Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling.

Who can call themselves a counsellor?

Did you know that counsellor is not a “protected title” in BC? What this means is that theoretically anyone can call themselves a counsellor or a therapist, even if they don’t have the training or education to justify it. Scary!

Fortunately, there are organizations that provide designations to counsellors. These organizations require their members to have met specific criteria in order to register. This ensures that these counsellors have met specific qualifications and abide by an ethical code of practice, which ultimately protects you as a client. This is why it is so important to ask your counsellor about their credentials!

What is a Registered Clinical Counsellor?

In BC, one of the organizations that qualifies counsellors is the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). “Registered Clinical Counsellor” (RCC) is the designation provided by the BCACC. An RCC is a professional counsellor who has met the necessary standards required by the BCACC.

Every counsellor who receives the ‘RCC’ counselling designation in British Columbia has met specific educational and training criteria required by the BCACC. RCCs are highly-trained professionals who specialize in providing therapy and emotional support to people struggling with varying life challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, life transitions, relationship concerns, and many more issues. RCCs have expertise in supporting clients with challenges ranging from mild to severe in nature.**

RCCs must have a minimum of a Master’s Degree (typically in an area such as psychology or social work) from an accredited and recognized educational institution. Many have additional education and training in their specific area of practice. **

What’s the difference between a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)?

Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) are REQUIRED to have at minimum a Master’s-level degree in a related discipline (psychology or social work for example). This entails minimum 6+ years of university (completion of both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree), typically including a thesis, along with a lengthy supervised internship/practicum and a high number of directly supervised client hours supervised by a senior, experienced RCC or psychologist in order to register. Registered Therapeutic Counsellors (RTC) and Registered Professional Counsellors (RPC) can have a one-year diploma or certificate.

Why choose an RCC?

RCCs must have satisfied the BCACC’s clinical supervision requirements that are criteria of membership. Basically this means that an experienced senior counsellor has watched and evaluated the counsellor’s practice to ensure they are meeting certain standards of practice, and ultimately that they are providing the best possible service to clients.

Additionally, many extended health plans cover counselling services provided by an RCC.

You can rest assured that RCCs have not only met the academic, clinical competence and professional requirements, they have committed themselves to practice according to an ethical code of conduct and standards of practice. **

Choosing an RCC offers peace of mind for members of the public looking to feel secure when they enter into a professional counselling relationship. You can rest assured that choosing a counsellor with the RCC designation is a safe decision.**

How do I choose a counsellor?

On top of confirming a counsellor’s credentials, it is essential to talk to any prospective counsellor about their areas of interest or specialization to ensure that their approach is (1) a good fit for you and (2) appropriate in terms of the goals you have for counselling.

Keep in mind that not all RCCs have the same expertise in all areas. Feel free to ask about their education, experience and years of practice. Any ethical counsellor should be absolutely willing to answer these questions for you.

In any case, it is important that your counsellor is providing therapy using empirically-supported, evidence-based practices. This is just a fancy way of saying that research evidence has proven the effectiveness of the counselling technique being used. Talking with your prospective counsellor can help you to answer these questions.

Most importantly though, you should choose a counsellor you feel comfortable talking to. Make sure the counsellor you are interested in seeing offers an initial consultation so you can ensure you feel comfortable with them.

Will I be covered under my Extended Health Benefits?

Thankfully many extended health plans do provide coverage for counselling when provided by a RCC. If you think you have the benefits and hope to have your sessions covered, contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage.

Keep in mind some insurance companies may only provide coverage for specific counselling professionals. While an RCC is a safe choice and is typically a widely-covered professional designation, I always suggest you double-check with your insurance provider to ensure that your benefits will in fact be covered when counselling is provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor.

The issue I am seeking counselling for is not listed as one of your areas of practice. Are you still able to help me?

It is essential to talk to your counsellor about their areas of interest, practice or specialization to ensure that their approach is (1) a good fit for you and (2) appropriate in terms of the goals you have for counselling. I would be happy to chat with you further to help you determine if I would be a fit for your counselling goals.

If it turns out I am not a fit for you, I can help you find someone who is. You can send me an email or book a free consultation to chat further.

How can I book a counselling session with you?

Dayna is pleased to offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to chat with you about how counselling could help you and/or to book an appointment. Click here to book a complimentary counselling consultation. She looks forward to speaking with you!

I have more questions about counselling, but I am not ready to book an appointment. How can I get ahold of you?

Totally understandable - it can be nerve-wracking reaching out for counselling! Feel free to connect with any questions via phone or email. Contact Dayna McCracken Counselling with any questions, and she will get back to you ASAP!

**via BCACC