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Counselling Services
Services Provided
AT ETERNA, WE KNOW THAT STRESS, CRISIS AND TRAUMA CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE. WE'VE HELPED THOUSANDS RECLAIM THEIR POWER THROUGH A JOURNEY OF WELLNESS.
We commit to making mental health wellness easy and accessible - we believe that each person has the ability to change their lives to feel empowered and confident. We journey alongside you in creating more wellness in your everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about our practice or counselling services? Below is a list of commonly asked questions.
If your question is not answered here you can give us a call or get in touch through our contact page.
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What is the cancellation policy for therapy appointments at Eterna?Eterna Counselling & Wellness, require 48 hours advance notice for appointment cancellations to avoid charges. This policy ensures therapists can offer cancelled time slots to other clients who may need urgent appointments. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice typically result in a full session fee charge.
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Why do therapists have 48-hour cancellation policy?The 48-hour cancellation policy protects both clients and therapists by ensuring consistent access to mental health services. When clients cancel with adequate notice, therapists can offer those appointment times to others in need of urgent support. This policy also helps maintain the financial sustainability of therapy practices, allowing them to continue providing quality mental health services to the Abbotsford community. It encourages clients to prioritize their mental health commitments while understanding that genuine emergencies are considered.
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How far in advance should I schedule therapy appointments in Abbotsford?For ongoing therapy, it's recommended to schedule appointments 2-4 weeks in advance to ensure consistent weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Many of our therapists offer recurring appointment slots for regular clients if they book ahead. For initial consultations, most practices can accommodate new clients within 1-2 weeks, though some specialized therapists may have longer wait times. If you need urgent support, many practices maintain a cancellation list for last-minute appointment availability.
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Can I reschedule my therapy appointment instead of cancelling?If you provide 48 hours notice, you can typically reschedule without any fees. Many therapists will work with you to find an alternative time within the same week or the following week. Consistent rescheduling may affect your regular appointment slot, so it's best to discuss scheduling challenges with your therapist to find sustainable solutions.
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Where can I find couples counselling in Abbotsford?Eterna Counselling has numerous qualified couples therapists trained in evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman Method. Many of our registered clinical counsellors specialize in relationship therapy, addressing communication issues, intimacy concerns, and relationship conflicts. Some practices offer intensive weekend workshops or retreat-style couples therapy sessions.
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Is Individual Trauma therapy available in Abbotsford?Yes, Eterna Counselling has several trauma-informed therapists trained in specialized approaches including EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Trauma-Focused CBT. These evidence-based treatments address PTSD, childhood trauma, sexual assault, and other traumatic experiences. Many of our therapists have additional training in complex trauma and attachment-based therapy approaches.
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Where can I find youth and family counselling in Abbotsford?Eterna Counselling offers specialized youth counselling services for children and adolescents dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, and family conflicts. Family therapy services help address communication patterns, parenting challenges, and system-wide issues. We have therapists in the area are trained in play therapy for younger children and adolescent-focused approaches for teens.
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How do I know if a therapist is right for me?A good therapeutic relationship involves feeling heard, understood, and comfortable discussing difficult topics. You should feel that your therapist is knowledgeable about your concerns and that their approach aligns with your preferences. Most people know within 2-3 sessions if there's a good fit. Our Team is dedicated to finding the right fit for you.
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What if I'm not comfortable with my therapist?It's completely normal to not connect with every therapist. Professional therapists in Abbotsford understand this and can help facilitate referrals to colleagues who might be a better fit. You can discuss concerns directly with your therapist or seek consultation from their clinic. Many practices have multiple therapists with different specialties and approaches.
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How do I prepare for my first therapy appointment in Abbotsford?Prepare by reflecting on your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve. Bring a list of current medications, relevant medical history, and any previous therapy experiences. Our therapists provide intake forms to complete beforehand. Arrive a few minutes early to complete paperwork and settle in. Remember that the first session is also an opportunity to assess if the therapist is a good fit for your needs.
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What's the difference between a psychologist and counsellor?In BC, registered psychologists have doctoral-level training and can provide psychological assessments and diagnosis. Registered clinical counsellors typically have master's-level training and focus on therapeutic interventions. Both can provide effective therapy, but psychologists may offer additional services like psychological testing. Insurance coverage may differ between the two professions.
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What is an RSW (Registered Social Worker) in Abbotsford?A Registered Social Worker (RSW) in BC is a mental health professional who has completed a Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited program and is registered with the BC College of Social Workers. RSWs at Eterna Counselling are trained in psychotherapy, counselling, and social intervention techniques. They can provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy, and many specialize in areas like trauma, addiction, child and family services, or mental health. RSWs use evidence-based therapeutic approaches and are bound by professional ethics and standards of practice.
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What is an RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) in Abbotsford?A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in BC is a mental health professional registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). RCCs have completed a Master's degree in counselling or related field, along with extensive supervised clinical experience. At Eterna Counselling, RCCs provide psychotherapy and counselling services for individuals, couples, families, and groups. They are trained in various therapeutic modalities including CBT, EMDR, and family systems therapy. RCCs must complete ongoing professional development and adhere to strict ethical guidelines.
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What's the difference between RSW and RCC therapists in Abbotsford?Both RSWs and RCCs are qualified to provide therapy in Abbotsford, but they have different educational backgrounds and regulatory bodies. RSWs have social work training with a broader scope including community work and social advocacy, while RCCs have specialized counselling psychology training. Both require Master's-level education and supervised clinical experience. Insurance coverage is typically the same for both professions. The choice between an RSW or RCC often comes down to personal preference and the therapist's specific areas of expertise.
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How much does individual therapy cost in Abbotsford?Therapy costs in Abbotsford typically range from $140-$160 per session for individual counselling. Extended health benefits through employers often cover psychological services with coverage varying from $500-$2000 annually. Our Abbotsford practices offer reduced-rate sessions with supervised interns or accept direct billing to insurance providers. Our fees range from $140-$150 per counselling hour for individual counselling and $160-$170 per counselling hour for couple's and family counselling sessions. Intern counselling rates are $60.00
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What insurance plans cover counselling in Abbotsford?Most extended health plans in BC cover registered clinical counsellors, and social workers. Coverage amounts vary by plan but typically range from $500-$2000 per year. Popular insurance providers we direct bill for under RSW, RCC; Canada Life, Manulife, Chambers of Commerce, Equitable Life Canada, Industrial Alliance, People Corporation, TELUS AdjudiCare and Union Benefits. Popular insurance providers we direct bill for under RSW; Desjardins, RWAM Insurance Administrators. Our Abbotsford therapy practices can direct bill to insurance companies or provide receipts for reimbursement. Note, not all policies allow for direct billing with RCC, and RSW.
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Are there low-cost therapy options in Abbotsford?Yes, Abbotsford offers several affordable mental health options including reduced-rate sessions with supervised intern therapists at Eterna Counselling & Wellness and other local practices.
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Which third party funders can Eterna Counselling bill directly?Eterna Counselling & Wellness can directly bill several third-party funders including the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) for eligible Indigenous clients, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) for children and families in care, and the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) for individuals who have experienced violent crime. Other accepted funders may include WorkSafeBC for workplace-related mental health claims, ICBC for motor vehicle accident-related therapy(Note* ICBC has changed their policy—we no loner direct bill for ICBC clients; however, they can self-submit for reimbursement), and various Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). It's recommended to verify your specific coverage and eligibility with the practice before your first appointment to ensure seamless billing arrangements.
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What types of therapy services are available in our Abbotsford office?Eterna offers comprehensive mental health services including individual therapy, couples counselling, family therapy, and youth counselling. Local practices provide evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. Many Abbotsford therapists specialize in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief counselling, and addiction recovery.
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How do I find a qualified therapist in Abbotsford?Look for therapists registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of BC. At Eterna we have many qualified mental health professionals include Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), and Registered Social Workers (RSW). You can verify credentials through the respective professional colleges and associations.
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What should I expect during my first therapy session in Abbotsford?Your initial session typically involves an intake assessment where your therapist will discuss your concerns, mental health history, and treatment goals. Our Abbotsford therapists use this time to explain their approach, discuss confidentiality, and answer questions about the therapeutic process. Sessions usually last 50 minutes and focus on building rapport and understanding your unique needs.
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How long does therapy duration typically take?Therapy duration varies based on individual needs and goals. Short-term therapy (6-12 sessions) may address specific issues like grief or situational stress. Longer-term therapy (6 months to 2 years) often addresses complex trauma, personality concerns, or deeply rooted patterns. Our Abbotsford therapists work collaboratively with clients to establish realistic timelines and regularly review progress.
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How is my information kept private?Eterna Counselling & Wellness places a high value on the confidentiality of the information shared by clients. Personal information that you share may be entered into your records in written form and your therapist is the only person who has access to your file. All information is kept confidential within the limits of the law. If for some reason there is a need to disclose your personal information, you will be consulted first and then asked to sign a form authorizing the transfer of the information. There are legal exemptions to confidentiality: 1. If you are ‘court ordered’ to access counselling, the court will likely ask for a report of your evaluation; if you are involved in litigation, the court may subpoena your file; 2. If you threaten to harm yourself or someone else, the authorities may be notified; 3. If a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, the authorities may be notified.
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Do you have a cancellation policy?We uphold a 48 hour cancellation policy. When cancelling an appointment with less than 48 hours before the scheduled appointment, clients agree to pay the full rate. If we are able to fill the appointment slot, we will not charge for late cancellation - however, it is not guranteed.
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When should I seek emergency mental health services?Seek immediate help if you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, experiencing severe psychosis or delusions, showing signs of severe substance withdrawal, or exhibiting violent behaviour. Abbotsford Regional Hospital provides 24/7 emergency psychiatric services, and Fraser Health operates crisis response teams for urgent mental health situations.
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What are the limits of confidentiality in therapy?While confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, there are specific legal limits that all therapists must follow. Confidentiality may be broken if there's imminent risk of suicide or self-harm, threats to harm others, suspected child abuse or neglect, or if court-ordered to release records. Your therapist will explain these limits during your first session and will always discuss any confidentiality concerns with you first whenever possible. These exceptions are rare and exist to protect safety.
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How does our Abbotsford therapy practices protect my privacy?Our Abbotsford therapy practices use multiple safeguards to protect client privacy including secure, encrypted electronic health records, locked filing systems for paper records, private therapy rooms with soundproofing, confidential scheduling systems, and staff training on privacy protection. Our practice also offer discreet entrances and exits, use first names only in waiting areas, and ensure appointment scheduling protects your anonymity. Digital communications are sent through secure, encrypted platforms compliant with BC privacy laws.
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