RCC stands for Registered Clinical Counsellor. It is a designation of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), a self-regulatory association for counsellors trained at the graduate level (minimum master's degree) in British Columbia. Since counsellors/psychotherapists are not regulated yet under the Health Professions Act (HPA), the BCACC oversees the profession of clinical counselling (including standards for ethical practice, complaints, education and continuing professional development, as well as advocacy for the profession at all levels across the province. With the upcoming implementation of the new Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), it is likely that counsellors and psychotherapists will join the new amalgamated College of Health and Care Professionals of BC for greater oversight and protection of the public.

RCAT stands for Registered Canadian Art Therapist. It is a designation of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA-ACAT), a self-regulatory association for art therapists/psychotherapists in Canada. Art therapists are trained at the graduate-level to provide therapy that combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate. While many counsellors/therapists state that they offer art therapy in their services, art therapists are rigorously trained (700+ hours + 18-24 months of schooling) and undergo their own mandatory therapy. If you are interested in art therapy, please navigate to the CATA-ACAT website or the BC Association of Art Therapy to find a qualified art therapist in your local area.

No, I am not a psychologist. Psychologists are often trained at the doctoral-level and offer a broader range of services. Some many be trained at the master's level via a different province with competences in their special area of practice. Though I am pursuing a doctoral degree, I will not graduate until 2026. Post-graduation, all psychologists must be registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) in order to use the protected title of "psychologist" or "registered psychologist" and provide psychological services to the public independently. If you are seeking out psychological services from a Registered Psychologist - whether it be assessment, psychotherapy, or consultation services - please check with the CHCPBC or the BC Psychological Association (BCPA) to ensure they are properly credentialed and trained to offer the services you are seeking. You are still uncertain, be sure to inquire about their qualifications and license when you contact them.

No. A mental health diagnosis (whether it be for access to services or a better understanding of a person's functioning) can only be rendered by a physician, Registered Psychologist, Licensed School Psychologist (L.Sch.Psych), or a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) in BC. Registered Clincial Counsellors (RCCs), Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and other therapists cannot legally diagnose anyone. It is also important to note that psychologists often utilise Level B (master's level) and Level C (doctoral level) tests to assess an individual for the purpose of diagnosis. Exercise caution around counsellors and therapists providing Level B assessments as part of their practice. These tests are often diagnostic in nature and require training to be interpreted accurately. While they can direct counselling and psychotherapy, if communicated wrong, a member of the public may assume they have been diagnosed with a mental health condition/disorder when they have not.

While the current research (depending on counselling modality) will suggest a specific schedule (such as once per week), I recognise that in this current economy it is not always feasible for families to afford this. As a result, my clients attend at varying rates. Some do attend once per week, while others attend bi-weekly depending on their funding and extended benefits (if they have them). What is more important is that you attend consistently where possible more than how often you attend. I have found that by being consistent, we can continue to work at the issues that have brought you in - even when it is difficult or scary, rather than fall off the wagon (so to speak) due to inconsistent scheduling. With that said, I am flexible and have both weekend and evening availability for those work shifts, have children, or attend school. Please reach out if you have further questions!

This is a common and important question. Counselling can be difficult because sometimes we are having parts of ourselves reflected back to us that we have been avoiding, or that we don't like/want to engage with. You may leave sessions at times disliking your counsellor/therapist, and that is okay. If your counsellor/therapist at any point, however, genuinely misunderstands or offends you in anyway, please speak with them and address if you feel able to. A good therapist will always welcome the feedback of where they have gone wrong and work to repair trust with you. We are fallible and sometimes we don't get it right, but that can also be therapeutic in itself. However, if it is a serious breach of conduct, you should file a complaint to their respective licensing body.