Frequently Asked Questions

Trauma therapy can help with various types of trauma, including all types of childhood abuse (trauma therapy can help people of all ages who experienced abuse in childhood, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or combinations of these different types of abuse), violence, sexual assault (including rape, sexual harassment, sexual bullying, and sexually coercive or threatening circumstances), accidents, military combat, natural disasters, and more.

No. People can be deeply affected by trauma even if they didn’t experience it first-hand. Learning about a traumatic event that happened to someone you love, witnessing it, or supporting a loved one afterwards can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, guilt, or feeling on edge. Trauma therapy can help with secondary or vicarious trauma, as well as trauma from witnessing events. If you’re experiencing distress related to someone else’s trauma, you still deserve support.

The duration of therapy varies depending on a significant number of factors, including the client’s temperament, motivation level, goals, frequency of therapy sessions, etc. Some may find relief in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support.

Yes, trauma therapy can be adapted for younger clients. Specific techniques and approaches are used to help children and adolescents process their experiences.

Therapists may utilize various techniques, including cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to support healing.

Yes, many individuals experience anxiety and depression as a result of trauma. Therapy can provide coping strategies and tools to help manage depression, anxiety and the other emotional symptoms that can accompany post-traumatic stress.

Evidence-based trauma therapy involves talking about past traumas in a methodical way, led by a highly-skilled psychotherapist. This is an emotional but controlled process, which allows you to 1) reprocess your post-traumatic emotions (such as fear, guilt, shame, anger, sadness etc.), and 2) repair your distorted thoughts (i.e., unhealthy, distorted cognition). The core goal of this process is recovery from PTSD, or any other trauma- and stressors-related disorder.

If you find that upsetting past experiences are affecting your daily life, relationships, or mental health, it may be beneficial to consider trauma therapy. A consultation can help determine the best course of action.

If you have had one or more traumatic experiences, it is important that you consult with a clinical psychologist (or other mental health professional who has specialized training in post-traumatic stress). Psychological care can be useful not solely as a reparative measure after a trauma-related condition has developed, but also preemptively to protect against the development of a mental health condition.

Uncertainty, and even anxiety, are very normal emotions when you are considering therapy.

At Resilient Health, our General Manager, Mr. Robert De Clark, MSW, takes personal pride in care management and helping guide you towards the support you need. For this purpose, Mr. De Clark is available for 15-minute (pro bono) phone consultation or 50-minute (paid) in-person care management consultation appointments. This type of care consultation will ensure that you are matched with the absolute best therapist for your unique needs.

Family therapy is highly variable from one family to the next. In some cases, all members attend each session, whilst in other families different ‘subsets’ of family members will attend sessions to address specific topics. These decisions are made collaboratively, with the guidance of the therapist.

Family therapy is most effective when sessions are held regularly. Initially, it’s important to meet weekly or every other week. Once you’ve made progress and reached your family therapy goals, you may be able to reduce the frequency to monthly check-ins, to maintain your positive momentum.

Family therapy sessions are typically 60 or 90 minutes, depending on your family’s needs and goals.

In the first session, your therapist will typically gather information about your family dynamics, concerns, and goals for therapy. This is an opportunity for all family members to share their perspectives, and to set collaborative goals together.

Yes, family therapy sessions are confidential. However, the therapist may discuss certain limits to confidentiality, especially if there are concerns about safety or risk.

It’s common for some family members to feel hesitant about therapy. A therapist can help address these concerns and encourage participation in a way that feels comfortable. However, if the family member remains opposed, it is important that the family, and therapist, avoid pressuring or coercing the individual to attend. Pressure and coercion can often be detrimental to family unity and goodwill, and make it less likely that the individual will change their mind at a later time.

Progress can be measured through improved communication, reduced conflict, and enhanced relationships within the family. The therapist will help track these changes over time.

Yes, many of our therapists offer virtual sessions. This can provide greater flexibility and make it easier for families to attend sessions together.

In many cases, it can be helpful for one or more of the individual family members to have additional support (such as individual therapy/counselling, support for substance use recovery, etc.). Your family therapist can help make recommendations and referrals for these additional needs.

The number of sessions varies depending on each couple's situation. Some may find improvement in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support.

In the first session, you and your therapist will discuss your relationship history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This is a chance to establish a good rapport for collaborative, balanced dialogue.

Yes, we offer virtual therapy sessions to accommodate different needs and preferences, ensuring you can receive support from the comfort of your own home.

It can be helpful to think about specific issues you'd like to address in therapy and any questions or concerns you may have. When you are thinking about your couple relationship/goals, try to stay balanced, and avoid ‘blame-thoughts.’

If you feel stuck in your relationship or are facing challenges that seem difficult to resolve on your own, therapy can provide support and guidance.

It's common for one partner to be more open to therapy than the other. We do encourage both partners to attend, as it can help create a stronger foundation for understanding and connection. However, it is important not to pressure, coerce, or ‘bribe,’ the individual to attend. These tactics have the opposite of their intended effect—they often give people a sense of disinclination or distaste towards therapy.

No, couple therapists have extensive training that enables them to maintain an objective and neutral perspective. At Resilient Health, we provide specialized, expert-level training, supervision, and support to all our couple therapists. We encourage our couple therapists to adopt the view that ‘the relationship is the therapist’—a philosophical perspective that helps them stay impartial and non-judgmental, even when dealing with controversial topics.

Our clinical director, Dr. Michael Berry, R. Psych., has an extensive background in couple therapy, having taught and trained couple therapists, in addition to working as a couple therapist himself for many years.

He comments: “it is rare for couples to have different goals altogether. More often, they are looking at the opposite sides of the same issue. For instance, one person might say ‘I want you to show me more respect.’ Or perhaps ‘I want you to be more affectionate.’ If we take a macro-level view, we can see that both partners have the same objective, to have a relationship with more respectful, affectionate and loving interactions. If they can reorient their focus, and look at their relationship in terms of cause-and-effect, they will develop a core understanding: you will get more affection and respect if you start giving these same qualities to your partner first. Simply put, both partners have the same relationship goals, and if they can start thinking in terms of our needs, instead of my needs, then things will start to improve.”

Yes, your therapist will regularly check in with you about your progress and goals, helping you recognize improvements and areas that may still need attention.

The duration of the counselling process can vary based on individual needs and circumstances. Typically, clients may engage in therapy for several weeks to months, depending on their goals. 

During your first session, your clinician will conduct an assessment to understand your situation and needs. You can expect a warm and supportive environment where you can share your experiences. 

Yes, all counselling sessions are confidential. We take your privacy seriously and will only share information with your consent, except in cases where there is a risk of harm. 

The frequency of sessions will be determined based on your individual treatment plan. Many clients attend sessions weekly or bi-weekly, but this can be adjusted as needed. 

Relapses can be a part of the recovery journey. If this occurs, we will work together to assess the situation and adjust your treatment plan to better support your needs.

Yes, we offer virtual counselling sessions where you can access online support from the comfort of your home.

If you find that your substance use or behaviours are causing negative impacts on your life or relationships, it may be beneficial to seek counselling.

Your comfort is important. If you feel that your counsellor isn’t the right fit, we encourage you to discuss this openly or request a different clinician.

Yes, we provide resources and support for family members, including educational materials and group sessions to help them understand addiction better.

Sessions usually occur weekly or bi-weekly.

In your first session, the therapist will typically ask about your background, current concerns, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. It's a chance for you to share your story and for the therapist to understand your needs.

The duration of therapy varies depending on individual needs. Some people may attend a few sessions for specific issues, while others may engage in longer-term therapy for more complex concerns.

Yes, psychotherapy sessions are confidential. What you discuss with your therapist is kept private, with some legal exceptions, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by emotions, struggling with relationships, or facing challenges that seem difficult to manage alone, therapy can provide support and strategies to help.

Yes, therapy can be very effective for improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships, whether in couples or family settings.

Yes, many therapists specialize in working with children and adolescents, using approaches tailored to their developmental needs.

It's completely normal to feel hesitant about sharing your feelings. A good therapist will create a safe environment where you can open up at your own pace.

Look for a therapist who has experience treating your specific issues, and consider their approach to therapy. It’s also important to feel comfortable with them; don’t hesitate to schedule an initial consultation to see if it’s a good fit.

Individual therapy involves one-on-one sessions focused on personal issues, while group therapy involves multiple participants discussing common challenges together, providing support and shared experiences.

Our therapists offer online sessions via video calls, which can provide flexibility and convenience, especially for those who may have difficulty attending in person.

Coverage for psychotherapy can vary by insurance plan. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

It’s important to communicate with your therapist about any concerns regarding your progress. They can adjust the treatment plan or explore different approaches to better meet your needs.

The three types of ADHD – Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined – present different challenges and behaviours that our team can help address.

A comprehensive assessment involving clinical interviews, self-reports, and collateral information is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Yes, ADHD can persist into adulthood, often requiring tailored support for managing symptoms in a work or social environment.

Treatment options may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both, depending on individual needs.

Medication can help with symptoms, but it isn’t a complete solution. The most important part of managing ADHD is learning and practising behavioural strategies. We recommend a “skills and pills” approach—skills first, pills second—because skills are the foundation for day-to-day functioning and long-term progress. Our ADHD group program, or one-to-one work with a counsellor, provides practical skills training to improve attention, organization, emotion regulation, and follow-through.

The assessment process for ADHD typically includes multiple sessions, taking around 3-5 hours in total depending on the level of evaluation needed.

Yes. Our Victoria therapists provide practical tools for improving focus, time management, and workplace communication tailored to individual needs.

CBT often lasts between 6-12 sessions but varies depending on individual needs.

Yes, CBT can complement approaches like mindfulness or DBT for comprehensive care.

No, CBT can also help with stress management, communication skills, and personal growth.

Yes, therapists often provide exercises or journaling tasks to practise between sessions.

Absolutely. CBT is effective for children and teens dealing with anxiety or behavioural challenges.

Yes, cognitive-behavioural techniques can be adapted for couples therapy to improve relationships.

While DBT often includes group sessions, individual therapy is also highly effective.

No, DBT has been adapted for many issues, including anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Mindfulness involves staying present in the moment and accepting emotions without judgment.

Yes, DBT emphasizes real-world application of skills learned during sessions.

Progress varies, but many clients begin noticing improvements within a few months of consistent practice.

Therapists will work closely with you to address barriers and create realistic pathways for progress.

Typical symptoms include intrusive thoughts, compulsive checking, and repetitive behaviours aimed at reducing anxiety.

Treatment duration varies depending on individual needs, but many clients see improvement within several months of consistent therapy.

Yes, medication may complement therapy for OCD, especially in moderate to severe cases.

While recovery varies by individual, many people learn to manage their symptoms effectively through therapy.

CBT specifically targets the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, making it highly effective for OCD treatment.

Yes, support groups can provide valuable community connections and shared experiences for those dealing with OCD.

Clients can expect a series of tests administered by a trained professional, including interviews and standardised assessments to evaluate cognitive abilities.

The assessment typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the individual’s needs and the complexity of the evaluation.

Yes, all information collected during the assessment is kept strictly confidential in compliance with ethical standards.

It’s helpful to bring any relevant medical records, a list of current medications, and be ready to discuss your cognitive concerns openly.

After the assessment, results will be discussed with the client, including recommendations for treatment or educational planning based on findings.

You can expect an initial consultation where a psychologist gathers background information and discusses your concerns to recommend appropriate assessments.

The duration varies but typically ranges from a few hours to multiple sessions over several days.

Many insurance plans provide coverage; check with your provider for specific benefits.

Results will be discussed in a follow-up session where the psychologist interprets findings and provides recommendations based on your unique needs.

Discuss any concerns with your psychologist; they can provide clarification and discuss possible next steps.

We provide age-appropriate explanations of results to ensure understanding of strengths and areas for improvement.

Expect a detailed report within a few weeks, outlining findings and recommendations.

The assessment can refine their educational plan by providing further insights.

Yes, adults seeking clarity on learning challenges or cognitive abilities can benefit as well.

All information is kept confidential and shared only with authorised individuals involved in education.

Recommendations may include extended test times or specific teaching strategies tailored to learning styles.

Clients will have a one-on-one conversation with a therapist about their substance use history and related behaviours.

Typically, the assessment lasts between 1 to 2 hours, including interviews and evaluations.

Yes, all information is kept strictly confidential in compliance with professional ethical standards.

It's helpful to bring relevant medical records and be open during the discussion.

Therapists create a safe, non-judgmental environment; clients can express any discomfort at any point.

Yes, proper assessment requires expertise due to the wide range of presentations associated with ASD.

We assess individuals of all ages, from young children to adults.

The process usually spans several hours and may involve multiple sessions based on individual needs.

You’ll receive a detailed report outlining findings and recommended support strategies.

Costs vary based on specific services; please contact us for detailed pricing information.

Gather relevant medical history, developmental information, and any previous assessments that may assist in the process.

Coverage varies by provider; it’s best to check with your insurance company for details regarding psychological assessments.

Please bring relevant report cards, medical records, and completed intake forms. Contact information for individuals who can provide collateral information is also helpful.

Our assessments are conducted by registered psychologists trained in ADHD with extensive experience in psychological assessments.

Yes, we assess both children and adults for ADHD; the process is adapted to suit the individual’s age and needs.

Absolutely. With your consent, we can collaborate with your current mental health professional to ensure a coordinated approach to care.

If not diagnosed with ADHD, we will provide guidance on other potential issues affecting behaviour and thinking skills.

Clients can expect a friendly, supportive environment where they can openly discuss their mental health history.

Results will be summarised in a detailed report reviewed together with the client.

The entire process usually takes 3-4 hours, usually administered in 2-3 appointments.

No prior experience with therapy is necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

Yes, assessments are customized based on developmental stages.

You can expect a detailed clinical interview, self-report assessments, and discussions about your mental health history and goals.

The Clinical Needs Assessment is completed during a 50-minute consultation with a mental health specialist.

Yes, your privacy is important to us, and all information will be kept confidential in accordance with privacy laws.

If you have questions about your mental health or are seeking support for specific issues, this assessment can clarify your needs.

After the assessment, your psychologist will provide a summary and recommendations for next steps, including potential therapy options.

Functional health coaching focuses on actionable plans for improving physical and behavioural health, whereas therapy often focuses on deeper emotional or psychological concerns over time.

Yes, functional health coaching often works alongside medical care to address lifestyle factors that impact chronic conditions.

No diagnosis is required. Coaching is accessible for anyone wanting to improve their overall health or address specific concerns.

While timelines vary, many clients notice improvements within weeks as they begin implementing tailored strategies into their daily lives.

Support includes education, tools, encouragement, and accountability to help you stay on track with your goals.

Not necessarily. Coaching focuses on practical adjustments that feel manageable within your current routines.

No. Care management begins with an assessment to identify contributing factors and guide treatment decisions effectively.

Care management organizes your overall support system (planning, referrals), while therapy focuses on direct treatment for mental health concerns.

Yes. Care management is ideal for families navigating shared challenges or improving communication dynamics.

Absolutely. If external options are better suited for your needs, we’ll provide referrals to trusted professionals in our network.

Timelines vary based on individual needs but often involve short-term planning followed by ongoing adjustments as required.

No. We do not provide medical‑legal or forensic services, and our assessments aren’t for legal use. If you need an assessment for a lawsuit, insurance claim, child custody matter, labour dispute, human rights complaint, divorce/legal separation, or any similar legal process, Resilient Health is not the right clinic.

Our assessments are designed to help you understand your mental health and guide your care. We don’t write expert reports, appear in court, or act as subject experts. If you’re seeking legal‑purpose assessments, please contact a clinic that specializes in forensic psychology.

While most assessments are done by a Registered Psychologist, some portions of your assessment may be done by another mental health professional. For instance, we have highly qualified care management workers who may meet, or speak, with you, to do a clinical needs assessment and help line up support.

Additionally, for specialized clinical assessments, like ADHD assessments and psychoeducational assessments, a psychometrist is often involved, to help administer some of the 'tests'. Administration of these tests requires good training and qualification, but not the expert level of skill possessed by a registered clinical psychologist. Hence, a psychometrist is someone with specialized training and skills only on specific portions of the assessment, which do not require the advanced skills of a clinical psychologist. The psychometrist does a portion of the testing, in order to keep costs down, and reduce the waitlist for these services.

Yes, absolutely. If you need/want the psychologist to do all parts of the assessment, including the testing and any other work a psychometrist would usually do, this can be accommodated. It will, however, increase the cost of the assessment. It also does not change the results of the assessment; the psychologist is responsible for closely reviewing the work of the psychometrist, to ensure that it is done to the highest standards, following the same protocols and procedures the psychologist would follow.

This is a question we get often, and the answer is: a clinical psychologist can guide you in the right direction!

There are many different types of specialized assessments, and if you are unsure what would need, we often suggest a one-hour appointment with one of our clinical psychologists. They can do an initial assessment and then recommend next steps. If you go on to do a specific assessment with us, the fee for the initial consult can usually be credited towards the cost of that assessment, so it gives you peace of mind that you’re taking the best steps, without ‘costing extra’.

Depending on the type of assessment needed, the wait time to get started is typically between 4-8 weeks. Depending on the type of assessment, the process varies a lot in length, but depends on the client's availability and ability to provide any needed materials.

Once we have everything we need (i.e., we have completed any assessment interviews and testing, and you have provided any other materials we need), the process to analyze the data and write the report is around 2-3 weeks for brief assessments and up to 6 weeks for the most complicated assessments.

This is a very short wait, and a very timely process, compared to other clinics, and we pride ourselves on keeping our waitlists short. We do a high volume of assessments, so we have worked hard to develop efficient processes. This allows us to maintain the highest standards, while keeping wait times to a minimum. This is important, because many of the our clients are in distress. We have heard of wait times at other clinics, measured in years, not months, which is very demoralizing for clients. We want to give hope, by providing answers and support in a timely manner.

A great place to start is with a consultation with a psychologist, or other mental health professional who specializes in ‘triage’ (i.e., ‘triaging’ involves doing a preliminary assessment to determine what type of treatment is needed). In some cases, a client’s needs are clear from their initial inquiry, or from a quick phone call with one of our team members. In other cases, clinical assessment may be needed.

Basically, as soon as you reach out to us for help, we will work hard to understand you and your needs, so we can help line up the best possible care.

Although there are a lot of factors that predict whether therapy will work for a person, we strongly believe that every person would benefit from counselling at certain times in their life. For people who are able to trust the process, look at their own ‘faults’ and ‘imperfections’ honestly, and work hard to make tangible behaviour changes, therapy will work.