Q. What therapeutic approach do you use?

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A. Theoretical Approach. No single therapeutic counselling approach could possibly fit every person who walks into my office. I base my approach to counselling and my techniques on each client. My areas of specialty are addiction, trauma, abuse, victimization, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and ageism.

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The techniques I am likely to use include but are not limited to cognitive reframing, early recollection, grounding, positive psychology, increasing self-worth and self-esteem, needs and value exploration, self-monitoring, visualization, exposure, interpretations, body language, psychoeducation (i.e. how the brain works, Vagus Nerve) and assertiveness training.

 

I utilize Client- Centered therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), non-violent communication, act therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, behavioural therapy, emotionally focused therapy, logotherapy, focusing therapy, humanistic theory, feminist theory, sand play therapy and art therapy.

 

Q. How do I know that this will work for me?

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A. Everyone is different. Therapy is designed to address personal issues, cultivate a greater level of insight and help clients gain effective coping strategies.

Counselling is not for every individual; however, it has been shown to be effective. Understanding rights and responsibilities in this process is important to ensuring well-being. Sharing sensitive and private information can be overwhelming. The therapeutic alliance has limitations and risks the client should be aware of, and as a therapist, I have corresponding rights and responsibilities.

 

Clinical counselling can evoke strong emotions, difficult memories and changes in self-awareness and result in the client relating to others in different ways. Unpacking past memories, grief, pain and future losses during the course of counselling can increase intense emotions.

Nevertheless, counselling can be a rewarding, freeing, positive experience with outcomes of success and satisfaction. As a therapist, I am here to guide you, support you, hold the space (be present with compassion and without judgement), provide a safe place, listen without judgement and listen with compassion throughout the counselling process

 

Q. What will happen during sessions?

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A. The first session is the intake process where the therapist will gather information about you to build a case conceptualization with the aim of setting  initial goals.

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In subsequent sessions,  thoughts, feelings, and behaviours will be discussed.

 

Ways to cope, and deal with problems more effectively over the long-term will be addressed, and your goals will continue to be reviewed and changed as needed over time.

 

Q. How long are sessions?

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A. One sessions is 50 minutes long. For assessment, sessions can be 1-2 hours, depending on the type of assessment. 

 

Q. How many sessions will I need? 

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A. That depends on the issue.

Natasha will be happy to discuss the number of sessions that may be expected for the goals that you have, and ways to make treatment as efficient and effective as possible.

 

Q. Will you tell  people what I talk about. Can that happen? 

 

A. Confidentiality is paramount at MOOD. As a therapist I adhere to two code of ethics, those of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the British Columbia College of Social Workers, and comply with the Common Law Privacy Act

(Section 1) and BC’s Personal Information Protection Act provision.

 

However, the Privacy Act does not give the client an absolute right to privacy.

If a client elects to communicate with me via email, they are aware and agree that doing so is not completely confidential. I will keep, print and place every email in the clients file.

 

I conduct online counselling over an encrypted video system that is protected and secure. I do not consent to being recorded or shared at any time.

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If a client does not want to receive simple touches such as on the hand or arm, inform the counsellor before counselling begins. As a therapist, I may, if consent is given, shake hands or touch on the shoulder or back if a client is in emotional distress.

A child or youth attending counselling will have to obtain the consent of both parents before counselling begins, as a requirement of BC’s new Family Law Act 4.

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Q. What are your fees, and are they covered by MSP or other insurance? 

 

A. Therapeutics/counselling are not covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan. Natasha Pittman charges $150, plus tax per 50-minute session as of April 1, 2021, Couples counselling is $175 plus tax. EMDR is $160hr plus tax.  

 

Natasha Pittman is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical counsellor, her designations are accepted by most extended health plans. Please check your benefits package. ICBC may pay for sessions if you have been in a car accident.

 

Natasha is a service provider for First Nations Health Authority ( FNHA), Victim Crime assistance ( CVAP), ICBC and for many employee assistance programs( EAP)  You may also be able to claim costs on your tax return.

 

Q. Do you do hormone readiness assessments ?

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A. Natasha is registered with Transcare BC and does Hormone Readiness assessments.

The cost is the same as individual session $ 150 plus tax. The cost of the report is $80 plus tax.

 

Q. What if I need services that you don't provide?

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A. Natasha does not diagnosis. We are happy to provide referrals to other resources and community services.