FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For answers to your FAQ’s, please click below to find out more.

COVID UPDATE: JULY 202O

We continue to provide services online, by telephone and now also in the community when required. Our governing bodies continue to encourage service delivery online as the safest method during Covid. We are currently finalizing preparations to return to our counselling offices in Oshawa, operational procedures such as: the number of people, PPE requirements, sanitizing and physical distancing, etc. At this point it appears mid-September may be a reasonable date to consider to begin the gradual return to our offices. Your safety along with the safety of our staff, interns and volunteers is our primary concern. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19:

WE EACH HAVE OWNERSHIP IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF COVID- 19. WE CAN DO SO BY:

Frequently washing your hands or using hand sanitizing products. Hand sanitizer products will be available in our offices.
Avoiding touching your face.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand.
Consider and discuss video-based or telephone counselling options with your counsellor if you wish to at this time.
Pray for a speedy resolution to this health crisis.

Why is counselling beneficial?

Think of counselling like coaching: getting assistance on strategies for the game of life. Stressful situations may build up or, on occasion, awful things may occur in our lives which leave us wondering what to do. It is important to get assistance when we are struggling with extra stress. Counselling can provide a space for venting while also having access to information, resources, and guidance.

In addition, family dynamics and historical events may get in the way of having the most effective relationships. Counselling can assist you with identifying the factors contributing to troubles and the tools or skills that can lead to relationship improvements. We are fully trained in a variety of therapeutic interventions for relationships such as coaching effective communication (verbal and nonverbal), problem-solving and conflict resolution. Therapists work with many couples who are dealing with separation and divorce, therefore counselling may be used as an information resource and to prevent problems which may otherwise occur down the road. Counselling also helps develop great skills for co-parenting effectively after divorce.

What are the costs/fees?

The investment of time and dollars into your health, relationships and mental health strengthening are an investment in your life. Our fees are posted on our Fees & Policies page. Many people will have coverage for our services through insurance, requiring little or no financial cost. Others may struggle to afford counselling so we developed our Food 4 Thought Thursdays program- see services page. Unlike other practices, Jeff Packer MSW & Associates Inc. does not charge for extra people to attend (parents, siblings, partners, co-workers, etc.) so bring in others. The more people working to improve relationships together, the sooner we can achieve our goals.

It is important to seek coverage options, whether through health insurance plans or employee assistance programs through your workplace. We view this as an investment for your future and as a preventative tool for problems that may occur down the road.

Who can attend counselling?

We see people of all ages, from toddlers to over 80 years of age. Children over the age of 12 can receive counselling without parental consent, however we encourage family support and teamwork whenever possible. Children younger than 12 may attend counselling with parental approval. Jeff Packer MSW & Associates believe it is very important for both/all parents or caregivers to approve of and be informed about counselling as much as is appropriate. We will often meet with parents prior to seeing the child to collect important background developmental history, identify and address concerns, and to discover goals that they wish for their child(ren).

How long is a therapy session?

Our sessions are generally 60 minutes. The intake session is a bit longer, an hour and a half. People have the right to book longer sessions in advance, especially those who are commuting.

How can I know what I talk about is kept confidential?

Everything discussed in therapy is kept confidential, except in the case that there is intent to harm others or yourself or in the rare case that courts require certain information from sessions. Please see our policy and rates page for more information regarding our confidentiality policy.

How long does counselling take?

The length of therapy is usually negotiated between the person and the therapist. Some people may benefit from a single session and others from eight to 12. Couples usually attend at a heightened stress level, in which we recommend a minimum of six to eight sessions.

In cases of chronic addictions or obsessive behaviours (disordered eating, substance misuse, sexual addictions, OCD, etc.) therapy is usually a longer-term commitment—one year or more (20+sessions), depending on the person and other supports set in place (such as family supports, group therapy, other treatment programs, sponsors, etc).

How can I tell if therapy is working?

You should feel better and see results! We assess current levels of functioning at the initial point of evaluation and together we monitor your progress relative to your initial baseline assessment sessions. Within three to four sessions, you should see improvement with self-awareness, strategies for coping, and relationship skill building.

It is important to do regular evaluations through your therapeutic process. We ask questions at the end of each session to ensure that each time you see us learning takes place and there is something for you to take away. When we see you for follow up sessions we actively seek your input on what you’d like to discuss and the goals you’d like to set in place. It’s not really therapy that works, it’s you! You do the work; we’re just your coaches to provide direction, educate new skills and guide you through the change process.

FINDING SOLUTIONS TOGETHER

Reach out and we will do our very best to help you with this challenging part of your journey.