What to Expect
Challenges and Benefits
As with any service, there are many challenges and benefits. Our hope is that by entering into the counselling
relationship that your situation will get better. However, there are times when circumstances get worse before they get better.
Sometimes our family and friends might not support us or be willing to change.
At times, conversations might bring up difficult emotions or experiences.
Further, entering into a counselling relationship is about timing and readiness.
Issues Addressed
Depression | Anxiety | Parenting Concerns | Grief & Loss
Relationship Concerns | Self-Esteem | History of Trauma | Anger
Modalities Provided
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy | Brief Solution Focused Therapy | Narrative Therapy | Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Acceptance Commitment Therapy | Principles from Art and Play Therapy | Trauma Informed
Location
In person and virtual sessions available
Fees for Service
Option 1:
Individual Counselling – Women, children, or adolescents
Cost: $140 for 60 minutes
Family Counselling – Parent(s)/caregiver(s) and children
Cost: $140 for 60 minutes
Option 2:
Finances should not be a barrier to accessing counselling.
Limited Sliding Scale Fee Appointments available
Cost: $70 for 60 minutes
All payments are made by e-transfer to billing@claircounselling.com
Receipts issued upon payment may be used for reimbursement with your benefit provider.
Health Benefits
Some employers provide coverage for Registered Social Workers through your health benefits plan.
Please be sure to specifically clarify your coverage for a Registered Social Worker with a
“Bachelor’s Designation (BSW)” in order to obtain reimbursement.
NOTE: Some Providers only cover Social Workers who have their
“Masters Designation (MSW).” If this is the case you might be able to use your health spending account
or keep receipts to possibly claim under Medical Expenses on your tax returns.
Danielle Pender, B.S.W., R.S.W. Registration number 522673
Missed Appointments or Late Cancellations
Life happens and at times circumstances occur beyond our control! For the first missed appointment or late cancellation, you will not be charged.
However, for the second occurrence, and to prevent being charged for missed appointments or late cancellations, please contact Danielle ASAP.
Missed appointments and late cancellations (those cancelled within 24 hours of appt) will require full payment of $140.
Future scheduling of appointments will not occur until your account has been paid in full.
Responsibilities
The counselling relationship is a partnership.
To get the most out of our conversations please consider the following:
1. Be on time
2. Be Honest and Open:
Share your thoughts, feelings and experiences truthfully
3. Participate Actively:
Engage in discussion and be an active participant (as best as you can).
Share what is working and what is not so adjustments can be made.
4. Be prepared to share what you want different in life:
Together we will discuss what is most important or pressing for you.
We will determine what you hope to be different in your life and “indicators of progress.”
5. Ask Questions:
Please feel comfortable to ask questions if something is unclear or confusing.
6. Be Respectful
7. Stay committed:
Be committed to the process, even when it feels challenging or uncomfortable
8. Practice Self-Care:
It is important to nourish yourself, taking care of your mind, body and soul.
Confidentiality
Information shared during the counselling process is confidential.
A counsellor will not share any information with anyone else,
unless you provide permission for us to do so, e.g. physician, another service provider.
There are times during the course of the counseling relationship, I may seek additional professional consultation
and/or supervision to assist in growing professionally and in providing you the best possible care.
During these supervision sessions or consultations, identifying information is not shared.
Exceptions to Confidentiality
As Registered Social Workers, there are times when we are required to share information without your consent.
These are as follows:
We are required to report any misconduct of another professional to their governing body.
We are legally required to respond to any concerns regarding safety.
This may include circumstances involving the abuse of a child, suicidal or homicidal concerns.
During these situations, you and your counsellor will decide on the best course of action and how to involve others,
e.g. police, the children’s aid society, to assist in ensuring safety.
There may be times when we are required to release a participant’s file as required
by a search warrant, subpoena, court order or legal statute.
Complaints
All information is good information! Please feel welcome to share with me your experience with the counseling relationship.
If there is something being said or done that is not sitting right with you, please let’s have a conversation.
Social Workers are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
We are bound by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
If you are not comfortable speaking with me about a matter or feel you have been treated unfairly, you may contact the College to make a complaint.
Link for College: https://www.ocswssw.org/