Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy can be helpful for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply looking for support and clarity in their life. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit — many people start counselling to better understand themselves, improve relationships, or develop healthier ways of coping.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or just feel like something isn’t quite right, therapy can provide a space to explore those feelings and work toward meaningful change.

If you’re unsure, we offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions and see if counselling feels like the right fit for you — with no pressure to commit.

Your first counselling session is an opportunity to get comfortable, share what’s been going on, and begin building a plan that feels right for you.

During the session, we’ll typically:

• Talk about what brought you to counselling 
• Explore any current challenges, concerns, or goals 
• Review relevant background information at a pace you’re comfortable with 
• Answer any questions you may have about the process 
• Begin identifying next steps or areas of focus 

There’s no pressure to share everything right away — the first session is about creating a safe, supportive space where you can start at your own pace.

No, you do not need a referral to start therapy. You can book a session directly with Slade Counselling at any time.

If you plan to use extended health benefits, some providers may require a receipt for reimbursement, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help guide you through the process.

The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, the concerns you’re working through, and how often you attend sessions. Some people find relief in just a few sessions, especially when working with focused approaches like Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). 

Others may choose to continue longer-term to build deeper insight, develop coping strategies, and support ongoing growth. Therapy is always tailored to your pace, whether you’re looking for short-term support or longer-term work, we’ll work together to find what feels right for you.

Yes, everything you share in counselling is kept confidential, in accordance with the professional and legal requirements in both Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Confidentiality is a core part of therapy and is governed by applicable privacy legislation (such as PIPA in Alberta and HIPA in Saskatchewan) as well as professional ethical standards through SASW & CASW. This means your personal information and what you discuss in sessions are protected and not shared without your consent.

There are a few important exceptions required by law where confidentiality may need to be broken, including:

• If there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else 
• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person 
• If records are required by a court order or legal obligation 

These situations are rare, and if they arise, they will be handled with care and transparency.

If you have any questions about confidentiality or how your information is protected, we’re always happy to discuss this with you.

Yes, we offer a free 15-minute consultation. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about our approach, and see if counselling with Slade Counselling feels like the right fit for you — with no pressure to commit. Book Here

Our standard fees start at:

• $200 for a 60-minute in-person session 
• $175 for a 60-minute virtual session 
• $225 for a 60-minute couples counselling

If you have any questions about fees or would like help choosing the right session type, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help.

Counselling can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, overthinking, stress, burnout, trauma, and relationship challenges. At Slade Counselling, we also support clients experiencing panic attacks, emotional overwhelm, low mood, sleep difficulties, and issues with self-esteem and confidence.

Whether you’re dealing with something specific or just not feeling like yourself, counselling provides a supportive space to better understand what’s going on and develop practical tools to move forward. We offer counselling services across Alberta and Saskatchewan, both in-person and through secure virtual sessions.

Yes, Slade Counselling offers secure virtual counselling sessions, allowing you to attend from the comfort of your own space.

At this time, we provide online counselling services to clients located in Alberta and Saskatchewan only, in accordance with licensing requirements. If you’re in either province, you can easily access support from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

Animal Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates the presence of a trained therapy animal into counselling sessions to support emotional comfort and connection. At Slade Counselling, this may include Winston, our certified therapy dog, whose calm and friendly nature helps create a more relaxed and welcoming environment.

The presence of a therapy dog can help reduce anxiety, ease stress, and make it easier for clients to open up during sessions. Animal Assisted Therapy is always optional and is used to enhance the counselling experience while keeping the focus on your individual goals and wellbeing.

Yes, you can request sessions with Winston, our certified therapy dog. Availability depends on Winston’s schedule, as he’s a hard-working pup and often gets booked quickly. If spending time with Winston is important to you, we recommend mentioning it when booking so we can do our best to accommodate your request.

Finding the right fit is an important part of the therapy process. At Slade Counselling, we offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, get a sense of our approach, and see if you feel comfortable moving forward.

It’s completely okay to take your time, a good therapeutic relationship should feel supportive, safe, and aligned with your needs. If it feels like a good fit, we can move ahead together. If not, we’re happy to help guide you toward other options that may be a better match.