FAQ

An RCT-C in Nova Scotia stands for a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate. It is a protected professional title for a licensed mental health clinician who has completed their Master's level education. Because RCT and RCT-C are protected titles, you are guaranteed that your therapist has rigorous academic training and operates under a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Counselling therapy addresses wellness, relationships, personal growth, career development, mental health, and psychological illness or distress.

Therapy is a collaborative, safe space where you work through personal challenges. 

Your first few sessions act as a consultation to establish goals, build trust, and plan your treatment.

The First Session

Paperwork: You’ll fill out forms regarding your medical history, privacy, and policies prior to your first visit.

Goal Setting: Your therapist will ask what brings you in and what you hope to achieve. It is okay to not have a goal when starting therapy. Many people go to therapy feeling “stuck” or overwhelmed without knowing exactly what they want to work on. Therapists help explore your feelings and experiences, the process itself often reveals what areas need work.

Background Gathering: They will ask about your current life, symptoms, and general history.

Pacing: There is no pressure to share everything right away; you share at a pace that feels comfortable to you.

Standard Sessions Structure

Sessions typically last about 50/60 minutes and happen weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on the client. You will likely see your therapist more frequently at the beginning, and the goal is to space sessions further apart until you reach your goals. It is okay for your initial goals to evolve over time. 

Not Just Advice: Therapists rarely just "tell you what to do." Instead, they help you unpack your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Different Approaches: Depending on the therapist, sessions may look different. It is important to know that not every therapist is for every client and that it is okay to try different therapists until you feel like you have found the right fit.

You dont need to prepare. You are welcome to show up just as you are. There is no "right" way to approach a first session.

If you like being prepared, here are some helpful tips:

Take notes: Before your first session, jot down notes about what you want to talk about and what you hope to gain from therapy. This can help you stay focused and get the most out of your time with the therapist.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions (Or feel afraid and ask anyways!): If you’re not sure about something the therapist says or does, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Therapy is a collaborative process, and it’s important that you feel comfortable and understood.

Set goals: Think about what you hope to achieve through therapy.

Be kind to yourself: It’s important to be kind to yourself and recognize that you are worthy of support, care, and wellness. Therapy is a process, and it can take time to see progress, but showing up is the first step.

Aftercare plan: Sometimes, starting therapy can bring up painful emotions. Make a plan afterwards to take care of yourself. Whether it’s curling up on the couch, going for a walk, calling a friend, or whatever comforts you. Feeling tired or emotional after a session is normal and absolutely okay!

No, formal assessments and diagnosis is outside of the scope of practice for Counselling Therapists. RCT's cannot provide fromal diagnoses, diagnositic assessments, prescribe medication, provide workplace assessments, or act in a case management role.

Care can be collaborative and if at any point during therapy, it is determined by the client that any of these additional services may be beneficial, we can provide referrals to help meet any additional needs that a client may have. 

We require a minimum of 24 hours notice for cancellations. This policy is necessary because no shows/late cancels affect not only your treatment plan, but also leave a hole in your clinician’s schedule that could have been used by another client. No-shows and late cancellations will be charged the full fee for the clinical session. 

We do understand that emergencies can arise, making it impossible to provide adequate notice.  If this is the case, feel free to discuss your situation with your clinician.

To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please visit: Keystone Counselling Booking Site, or you may contact your therapist directly. 

Yes!

Therapy services are covered by many private insurance companies. We can direct bill to Blue Cross, Manulife, and Canada Life. Although RCT's are covered by other insurance providers, you may have to pay for the session and then submit a reciept for reimbursement. 

We recommend checking in with your insurance provider to determine the details of your individual plan (yearly coverage, if RCT's are covered under mental health services, and if there is a co-pay).

In most cases, no. You can contact and book a therapist directly. However, you may check your specific insurance plan to see if they require a physician's note for reimbursement.

We accept cash, credit card and e-transfer. Please be aware that we are unable to make change when paying by cash.