Psychotherapy FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Arc Psychology Services
Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about our range of services, including how assessment and therapy work, session length, and what to expect from your work with us.
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Deciding between a counsellor and a psychologist can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already going through a challenging time. We understand.
At its core, the distinction is fairly straightforward:
A psychologist has more extensive scientific and clinical training, can provide formal psychological assessment and diagnosis, and works across a wide range of mental health concerns.
A counsellor specialises in therapeutic support for emotional, relational, and situational issues and focuses on helping clients manage life challenges and build coping strategies.
Please note that although we as psychologists are trained to assess and treat complex concerns, we often do engage in supportive therapy and counselling, depending on need and a person’s goals for their work. -
We do not prescribe medications.
For pharmacological interventions, please consult your family physician or psychiatrist. If you are currently taking medication, we are happy to connect and communicate with your physician regarding your care.
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You do not need a referral from a doctor or a professional. You are welcome to self-refer by reaching out directly through our contact form.
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Therapists are ethically obligated to maintain confidentiality, with specific legal exceptions, including disclosures involving risk of harm to self or others.
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A psychodiagnostic assessment is a thorough evaluation designed to clarify your child’s or teen’s mental health profile. Families often seek an assessment when concerns feel persistent, confusing, or complex — when they are trying to understand what may be going on beneath the surface.
An assessment of this nature can help identify whether a specific mental health condition is present, explain patterns of behaviour or emotion, and provide clear, evidence-based guidance for next steps. For many families, the greatest benefit is clarity and a concrete plan for moving forward. Please note that Arc Psychology does not offer psychoeducational assessments at this time.
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Therapy is an ongoing, collaborative process focused on treatment and change. While it may deepen insight over time, its primary aim is growth, skill building, and sustained guidance and support within a trusted therapeutic relationship.
A psychodiagnostic assessment is time-limited and focused on gaining clarity. It provides a comprehensive understanding of your child’s strengths, challenges, and possible diagnoses, along with specific recommendations to guide future care.
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Assessments are often helpful when there are questions about anxiety, mood changes, emotion regulation, behavioural difficulties, or other mental health concerns that feel complex, persistent, or unclear.
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The process typically includes parent and child interviews, standardized questionnaires, clinical observation, a feedback session, and a written report outlining findings and clear recommendations.
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Yes. Arc Psychology also offers comprehensive kindergarten transition assessments to support and empower children and their parents in the year before kindergarten.
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For adults and couples beginning care with us, a focused assessment is always part of the early phase of our work together. In the first sessions, we take time to understand your history, current concerns, strengths, and goals. When clinically appropriate, we may also incorporate targeted questionnaires to clarify patterns of mood, personality, coping, or relationship functioning. This initial assessment allows us to develop a thoughtful formulation and ensures that treatment is purposeful and well-aligned from the outset. As therapy unfolds, this understanding is refined and deepened collaboratively.
We do not routinely conduct comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessments for adults unless there is clear clinical value in doing so - such as when diagnostic clarification will meaningfully guide treatment, inform a medical or occupational decision, or address a specific referral question. When this level of assessment may be beneficial, it is discussed carefully during the initial consultation so that we can determine together whether it is warranted.
Our aim is always to balance clinical thoroughness with intention - ensuring that any assessment we undertake meaningfully supports your care and growth.
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Psychotherapy is a collaborative process built on the relationship between you and your psychologist. Through open conversation, it offers a supportive space to speak freely with someone who is objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental. Together, you’ll work to identify and shift the thought and behaviour patterns that may be holding you back from feeling your best.
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Let’s explore that together. What it means for therapy to “work” looks different for everyone and depends on your individual goals. If you are open to setting clear goals and having honest conversations about what is and is not working for you, therapy can be a meaningful investment of your time, money, and energy. And if at any point it does not feel helpful, that is okay – we will talk openly about what we can adjust to better support your progress. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to be as helpful as possible.
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Therapy is a collaborative process, and what it looks like can vary depending on your goals, needs, and experiences. In our work together, you can expect a safe, confidential space where you are heard, understood, and respected. We will explore your thoughts, emotions, and patterns, while also identifying practical strategies to support change and growth.
Sessions may involve reflection, discussion, skill-building, and sometimes gently challenging old patterns. Progress can feel gradual, and it is normal for the work to bring up difficult emotions along the way — this is often part of meaningful growth.
Ultimately, therapy is a space where you can better understand yourself, strengthen your coping tools, and work toward the changes that matter most to you, at a pace that feels right.
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We draw from a range of evidence-based approaches to support our clients and their unique needs. Our work integrates cognitive behavioural therapy, emotion-focused therapy, attachment and interpersonal psychotherapy, humanistic approaches, dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness, compassion-focused approaches, and acceptance-commitment therapy. We take the time to understand each person’s unique story and goals, tailoring our approach to meet your needs in a way that feels meaningful, practical, and supportive.
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The length of time it will take for you to complete therapy depends on the nature of your concerns and the goals you have set for treatment.
Some people reach their goals in 2-3 sessions. However, for more complex concerns it may take significantly longer to finish.
Throughout our work together, we will review your progress and work on the next steps you need to take to help you reach your goals.
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To get started, we invite you to complete our contact form.
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Please contact us for current wait times. We always try our best to see those who are interested in our services as soon as possible.
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Individual sessions are 50 minutes, and couples sessions are 60 minutes.
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Psychological services are not covered by public health insurance (i.e., MSP in British Columbia); however, if you have access to extended health care benefits, you will likely have some amount of coverage to see a Registered Psychologist. If this applies to you, we strongly encourage you to call your provider to learn what coverage you have available to you. At the end of each session, a receipt will be provided to you with all the necessary information that you may submit to your provider in order to get reimbursed.
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Payments are charged to the credit card on file. A receipt will be emailed after each session.
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Yes, for clients who prefer to be seen in person, our in-person appointments take place at our office conveniently located at 601 West Broadway, Unit 609 in Vancouver.
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Currently, we do not offer appointments during weekends.
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If you need to cancel an appointment it is important that you contact us as early as possible. We are happy to reschedule your appointment if you are unable to attend.
To avoid a charge for a missed appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice of your cancellation. Missed appointments without 24-hour notice will be charged at the regular rate.
If you have any additional questions or would like clarification as you consider next steps, you’re welcome to get in touch.