All counsellors and interns at Turning Point Therapy are highly trained and dedicated to providing you with a counselling environment that is caring, non-judgemental and respectful of the uniqueness of everyone.  We are engaged in ongoing study and personal exploration.  All of our counsellors have been involved in their own therapy and understand the process from both sides.  Each therapist has their own style and presence and we encourage you to read their personal information.

Our Counselling Approach

How we create safety in the therapeutic relationship

You decide what you are willing to share

The focus of the sessions is up to you. There may be times that your therapist might refer to something that we had addressed previously. If you don't want to talk about something, you will not be pressed. Instead we will simply focus on what is emerging. In other words, your physical and emotional boundaries will be respected.

We go into emotional material that you are able to tolerate

We go at your speed and rhythm. It is important that you do not feel overwhelmed by emotions and painful material, otherwise you will just shut down again. So we keep assessing what feels tolerable as we go along. You will not have to tell the 'story' over and over again.  Research into trauma clearly shows you do not have to recall or explain all of the details  to release traumatic material.

You are not alone in your experience

Your therapist will be there for you and working to understand what you are experiencing. Knowing that someone is beside you brings comfort and acceptance that makes it easier to bear painful material.

Process experiences in the therapeutic relationship

Relationships are where our reactions, fears, and defenses get activated.  The therapeutic relationship provides an experience, as these processes occur, where you can address them with your therapist. We encourage all our clients to address any issues that come up towards the therapist. This is important therapeutic material and as you feel more comfortable sharing what you are experiencing towards your therapist trust develops. This process may well positively shift your experience of relationships and responsible, caring communication.

What does a mind – body approach to trauma treatment mean?

• Trauma is both held in the body and in the mind.  We hold energy in the body from unreleased traumatic responses of fear, helplessness, tension, shame and anger. This energy forms patterns of response to the world if it remains unexpressed that keeps the body in a crisis state and puts stress on the body; that stress can cause illness. The mind develops beliefs and thoughts associated with the emotional and physical responses to the trauma. A therapist who takes a mind-body approach can help you to release traumatic experiences safely.  Chronic effects of trauma cause difficulties with emotional expression, relationships, concentration and memory, depression, dissociation and physical illness.

• Trauma separates you from your body.  It is essential that you are able to discharge your emotional pain. If you can't do this or were never shown how, the only option is to somehow disconnect from the overload on the body (dissociate).   80% of your experience of the world is communicated from your body to your brain (called bottom up processing). If we have cut off from our body then we are missing most of this information, which makes it difficult to trust ourselves and make decisions. A brain-based approach sees connecting with the body as essential to a healthy life.

• Reconnecting with your body involves learning to regulate overwhelming emotions so that you can tolerate them and process trauma safely and effectively.

FEES AND APPOINTMENTS

Counselling is available for individual sessions, couples and families.  A  free 15 mins phone consultation is available.  Read about what to expect  and the things to consider before making an appointment.  Therapy requires a commitment of time and effort to get the most out of the process.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT

You can book online!

Fees.

Individual and couples counselling fees range from $100 – $125 plus HST per session.  These fees are in line with suggested rates for Registered Clinical Counsellors. Sessions are 50 – 60 minutes long.  Chris and Delyse have their own fee structure, please contact them directly for information and possibility of any subsidized places.

Low Cost Counselling

Turning Point Therapy is able to offer low cost counselling through our intern program.  Students from masters level courses have to complete a practicum as part of their training.  All students are supervised by Delyse.  As they are in training the cost for sessions is significantly reduced. Fees for Intern counsellor are $50 incl HST, $60 for couples.  To be considered for this program contact Delyse by phone at 604 329 6006 or email.

When you call to make an appointment you will generally be  able to get an appointment within a week  from the time you call. Clients usually pay by cash or cheque at each appointment unless alternate third party payment has been arranged in advance. Some extended health benefits such as Great West Life and Pacific Blue Cross will cover a Registered Clinical Counsellor.  You should check directly with your provider to find out what kind of coverage you have.

Cancellations and missed appointments

The session that you book is time reserved exclusively for your benefit. Our cancellation policy is based on fairness to you, the counsellor, and other clients needing appointments. A session that is missed, rescheduled, or canceled with less than 24 hours' notice of your appointment time will be charged the full fee, unless we can rebook the time. We strive to be respectful of your time as well and have given free sessions when we missed a scheduled appointment.  Everyone's time is important.