- What prompts someone to seek counselling at Living Systems?
- How can counselling help?
- What is Bowen family systems theory?
- What does counselling cost at Living Systems?
- Does my extended health care insurance or Employee Assistance Program cover the fees?
- Do I need a doctor's referral?
- Are evening and weekend appointments available?
- Will a counsellor be able to help me?
- Will the counsellor accept me for who I am?
- Can I trust the counsellor with my problem? Will it be kept confidential?
- How long does counselling take?
- How much experience and training do the counsellors have?
- Does the counsellor specialize in any particular problem?
- How do I know whether counselling is helping me?
- We need counselling but my spouse doesn't want to come. So, what's the use?
- How do I choose a counsellor?
- What sort of people come for counselling?
- Do you have group therapy?
- Are you religious or do you do Christian counselling?
- Do you work with children?
- I have tried different types of therapy. It works for a while, then I fall back into old patterns. What do you offer that is different?
What prompts someone to seek counselling at Living Systems?
People come for counselling at Living Systems for a variety of reasons, such as:
- relationships: communication conflict, separation, remarriage
- family: parenting, retirement, aging
- depression and anxiety
- chronic health and medical issues
- job and financial stress
How can counselling help?
Counselling can increase your ability to think clearly and cope with problems. It can help you manage your reactions and get things into perspective. Reducing stress can help you decide what needs to be done now. You may also begin to understand your part in the problem. In time, counselling can help you see the connection between your current situation and your past and to see how your changes can make your life better.
What is Bowen family systems theory?
Bowen family systems theory, based on research in families that began in the 1950s, is a theory about the emotional functioning of individuals, families and social groups. To learn more, check our Bowen Theory section, contact a Living Systems counsellor, visit Links , or check our Resources.
What does counselling cost?
Counselling is on a sliding fee scale based on a client's gross income. Clients can negotiate the fees with the counsellor, if necessary. Fees range from $15 per session to $120 per session.
Does extended health insurance or Employee Assistance Program cover the fees?
It depends upon the rules and regulations of each extended health program or Employee Assistance Program. Check your program and discuss it with your counsellor.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. Just contact us to make an appointment.
Are evening and weekend appointments available?
Yes. Please contact a Vancouver Living Systems counsellor for more information.
Will the counsellor be able to help me?
You will have to decide this for yourself. All Living Systems counsellors use Bowen family systems theory which they find useful for most types of problems.
Will the counsellor accept me for who I am?
Yes, our counsellors are trained professionals with a wide range of experience working with people.
Can I trust the counsellor with my problem? Will it be kept confidential? Our counsellors abide by a code of ethics such as that of the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors. One of the most important principles of counselling is client confidentiality.
back to topHow long does counselling take?
The length of time in counselling varies with the individual and the situation. This can be discussed with the counsellor.
How much experience and training do the counsellors have?
On average, our counsellors have 10 years of counselling experience. All of our therapists have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree as well as post-graduate training in Bowen family systems theory. They have regular clinical supervision and participate in ongoing professional development.
Does the counsellor specialize in any particular problem?
Most counsellors have experience in a range of issues and do not deal exclusively with one type of problem. Their training and experience enables them to help the client address a variety of problems or symptoms.
How do I know whether counselling is helping me?
You will be the best judge of whether or not the counselling is helping you. Your counsellor can help you assess whether or not you are making progress.
We need counselling but my spouse doesn't want to come. What's the use?
Generally, if one person in a couple or a family works on himself or herself and tries to do better, change will happen in time. It is best to focus on your improvement rather than on the other person or the relationship. If you are willing to work, counselling can help you deal with your concerns in your relationship.
How do I choose a counsellor?
There are three things to consider. Was the counsellor educated at a reputable university and is he or she a member of a professional organization? Does the counsellor have a theory or a way of thinking about your problem that makes sense to you? Is the counsellor someone you can talk to?
What sort of people come for counselling?
People may come for counselling when they: are in crisis such as in a relationship, at work or with their health have a chronic problem in relationships, family, work or health, or issues from their past have become too much to handle alone are searching for meaning in what they do and how they live.
Do you have group therapy?
No, we do not. However, we offer community education courses and conferences. For example, Free to Be is a course in systems thinking for parents.
Are you religious or do you do Christian counselling?
No. We are trained to help people work through their own beliefs whatever they may be.
Do you work with children?
No. We work with families and with parents to help them in their relationships with their children. However, if a child needs play therapy, one of our counsellors is a registered play therapist (Mary Frost).
I have tried different types of therapy. It works for a while, then I fall back into old patterns. What do you offer that is different?
We believe that Bowen family systems theory offers a different way to think about relationships and about your part in those relationships. Once you are better able to manage yourself in those relationships, you will be less likely to fall into old patterns.