Counselling FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
Starting counselling can come with a lot of questions. Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about counselling with Steady Mind Counselling, including appointments, fees, virtual counselling, couples counselling, and what to expect when getting started.
If you have a question that isn't answered here, you're welcome to contact us.
Getting Started
Do I need a referral to book counselling?
No. You do not need a referral to book counselling with Steady Mind Counselling.
You can contact us directly or book a free consultation to discuss what you're looking for, ask questions, and determine whether counselling may be a good fit for you.
What happens during a free consultation?
A free consultation is an opportunity to briefly discuss what brings you to counselling, what you're hoping to work on, and any questions you may have about the counselling process.
It's also a chance for you to get a sense of whether we may be a good fit for your needs.
There is no obligation to book ongoing counselling following the consultation.
What should I expect in my first counselling appointment?
After your initial consultation and completion of the required intake forms, you'll book your first counselling session.
Your first session will generally include:
Reviewing informed consent and the limits of confidentiality
Discussing what brings you to counselling
Exploring your current concerns, goals, and relevant background
Developing a better understanding of what you're hoping to change
Beginning to identify approaches and strategies that may be helpful
Counselling is collaborative. Your first session isn't about having everything figured out. It's an opportunity to begin understanding what's going on and determine where you'd like to go from there.
How do I know which counsellor is right for me?
Our counsellors may have different areas of experience, interests, and therapeutic approaches.
We encourage you to review each counsellor's profile to learn more about their approach and the types of concerns they work with.
If you're unsure who may be the best fit, you're welcome to contact us and we can help you determine which counsellor may be appropriate for what you're looking for.
Counselling Services
Do you offer individual counselling?
Yes. Steady Mind Counselling provides individual counselling for adults experiencing concerns such as:
Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed
Stress and burnout
Relationship difficulties
Life transitions
Self-doubt and self-confidence
Identity and self-trust
Communication and boundaries
Men's mental health
Other personal or emotional challenges
Our approach is collaborative and tailored to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.
Learn more about Individual Counselling
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes. We provide couples counselling for partners who are experiencing challenges such as:
Communication difficulties
Recurring conflict
Emotional distance
Difficulty feeling understood
Trust and relationship concerns
Parenting challenges
Blended-family challenges
Major life transitions
A desire to reconnect and strengthen the relationship
Couples counselling can also be helpful when a relationship isn't in crisis but both partners want to improve communication, connection, and understanding.
Learn more about Couples Counselling
Do you offer counselling specifically for men?
Yes. Steady Mind Counselling works with men experiencing concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, burnout, life transitions, and the pressure that can come with feeling responsible for keeping everything together.
Counselling can provide a space to step back, make sense of what's happening, and work through challenges without judgment.
Learn more about Men's Mental Health
Do you offer virtual counselling?
Yes. Virtual counselling is available across Nova Scotia.
Virtual sessions allow you to meet with your counsellor from the privacy and comfort of your own space and can be a convenient option if travelling to an office isn't practical.
Where are in-person counselling sessions held?
In-person counselling is currently available on Tuesdays at our Dartmouth office:
202 Brownlow Avenue, Suite 425
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
In-person availability may vary by counsellor. Please check the booking page for current availability.
Appointments & Fees
How much does counselling cost?
Our current counselling rates are:
Individual counselling
$155 per 50-minute session
Couples counselling
$232.50 per 75-minute session
Other appointment options may be available upon request.
How long are counselling sessions?
Our standard individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes.
Couples counselling sessions are typically 75 minutes.
The appropriate session length can be discussed during your consultation.
Can I use my extended health benefits?
Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for counselling or psychotherapy services, but coverage varies between providers and individual plans.
Before booking, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm:
Whether counselling services are covered
Whether your counsellor's professional designation is eligible
The amount of coverage available
Whether a physician referral is required
Whether your plan has any specific requirements for counselling services
We provide receipts for eligible services that can be submitted to your insurance provider.
Do you direct bill insurance companies?
At this time, clients are responsible for payment at the time of their appointment. Receipts are provided for clients to submit to their extended health benefits provider where applicable.
Because coverage varies between plans, we recommend confirming your coverage directly with your insurance provider before your first appointment.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Counselling is a confidential service, and information shared during counselling is treated with care and in accordance with applicable professional, legal, and privacy requirements.
There are limited circumstances where confidentiality may not apply because of legal or professional obligations. The limits of confidentiality will be discussed with you as part of the counselling process.
What happens to my counselling information?
Counselling information and records are maintained with appropriate care and in accordance with applicable professional, legal, and privacy requirements.
Please avoid including detailed or highly sensitive personal information in general website contact forms or ordinary email. If you have questions about privacy or the handling of your information, please contact us.
Choosing Counselling
What is counselling like?
Counselling at Steady Mind is collaborative, honest, and non-judgmental.
Rather than simply telling you what you should do, counselling provides an opportunity to slow down, understand what's happening, identify patterns, and explore what may help you move forward.
Your counsellor's role is to listen, ask thoughtful questions, offer perspective, and introduce practical therapeutic tools when appropriate.
You remain an active participant in deciding what you want to work on and what meaningful change looks like for you.
What if I'm not sure counselling is right for me?
That's completely okay.
You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. A consultation can be a good first step if you're unsure whether counselling would be helpful or don't know exactly what you want to work on.
We can talk about what's been happening and determine whether our services appear to be a good fit.
Can couples counselling help if we're not in crisis?
Yes.
Couples counselling isn't only for relationships experiencing serious conflict. Some couples seek counselling because they want to communicate more effectively, understand each other better, work through a particular transition, or strengthen their relationship before problems become more difficult.
Cancellations & Missed Appointments
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 business hours' notice when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 business hours' notice, or missed appointments, may be charged the full session fee.
If something unexpected comes up, please contact us as soon as possible.
Emergency & Crisis Support
Do you provide emergency or crisis counselling?
Steady Mind Counselling does not provide emergency, crisis, or after-hours mental health support.
If you are experiencing an immediate emergency or believe you may be in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or go to your nearest emergency department.
If you are unsure whether counselling is appropriate for your situation, you are welcome to contact us to discuss your needs.
Concerns & Complaints
What if I have a concern or complaint?
We take concerns about counselling services seriously.
If you have a concern about your counselling experience, we encourage you to discuss it directly with your counsellor when appropriate. Open communication can often help address concerns early.
If you have a concern regarding professional conduct, you may also contact the applicable professional regulatory body.
Still Have Questions?
You don't need to have all the answers before reaching out.
If you're considering counselling and would like to talk through your options, you can book a free consultation to discuss what you're looking for and determine whether Steady Mind Counselling may be a good fit.
Book a Free Counselling Consultation
You can also Contact Us if you have a question before booking.