Frequently asked questions.

Getting Started with Therapy

  • People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons: low mood, anxiety, relationship patterns, stress, grief, life transitions, identity questions, or feeling stuck. Sometimes it’s about sorting through something specific, and other times it’s more about wanting space to reflect, process, and feel supported.

  • If you’ve been thinking about therapy, there’s a good chance it could be helpful. You don’t need to be in crisis or even know exactly what your goals are; we can figure it out together. Therapy can be a space to better understand yourself, gain clarity, and work toward meaningful changes.

  • Therapy is a collaborative and vulnerable experience where we explore situations and challenges together. We might look at patterns in thoughts and behaviours, build coping strategies, clarify values, or simply create space to slow down and reflect. We may engage in worksheets or other activities, psychoeducation, or we may focus solely on conversation. Every session can look a little different depending on what you need.

    It’s completely normal to feel worse before you start feeling better. Processing and making changes is a lot of work, but creating space to allow yourself to feel everything you need to feel is important for growth.

  • The field of therapy in Canada has provincial regulatory bodies, so you may notice clinicians have differing professional titles depending on where they are located. In Ontario, for example, the regulatory body is the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, so practitioners in Ontario are called “Psychotherapists”. In PEI, the regulatory body is the College of Counselling Therapists of PEI, so practitioners are called “Counselling Therapists”. Therapists may be registered in more than one province, and they also may have clients located outside of the province where they are registered.

    All that being said, not all provinces are regulated!

    Learn more about regulation and professional titles on the College of Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s (CCPA) website here.

Choosing the Right Fit

  • A therapeutic modality is just a fancy way of saying the approach or framework a therapist uses. There are lots of different ones (like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, etc.), but you don’t need to know them all. What matters most is that the approach fits your needs and the therapist explains things in a way that makes sense to you.

  • A good fit usually means you feel heard, respected, and like the space is one where you can be yourself. The first few sessions can help you get a feel for this. It’s okay (and encouraged!) to ask questions and trust your gut.

Types of Therapy & Access

  • It depends on what works best for your life. Some people prefer the feel of being in a room together, while others love the ease and comfort of logging in from home. Virtual therapy can be just as effective and accessible for many people. While in-person therapy is not currently offered with KS Counselling & Wellness, in-person options may be available in Charlottetown, PEI. Please reach out for more details.

  • Virtual sessions offer convenience, flexibility, and comfort, especially if you feel most at ease in your own space. It’s also a great option for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to in-person care.

  • Sessions are held virtually and available to those 18+ living in Canada. I am currently registered in both Ontario and PEI. You must be physically located in Canada during your sessions.

  • Therapy services are provided to those over the age of 18. Currently, only one-on-one sessions are offered.

The Therapy Process

  • Some people come for a few sessions to work through something specific. Others choose to stay longer for ongoing support, personal growth, or a regular check-in space. You get to decide what feels right, and we’ll check in along the way to make sure it’s working for you.

    As for frequency, many clients start with weekly or biweekly sessions. Over time, sessions may be spaced out more, depending on your needs and goals. Frequency is something that will be talked about openly and adjusted as needed.

Preparing & Participating

  • Before a session, it’s important to have something in mind to talk about; something you’ve been thinking about, feeling, or dealing with lately.

    After a session, some people like to journal, take a walk, or have quiet time to process. There’s no perfect formula, do what helps you reflect and take care of yourself.

  • To help you get the most out of our time together, here are a few tips for creating a comfortable and effective space for virtual sessions:

    • Find a quiet, private, and well-lit spot where you feel safe to speak freely, without distractions.

    • Wear comfortable clothing, whatever helps you feel relaxed and present.

    • Please don’t drive during your session. If you're in your car, pull over to a quiet, private location (like an empty parking lot), or we can reschedule for another time.

    • Check your internet connection to make sure it's secure and stable before we start.

    • Choose a space where you can sit upright, like at a desk, on a chair, or a couch. Being out of bed and dressed for the day can help keep a clear line between therapy time and rest time.

    • Have a pen and paper handy as you may want to take your own notes or be asked to write something down.

    • Feel free to bring a tea, water, or any comfort drink to sip during your session.

  • You can learn about the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s (CCPA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice here.

    You can also access helpful information on the College of Counselling Therapy of PEI’s (CCTPEI) website.