The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and explore what has brought you to therapy at this time. We will discuss your current concerns, relevant history, and what you hope may feel different in your life.

You are welcome to share at a pace that feels comfortable. There is no expectation to explain everything all at once. Many people find the first session helps them get a sense of whether the therapeutic relationship feels like a good fit.

We may also discuss goals for therapy and any questions you may have about the process.

The length of therapy varies depending on your needs, goals, and circumstances. Some individuals attend for a shorter period of time to work through a specific challenge, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns or support ongoing growth.

We will regularly check in about how therapy is feeling and adjust the pace or frequency as needed.

The frequency of therapy is flexible and depends on your needs, goals, and what feels supportive for you. Some individuals prefer to meet weekly, while others choose biweekly, monthly, or less frequent sessions.

We can discuss a rhythm that feels sustainable and adjust over time as your needs evolve.

If you are unsure, many people begin with weekly or biweekly sessions, as this often allows for continuity and momentum in the therapeutic process. We can revisit frequency at any point and make changes as needed.

Therapy can support increased self-understanding, emotional regulation, clarity in decision-making, and greater capacity to navigate challenges.

Many individuals find therapy helpful for:
- understanding patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships
- processing difficult experiences
- reducing anxiety or overwhelm
- developing greater self-compassion
- strengthening coping strategies
- supporting meaningful change

Therapy offers space to explore your experience with curiosity, compassion, and support.

Therapy can involve exploring difficult emotions, experiences, or patterns that may feel uncomfortable at times. This is a natural part of the process of working toward change.

You remain in control of what you share and the pace at which we work. My intention is to create a supportive and collaborative space where we can navigate challenges together.

Many people find that working through difficult material ultimately leads to greater clarity, resilience, and wellbeing.

In Canada, mental health professionals are regulated at the provincial level. In Nova Scotia, counselling therapists are regulated by the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). The designation Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) is a protected title, meaning it can only be used by clinicians who meet the College’s education, training, and ethical standards.

RCT-C stands for Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate. This designation indicates that I have completed a master’s degree in counselling psychology and am in the process of completing the required supervised clinical practice hours for full registration. During this time, I work under professional supervision and follow the ethical guidelines established by the NSCCT.

In some provinces, the term psychotherapist is used instead of counselling therapist. These titles refer to similar scopes of practice and training, though terminology varies by jurisdiction.ongoing clinical supervision.

The differences between mental health professionals can be confusing:

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.

Psychologists hold doctoral-level training in psychology and may provide assessment and therapy.

Counselling Therapists (RCT / RCT-C) hold graduate-level training in psychotherapy and provide talk therapy to support mental health, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.

If you have questions about the differences between mental health professionals or whether my approach may be a good fit, I am always happy to discuss this with you.

My approach to counselling is grounded in respect, collaboration, and ethical care. If concerns arise at any point in our work together, I welcome open communication and will do my best to explore and address them with you in a safe and thoughtful way.

As a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate (RCT-C), I practice under the clinical supervision of Kimberly Strange, RCT. She can be contacted at: kim@kimberlystrangecounselling.ca

You also have the right to contact the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), the regulatory body responsible for protecting the public and upholding standards within the counselling profession.

The NSCCT has a formal complaints process for concerns related to the conduct, care, or professional relationship of a counselling therapist. More information about the complaints process can be found through the NSCCT website:

Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT)
https://nscct.ca/filing-complaint/