or not you have a diagnosis. We discuss your needs, preferred ways of communicating and whether my approach is a suitable fit.
This practice does not offer formal ADHD, learning-disability, giftedness or psychoeducational assessments. If assessment or specialist support is what you need, we can discuss other options.
Can I talk about stress connected with a health condition?
You can bring worries, uncertainty, changes in identity or relationship pressures related to your health. We discuss what counselling may help with and whether additional support is needed. Medical diagnosis and treatment remain with your healthcare provider.
Does this practice offer medical care?
My experience in healthcare and mental health informs my counselling perspective. At In-sight I provide counselling, not physician services, prescriptions or medical assessments.
For medical care, please contact your doctor or nurse practitioner. If there is immediate danger, call 911. Find urgent support