How do I access counselling services? 
There are several ways to access counselling: you can contact me directly, through phone or email; or  you can contact your Employee Assistance Provider (this information is generally provided in your benefits package from your workplace).

Do I need a referral for counselling?
You do not need a referral to attend counselling, although in some cases family doctors or your workplace may recommend counselling.  However I do not need a formal referral to be able to provide service, you can call on your own. 

How do I pay for counselling?  
Clients pay for counselling in one of 3 ways:

1)  If you have coverage through your company’s Employee Assistance plan, your workplace  will directly pay for your counselling sessions.  Most plans will cover at least 4-6 sessions – this is usually outlined in your benefits package. 
- Examples of these plans are: Shepell-fgi and Human Solutions.
- Examples of workplaces whose employees are covered: Banff Centre, Town of  Canmore, Canmore Hospital, Banff Springs Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise and ATB Financial   
If you have questions about whether or not you are covered, please feel free to contact  me or speak to Human Resources in your workplace.     

2)  If you have coverage through your Health benefits, you will pay for your counselling sessions and I will provide you with a receipt to submit for reimbursement. 
- Examples of Health benefit plans that reimburse for counselling services are:  Blue Cross, ManuLife, SunLife, Cooperators.                 
Please note that Greenshield is NOT covered. 

3) If you do not have Employee Assistance or Benefits coverage, you can pay for counselling on your own.  I offer a sliding scale for clients who are not reimbursed for counselling sessions. 

For specific information on the cost of counselling sessions, please email me. 

How long is a counselling session?  
A counselling session is one hour long.  Due to the nature of my practice, I usually schedule counselling appointments every 2 weeks.  The frequency of counselling appointments can be adjusted based on the needs of the client and my availability.   The average number of sessions for clients is 4-6 sessions. 

Is counselling private?  
Confidentiality is an essential part of counselling.  I have an oath of confidentiality – I am legally and ethically obligated to keep my client’s identity and issues private.  If a client wants me to consult with someone else (for example, their family doctor), I am required to have their written consent for this purpose. 

The only exception to this confidentiality is if the client is at risk of hurting themselves or someone else – in this case, their safety is the priority and I would not need permission to employ other resources (such as other medical professionals) to keep clients safe.   

 Are there other counselling options? 
I offer telephone counselling and e-mail counselling as alternatives, particularly for clients who do not have transportation or for other reasons, have difficulty coming to my office in Canmore. 

I am open and available to answer any questions you may have about myself or about counselling.  Please feel free to email me at dsbradley1@yahoo.ca with any questions or concerns you may have – I will respond to your email free of charge.