FAQ’s – Answers to Important and Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What services do you offer?

I offer caring and sensitive couselling based on best practices to couples and individuals.  I offer a complete research based assessment of your relationship or marriage. I also use research tested approaches (Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Cognitive Behavoural Therapy) for problems in relationships (intimate and family) and Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma. I counsel older teens, adults and elders. I do not, however, not counsel children.

You can see me short-term, or long-term, and we can set the frequency according to your needs (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi monthly, quarterly).  For home bound clients we can do distance counselling by phone. I can only see clients living in Canada. I am only seeing clients via telehealth.

2.  How much does it cost? How and when do I pay? How do I get reimbursed by my insurance company?

The full fee is $130/hr, which includes 5% GST.  My fee is therefore actually $123.81 and GST is $6.19.  If we go overtime in a session, then I charge (prorated) every 15 minutes. You can request a longer session if you wish.

Fee for off hours (example weekends) is $150/hour.

In order to help keep the fees down I do not accept debit or credit cards.  I do however accept email transfer payments.  Clients pay me at the end of each session.  Cheques should be made out to Fay Ferris.

If you have insurance, you should first check to see if your insurance will reimburse you.  I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (not a Registered Psychologist).  If your insurance covers RCC or Canadian Certified Counsellor, and many large employers related to government will cover RCC’s, you will pay me the fee and then you can submit your receipt that I provide you with to your insurance company.  You will be reimbursed by your insurance company.

3. Do you plan on working in person soon?

No, for health reasons I am only working online or telehealth.

4.  What are your hours/days?

My normal work schedule is as follows:),

I work Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 1:00 to 6:30 (start of last session).

I almost always take Thursdays off.

Fridays I work 11:50 to 4:00 (start of last session).

Fee for off hours (example weekends) is $150/hour.

These hours may change without notice, however I do my best to keep my clients updated.

5.  What approaches do you use?

I only use approaches that are researched and proven to be helpful and effective.  In couples counselling, I mainly use Gottman Method Couples Therapy and occasionally Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.  I have specific training in both of these methods, which I combine with over 20years of experience.  (see the “couples counselling page” for more information.)

For Depression and Anxiety, I primarily use CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – change your thoughts and behaviour) because it’s proven to be the most effective approach.  For trauma, I use both Traumatic Incident Reduction Techniques (TIR) and CBT.  (Please see the page on Individual Approaches for more information. ) I combine a Mindfulness based approach with CBT especially when Anxiety symptoms are present.

6.  What if my situation is complicated?

I have the training and experience with those situations where individual problems and relationship problems intertwine and impact each other.

For example, you may be depressed and anxious because your marriage is failing. Or perhaps you are just very depressed and /or anxious and do not know what to do.  Or, perhaps your partner says he or she cannot stand the limitations your anxiety puts on life.  Or you discover your spouse is cheating and a crisis ensues.  Or perhaps, you may have a child with special needs, or behavioral problems, and you and your loved ones are fighting over the issue on a near daily basis.

I have frameworks for understanding, exercises for coming to compromises and finding solutions, and techniques for making lasting positive changes.  I’ll work hard with you to make a better life for you as an individual, and for your relationships.

7.  Who do you see as clients?

As I pride my practice on its inclusiveness, I see all peoples, regardless of religion, culture, race, country of origin, sexual orientation, abilities, vocation, age, and income.  I have clients from all over the world and enjoy the diversity.

I will see people 16 years and older.  I do not see small children or offer play therapy in my office. 

8.  What about getting to your location?

I am only working online and telehealth. My office is located in the Pacific Business Centre Building, in the South West  corner of the intersection of Cooney Road and Ackroyd Road in Richmond, BC.  My office is on the third floor, South Tower in Suite #305 the “Regus Business Centre”.