Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling
Below are some questions we are asked frequently. Please have a look through them and if you have any questions left unanswered, please reach out to us here, or through the contact form at the bottom of the page!
How can I book an appointment?
Easily! You can book an appointment on your own or you can contact us directly to assist in the process.
This process involves you creating an account for yourself through our Janeapp booking software, which gives you access to book appointments through our clinic’s calendar. This way you can find a date/time that works best for you! You can also cancel and reschedule appointments (if it’s outside of the 24-hour window) through your account.
Is there a limit to how many times I can see a counsellor?
Typically not. Zenith Counselling allows you the flexibility to determine your session limit with your counsellor to ensure your treatment meets your expectations. Clients usually see their sessions limited when their counselling is subsidized. This is generally a feature of nonprofit agencies that provide an affordable option to counselling.
This is a conversation we definitely encourage you to have with your counsellor as this is a part that they factor into your treatment plan, in addition to how often you meet for sessions (i.e. weekly, biweekly, etc).
Can you give me a diagnosis or prescribe medication?
No and no. Though we welcome questions such as those regarding the process of getting diagnosed, what a diagnosis could mean for your treatment plan, and the impact that a diagnosis could have on your mental wellbeing, psychotherapists and social workers do not generally have the training or education to provide diagnoses to their clients.
There is definitely value to be found in receiving a diagnosis or a prescription to enhance your mental wellbeing. Your family doctor is usually a reliable place to begin when it comes to receiving a diagnosis or prescription. They have the option of linking you up with a psychologist or psychiatrist through a referral. If you do not have a family doctor and you’re actively seeking one, you can register through the region’s Health Care Connect service.
What’s the difference between a Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
This distinction is crucial to understand before you access services for your treatment as the processes to access each of these professionals have varying levels of difficulty. The main differences between each of these professionals comes down to their ability to provide formal mental health diagnoses and to prescribe psychiatric medication.
Psychotherapists gain this distinction after receiving their Masters degree and becoming members of the CRPO/OCSWSSW. They can neither diagnose or prescribe medication, but they are generally more focused on counselling and therapy to treat your mental health challenges. They are usually the easiest to access among these professionals.
Psychologists have received their PhD in clinical psychology and gain this distinction upon becoming members of the CPO. They generally use their sessions for assessment of your symptoms, behaviours, etc. to provide a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. Psychotherapists can talk to you about your diagnoses, but only psychologists can provide you with one. They cannot prescribe medication, however.
Psychiatrists generally receive their MD through medical school. These professionals can diagnose and prescribe medication. Sessions with them are usually brief, directed by the psychiatrist, and less frequent. Accessing this resource is likely the most difficult of the three as it requires a referral from your family doctor and waitlists can be lengthy.
Can’t I Just Take Medication Instead of Going to Counselling?
Short answer? You could, but it may not deliver the long-term results you’re seeking. Comparing medication and psychotherapy has become more commonplace with the decreased stigma of mental health. How “best,” to treat it has been an ongoing debate since the 20th century. So the question is a provocative one, but not necessarily one that will provide you with clarity.
Medication is favourable when mental health challenges are acute and debilitating. If you find that day-to-day functioning is an absolute grind that you’d prefer to avoid entirely by remaining in bed or that your emotions make it near impossible to interact with other people, then medication may be the more viable option to support you at that time. It can provide short-term relief which counselling may be hard-pressed to deliver.
Counselling becomes more viable in providing understanding and long-term wellness, which can lead to more sustainable results over time. There are counselling practices that are designed to respond to crisis situations, however therapy shines in encouraging you as you make lasting changes in your life. Learning from your struggle, sitting with the difficult moments, and embracing your vulnerability are essential elements of the change process. Counselling is a treatment that promotes this in ways that medication cannot.
Still have questions about counselling?
Reach out below!
