What technology do I need for virtual counselling?

Just a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and a private space. You'll get a simple link before each session.

Can ICBC-covered sessions be virtual?

Yes. ICBC covers virtual counselling the same way it covers in-person sessions.

What if my internet connection is unreliable?

We can switch to a phone call if needed, the important part is that we connect, not the format.

Virtual Counselling BC | What to Expect From Online Counselling

Q: Is virtual counselling as effective as in-person?

Virtual counselling can be effective for many people, and some clients prefer it because they can attend from home without travelling.

A lot of people have questions about how virtual counselling actually works — especially if they've never done it before.

Does it just involve talking on video? Is there homework? How long until things improve? What do you actually need at home to make it work?

This guide answers those questions clearly and honestly, so you know what to expect before you begin.

What Is Virtual Counselling?

Virtual counselling means your sessions take place over secure video technology instead of in an office. You join from wherever you are — home, your vehicle during a break, a private room at work — as long as you have a device and a reasonably private space. The session itself works much like an in-person appointment: the same conversation, the same approaches, just over a screen instead of across a room.

What If I Don't Know What to Talk About?

You don't need to arrive with a tidy explanation of what's wrong. Most people don't. We start wherever you are — sometimes that's a specific problem, sometimes it's just "I don't feel like myself and I'm not sure why." Describing what's been going on is usually enough to start finding the thread together.

What Technology Do I Need?

Here's how a virtual session works in practice:

You book your session online through Jane App
You receive a secure video link before your appointment
At session time, you click the link from any device — phone, tablet, or computer
The session runs just like an in-person appointment, over a private and encrypted video connection

All you need for virtual counselling: a private space where you won't be interrupted, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

Virtual sessions are available to anyone in British Columbia — whether you're in Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Campbell River, or a rural community across the island or province.

Can I Do Counselling From Home?

Yes, and most clients do. It doesn't need to be a perfect setup. A few things that help: a room with a door if you have one, headphones if privacy is limited, a stable internet connection, and a spot where you can be reasonably comfortable. If a fully private room isn't available, some clients join from a parked car or use headphones so the conversation stays private even in a shared space. You don't need a perfect therapy environment — just one where you can speak honestly.

How Long Are Counselling Sessions?

Individual counselling sessions at Rediscovered Purpose are 50 minutes. This is the standard length for one-on-one therapy and gives enough time to go deep without becoming overwhelming.

A shorter half-session option (25 minutes, $90) is also available for individuals who want a focused check-in, are working on a specific skill, or are building up gradually. Half-sessions are available for individual counselling only.

Couples and family sessions are also 50 minutes.

What Happens During a Typical Session?

Every session is different depending on where you are in the process, but most sessions follow a natural flow:

Check-in — We start by catching up on how you've been since the last session. What came up? What shifted? What felt hard?
Focus — We identify what to work on today. Sometimes this is planned in advance; other times it's shaped by what's most present for you right now.
Exploration — We dig into the topic together, drawing on whichever approach fits your goals best — whether that's CBT, narrative therapy, EMI, mindfulness-based techniques, or a combination.
Integration — We close the session by summarizing key insights, naming what felt important, and identifying any practical steps or reflections to carry forward.

Sessions are structured but not rigid. You are always welcome to redirect, slow down, or shift focus.

What Approaches Are Used?

Counselling at Rediscovered Purpose draws from a few different modalities depending on your needs:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — for anxiety, depression, and changing unhelpful thought patterns
Narrative Therapy — for reframing your story and reclaiming your identity
EMI (Eye Movement Integration) — for processing trauma and distressing memories. See What is EMI Therapy?
Mindfulness-Based Approaches — for nervous system regulation and anxiety
Emotion-Focused Techniques — for understanding and working with your emotional responses

The approach is always tailored to you — not a one-size-fits-all formula, whether that means processing trauma, working through anxiety, or a space built specifically for men's mental health.

Virtual counselling can be an effective option for many people, and some clients prefer it because they can attend from home without travelling.

How Often Should You Attend Counselling?

Most people start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions. This consistency helps build momentum and gives you time to apply what you're working on between appointments.

As things improve, many clients move to monthly sessions for ongoing support and maintenance.

There is no set number of sessions required. Some people see meaningful change in 6–8 sessions. Others prefer longer-term support. You're always in control of the pace.

How Do You Know If Counselling is Working?

Progress in counselling doesn't always feel linear. Some sessions feel transformative; others feel quieter. Both are part of the process.

Signs that counselling is working often include:

Feeling more clarity about what you're experiencing
Noticing small but consistent shifts in how you respond to stress
Improved sleep, mood, or energy
Feeling more in control and less overwhelmed
Relationships beginning to feel easier

We check in regularly about how things are going, and adjust the approach if needed.

Is Virtual Counselling Private?

Yes — everything shared in sessions is strictly confidential, whether the session is virtual or in-person. As a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) registered with the CCPA, I follow a professional code of ethics around privacy and confidentiality. Virtual sessions run over an encrypted video connection, the same as any secure video call.

The only exceptions involve situations of imminent risk of harm — and these limits are always explained clearly at the start of our work together. Full details are in the Privacy Policy.

Is Counselling Covered by Insurance?

Many extended health benefit plans in BC cover counselling with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). I offer direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Green Shield, and other providers.

If your counselling is related to a motor vehicle accident, ICBC direct billing may also be available. Call your insurer to confirm your coverage before your first session.

In-Person Sessions in Nanaimo & Virtual Sessions Across BC

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What to Expect From Virtual Counselling in BC