Your first counselling session is a chance to take a deep breath and begin feeling supported. It typically lasts between 50 to 80 minutes and is all about getting to know you—your experiences, what’s been weighing on you, and what brought you to therapy. It’s also a chance for you to get to know your therapist and start creating a path forward together, so you feel clear about the process and what to expect.

The time often goes by quickly, so if you’d like extra space to talk and settle in, you may want to book the 80-minute session for your first visit. Whatever you choose, we're here to meet you where you are and help you move forward at a pace that feels right for you.

Therapy is a personal journey, and the timeline for noticing changes varies from person to person. Some people feel a sense of relief after their very first session, simply from being heard and understood. For others, noticeable shifts may take a few weeks as they begin applying insights and tools from therapy to daily life.

The pace of progress depends on many factors, including the challenges you're facing, how often you attend sessions, and the work you do between them. Our goal is to support you in creating meaningful, lasting change—at a pace that feels right for you.

Many extended health benefits plans in Alberta cover therapy sessions with a Registered Psychologist, and an increasing number are also covering Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCC). Coverage varies by provider, so we encourage you to check with your benefits provider to confirm:

• Who is covered? (e.g., Registered Psychologists, Certified Canadian Counsellors)

• How much coverage do you have? (e.g., annual limits, per-session maximums)

If you’re unsure where to start, we’re happy to help guide you through the process. We’ll also work with you to create a plan that fits within your coverage so you can get the support you need without financial stress.