ABOUT CLINICAL COUNSELLING SERVICES

Most people are unsure of what to expect when they approach something new or different. This is made true more often if they have heard negative things or have had a past negative experience.

We offer a straightforward, no pressure, and no obligation approach. As a routine part of this practice, we offer an opportunity to take some assessments online, so you can determine for yourself if you “need” assistance, and where you may be able to benefit.

An encounter between a clinical counsellor and a patient captured in two desk images.

How a Registered Clinical Counsellor Can Help

Jordan’s Surrey Couselling practice is for people who desire the following:

Would you like to find out how we could assist you?

What is a
Clinical Counsellor

A clinical counsellor is a mental health professional who specializes in counselling psychology and utilizes solution-focused therapy techniques to support clients achieve positive growth. They provide therapeutic support to individuals, couples, families, youth, or groups addressing emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. With a focus on finding solutions, clinical counsellors work collaboratively with clients to identify and overcome mental health concerns. They are typically trained at the master’s level and practice in clinical settings like private practice, community health centers, or hospitals. The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) is main regulatory body for Clinical Counsellors.

What is a
Clinical Counsellor

A clinical counsellor is a mental health professional who specializes in counselling psychology and utilizes solution-focused therapy techniques to support clients achieve positive growth. They provide therapeutic support to individuals, couples, families, youth, or groups addressing emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. With a focus on finding solutions, clinical counsellors work collaboratively with clients to identify and overcome mental health concerns. They are typically trained at the master’s level and practice in clinical settings like private practice, community health centers, or hospitals. The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) is main regulatory body for Clinical Counsellors.

An image of a clinical counselor pointing at a tablet screen.

How do I know if this is the right fit

Determining which Registered Clinical Counsellor is the ‘right-fit’ for you is crucial to ensure effective support during talk therapy. Consider the following indicators when assessing compatibility:

Personal connection: Pay attention to the level of rapport and connection you feel with the counsellor. Trust your intuition and assess if you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. Research shows this is the biggest healing factor to promote positive change.

Remember, finding the right counsellor may require some exploration. If you feel uncertain after your initial session, it is acceptable to consider other options until you find a counsellor with whom you establish a strong connection and trust. Prioritizing compatibility will significantly enhance the effectiveness of your counselling experience.

Insurance Coverage

In British Columbia (BC), insurance coverage for counselling services can vary depending on the
specific insurance plan you have.

A hand holding a cross icon symbolizing clinical counseling on a blue circle.

Extended Health Benefits

Many employer-sponsored benefit plans include coverage for mental health services, including counselling. These plans often fall under extended health benefits, and the coverage may be subject to certain limitations, such as a maximum annual amount or a specified number of sessions. In most cases a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is covered.

An Clinical Counsellor symbolized by a hand with a check mark.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Some employers offer Employee Assistance Programs that provides short-term counselling to employees and family. EAPs typically cover a limited number of sessions and focus on specific issues, such as workplace stress or personal challenges.

A hand holding a cross icon symbolizing clinical counseling on a blue circle.

BC Crime victim's assistance services

If you are a victim, witness, or family member of a victim of a crime, you may be eligible for support through the BC Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). This program offers various services, including counseling. Jordan is a registered counselor with CVAP and is available to provide the support you need.

To determine your specific insurance coverage for registered clinical counselling services, it is recommended to contact your insurance provider directly. They can provide detailed information about your policy’s coverage and the process for submitting claims.

Extended Benefits

Jordan is billable through most benefit providers

Blue Cross, Green Shied, Sunlife, Great West, Manulife, and
many more

A Clinical Counsellor in a suit kneeling on the floor with a piece of paper with the word benefits.
A group of Clinical Counsellors sitting at a table.

Employment Assistance Programs (EAP)

Jordan offers counselling through the following
EAP programs

RCMP, Vancouver Coastal Health, Surrey Fire Services, Autism BC

If your employer is not on the list, get in touch today as Jordan can reach out to your employer to apply for membership in their EAP program.

Not all therapists are covered by insurance

Insurance coverage for counselling in British Columbia (BC) can vary depending on the therapist and the specific insurance plan you have. The education and background of counseling Surrey varies starting from those with a basic certificate, all the way up to a doctoral PHD. The best way to ensure that you are seeing a qualified therapist is to check that you’ve chosen a professional that is a member of a regulatory body in BC. Jordan Penner is a proud member of the BC association of Registered Clinical Counsellors.

While coverage can differ between insurance providers and policies, here are some common types of counselling that may be covered by your insurance:

A group of Clinical Counsellors sitting around a table looking at papers.
Registered clinical counseling Clinical Counsellor (pccc).
Psychologists - clinical assessment testing and counseling.
A screen displaying the words Clinical Counsellor.
Consulting through employee assistance programs involving a Clinical Counsellor.

The availability and coverage for counselling may vary depending on the terms of your insurance plan, therefore it is important to review your policy or contact your provider to determine whether your chosen counsellor meets the requirements set by your insurance provider and to ensure eligibility for reimbursement.

An Overview of the Counselling Journey

Getting Started

Most people are little anxious and unsure of what to expect when they consider counselling, more so, if they have heard negative things or had a negative past experience in counselling.

Jordan offers a straightforward, no pressure, and no obligation approach. An essential part of his practice is to learn about your individual experiences so you can determine, for yourself, if you “need” assistance and where you may be able to benefit. Whether on the phone, via e-mail, or in person Jordan is always happy to answer any questions and discuss how he can tailor the counselling process to support your life challenges.

When you are ready, scheduling your session is easy, either by phone, email, or online.

The First Session

During your first session, whether in person or online therapy, Jordan will create a safe space for you to identify your goals and, while walking alongside you, develop a treatment plan to increase self compassion, resolve emotional difficulties, and ease life transitions.

Subsequent Sessions

During subsequent sessions Jordan will assess the progress made towards the goals set in earlier sessions. Jordan will provide guidance and support to adapt and strengthen the skills you learn during therapy, helping you apply them effectively in your daily life. This process aims to facilitate your growth and progress outside of the therapy sessions.

As you continue your therapeutic journey, new goals may emerge based on the progress you have made and challenges you encounter. Jordan will work with you to identify different approaches and strategies to overcome the specific challenges you face. By addressing these challenges together, you will continue to build resilience, enhance coping skills, and continue to live an increasingly fulfilling life.

Subsequent Sessions

During subsequent sessions Jordan will assess the progress made towards the goals set in earlier sessions. Jordan will provide guidance and support to adapt and strengthen the skills you learn during therapy, helping you apply them effectively in your daily life. This process aims to facilitate your growth and progress outside of the therapy sessions.

As you continue your therapeutic journey, new goals may emerge based on the progress you have made and challenges you encounter. Jordan will work with you to identify different approaches and strategies to overcome the specific challenges you face. By addressing these challenges together, you will continue to build resilience, enhance coping skills, and continue to live an increasingly fulfilling life.

A Clinical Counsellor explaining session fees to a man and woman sitting in a chair.
A Clinical Counsellor monitoring the session length of a client with an alarm clock on his desk.

Your Right to Privacy

Privacy is a fundamental right in the counselling relationship and is upheld by both legal and ethical standards. This means, you can trust that your personal information and the issues discussed with Jordan will be kept private and not shared without your explicit written consent. As a member of the BC association of Registered Clinical Counsellors, Jordan maintains the highest standards of practice and follows the BCACC professional codes of ethics to uphold confidentiality and protect your privacy.

It’s important to note that there are certain exceptions to confidentiality. If there is a risk of serious self harm, harm to others, or if there are concerns about child or elder abuse Jordan has a legal or ethical duty to support your safety and well-being. Nonetheless, these situations are approached carefully, and Jordan strives to involve you in the decision-making process whenever possible.

By maintaining confidentiality, Jordan aims to create a safe environment where you can freely explore and address your mental health concerns.

A couple engaged in therapy sessions with a tablet under the guidance of a clinical counselor.

Communication Policy

Clinical counsellors are required to adhere to professional communication policy to ensure clear and effective communication. The policy is designed to promote confidentiality, ensure clarity, and facilitate a positive therapeutic relationship.

Jordan prioritizes maintaining the confidentiality of all communications. All information shared during your sessions, as well as any written or electronic correspondence, will be kept strictly confidential.

Jordan provides a variety ways to participate in counselling such as in-person, phone, or online video conferencing platforms. Jordan is always happy to connect using the most suitable and convenient approach that works for you.

Jordan is committed to responding to your inquiries and messages in a timely manner. Although he may not be available for immediate response when he is in session, or outside of scheduled session hours, in most cases Jordan responds within 24 hours.

In the event of an emergency, Jordan will provide you with appropriate emergency contact information and crisis resources. It is important to reach out to emergency services or a crisis hotline if you require immediate assistance.

A smiling clinical counselor in a blue shirt and tie.

It is essential to establish professional boundaries in therapeutic relationships. This means that your counselling sessions are ALL about YOU and your needs. A good therapist may share a personal details to help build rapport but a great therapist ensures that disclosure is geared towards helping achieve client goals.

When utilizing technology for communication, Jordan takes all reasonable measures to ensure the privacy and date security. However, please be aware that no method of communication over the internet can guarantee absolute security, and Jordan will discuss any potential risks with you.

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, Jordan kindly requests that you provide advance notice as outlined in the consent for treatment agreement. This allows for efficient scheduling and may help avoid cancellation fees.