FAQ

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

For your first appointment, you will need to arrive a few minutes early and complete some standard forms. You won't have to wait long before your counsellor invites you into his or her office for a private consultation. You'll have the chance to talk about what's on your mind and explain what you want the counselling sessions to accomplish. The first session is usually aimed at gaining a better understanding of the issue and beginning to identify some goals and strategies.

HOW LONG IS AN APPOINTMENT?

Your counselling session will last between 50 and 60 minutes.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT?

We will make every effort to ensure you see a counsellor as soon as possible. Usually, we're able to find you an appointment within 2-5 working days. In urgent situations, you can see a counsellor on the same day that you call.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT?

You should contact our office as soon as possible to cancel an appointment. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the appointment may be subject to a half session fee.

CAN I REQUEST A COUNSELLOR OR DO YOU ASSIGN ME?

If you have seen a particular counsellor before, then you will likely see the same person again. Our counsellors have various areas of expertise and we make every effort to match you with the most suitable counsellor. If you would feel more comfortable talking to a male or female counsellor, please let us know during your initial phone call and we'll make every effort to accommodate your request.

HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS DOES IT TAKE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM?

This varies tremendously and depends on the person and on the problem. Our statistics show that on average, clients of Guthrie and Associates see their counsellors for approximately five visits. Many clients will return at a later date to continue with counselling down the road. Just like your family doctor, your counsellor is a resource that you can connect with at times of need.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M NOT HAPPY WITH THE ADVICE I RECEIVE?

Counselling is about helping you identify a course of action that you're most comfortable with. Your counsellor is there as a coach and encourager, to support you in clearing some of life's hurdles. In the event that you do not feel it is a “good fit”, our counsellors will ensure they make the appropriate referral and connect you with another counsellor.

WHAT IF I RUN INTO SOMEONE I KNOW?

There are a few precautions that Guthrie and Associates take to prevent this type of situation from occurring:

• We're located in a multi-service health facility. By walking into our facility, an observer would not necessarily know that you have a counselling appointment.
• We have designed our office suite to ensure the utmost confidentiality and discretion.
• Appointment times are staggered to reduce the number of people waiting at the same time.

I WORK SHIFTS. WILL IT BE HARD TO GET A CONVENIENT APPOINTMENT?

We try and accommodate shifts by offering extended office hours. In addition to regular business hours, we're open Monday through Wednesday 9am-8pm, Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 9am-4pm and from 9am-1pm on Saturdays. If you need to reach the office outside of those hours, there is a confidential answering machine.

WHAT IS AN EAP?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees of a company with professional and confidential counselling services. An EAP is offered as part of a benefits package to an employee.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M COVERED THROUGH AN EAP?

There are a couple of ways to find out whether counselling services with Guthrie and Associates are covered as part of your benefit package with your employer. Either you can contact your Human Resources department for confirmation or you can contact our offices at (519) 752 8280.

HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE COVERED BY MY EMPLOYER?

The answer to this question will depend upon your employer. Most companies provide full coverage for several counselling sessions per year for the employee or a dependent. For more specific information about your coverage, please contact our offices. A receptionist will be happy to confirm the number of sessions that are part of your company's agreement with Guthrie and Associates.

HOW DO I BOOK A COUNSELLING APPOINTMENT THROUGH MY EAP?

The appointment is arranged directly through our office. All you need to do is call Guthrie and Associates for an appointment.

WILL MY WORKPLACE FIND OUT THAT I'M GOING TO COUNSELLING?

Your company receives no information regarding your counselling or the use of your Employee Assistance Program. Guthrie and Associates assigns a number to each client and only this number appears on the invoice to protect your identity. No identifying information is ever given to your employer.

Do you offer remote sessions?

Yes, Guthrie and Associates offers both telelphonic and video remote sessions for your convenience. Remote sessions are done through a program called Doxy.me which is a secure platform that is easy to use with no setup required on your end. Simply click the link we send you and you'll be connected to your therapist for your session.