Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Whether you’ve been thinking about counselling for months or only started looking today, it’s normal to have questions.

You might be wondering:

• How do I know if I need counselling?
• What actually happens in a therapy session?
• Will my insurance cover it?
• How do I choose the right counsellor?
• What if I don’t know what to say?

At Juniper Counselling in Port Moody, we believe that asking these questions is a sign of courage—and we are hear for it! Our goal is to make the process feel clear, welcoming, and free from unnecessary jargon.

This guide answers the questions we hear most often from people considering counselling. If you have any other questions after reading this feel free to email Kristen, our Clinical Director at [email protected]. She’s happy to email, text or set up a quick chat!

How Do I Know If It’s Time to See a Counsellor?

Many people assume therapy is only for moments of crisis. The truth is, counselling can help long before things reach a breaking point. You don’t need to wait until you’re overwhelmed. You don’t even have to know why you’re thinking about therapy.

Some common reasons people seek counselling include:

• Anxiety or constant worry
• Feeling emotionally exhausted or burnt out
• Relationship difficulties
• Stress from work or school
• Grief or loss
• Life transitions
• Trauma
• Low mood
• Self-esteem concerns
• Parenting challenges
• Feeling “stuck”
• Wanting to understand yourself better

You also don’t need to have a diagnosis to benefit from therapy.

Sometimes people simply want a safe place to think out loud with someone who won’t judge them.

What Happens During Your First Counselling Session?

One of the biggest worries people have is:

“What if I don’t know what to say?”

Don’t worry—you don’t have to arrive with a perfect explanation of what’s going on.

Your first appointment is about getting to know each other.

We’ll typically explore:

• what brings you in
• what’s been happening recently
• your goals
• your strengths
• what’s already helping
• any questions you have about therapy

Therapy works best when trust develops over time. There’s no pressure to tell your whole life story at once. Think of the first session more like opening a door than emptying the whole house.

How Long Does Counselling Take?

There isn’t one answer.

Some people come for three or four sessions to work through a specific issue.

Others continue for several months while making meaningful life changes.

Counselling isn’t about keeping you in therapy forever.

Our goal is to help you develop skills, confidence, insight, and resilience so you feel able to navigate life’s challenges long after therapy ends.

Does Insurance Cover Counselling?

Many extended health benefit plans cover sessions with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs).

Coverage varies depending on your provider and plan.

If you’re unsure, check:

• annual counselling allowance
• reimbursement percentage
• whether an RCC or RSW’s are covered

Our team is happy to provide receipts for insurance claims. And we now offer Direct Billing with select providers. Just provide your insurance information when you book your first session. We take care of the rest.

How Do I Choose the Right Therapist?

Research consistently shows that the relationship between client and therapist is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes.

Credentials matter.

Experience matters.

But feeling comfortable with your therapist matters too.

When choosing a counsellor, consider:

• Do you feel understood?
• Do you feel emotionally safe?
• Does their approach make sense to you?
• Do they have experience with your concerns?
• Do they explain things clearly?

It’s okay if your first therapist isn’t the right fit. Finding the right match is part of the process. We won’t take it personally and are happy to work with you to get it just right… every pot has a top!

Online or In-Person Therapy?

Both can be highly effective. Many people appreciate the flexibility of virtual counselling, while others enjoy having a dedicated space away from home.

At Juniper Counselling, we offer both in-person counselling in Port Moody and secure online sessions throughout British Columbia, so there’s no need to choose -most use a hybrid option based on your needs week to week:)

What Types of Therapy Do You Use?

With so much information online, it’s easy to feel like you need to find a therapist who offers the latest “must-have” therapy approach. While different therapeutic approaches can be helpful for different people, research consistently shows that the single biggest predictor of successful therapy isn’t the modality—it’s the relationship you build with your therapist.

A skilled therapist doesn’t rely on one technique for every person. Instead, they draw from a range of evidence-based approaches and adapt them to your unique goals, experiences, and personality. In other words, finding someone you feel safe with, understood by, and connected to is far more important than finding someone who practices one specific type of therapy.

Our counsellors draw from evidence-based therapies, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• EMDR
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Mindfulness-based approaches
• Trauma-informed care

Rather than forcing you into one model, we tailor therapy to your goals, personality, and lived experiences.

What If I’m Nervous?

Almost everyone is.

Starting therapy means allowing someone to see parts of your life that may feel vulnerable.

That takes bravery.

You don’t need to have the right words.

You don’t need to know exactly what you need.

You just need to be willing to begin.

Our job is to meet you where you are—with kindness, curiosity, and compassion.

Why Choose Juniper Counselling?

At Juniper Counselling, we believe therapy should feel human.

We’re not interested in labelling people or trying to “fix” them.

Instead, we help people understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, build resilience, and create meaningful change.

Our team offers support for:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• ADHD
• Burnout
• Relationships
• Youth and teen mental health
• Parenting
• Life transitions
• Stress
• Self-esteem
• Emotional regulation

Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply want to invest in your wellbeing, we’re here to help.

Our philosophy is simple:

We create safe spaces so you can be brave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No. You can book directly.

How long are sessions?

Most appointments are approximately 50 minutes.

What if I cry?

That’s completely okay.

Many people do, and many don’t.

There is no “right” way to experience therapy.

What if therapy isn’t for me?

We’ll work together to determine whether counselling is the right fit. If another service would better meet your needs, we’ll help point you in the right direction.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating a difficult life transition, feeling burnt out, or simply looking for a place to better understand yourself, we’re here to help.

If you’re looking for compassionate, evidence-based therapy in Port Moody, we’d be honoured to meet you.

Contact Juniper Counselling to book your first appointment and take the next step toward better mental health.