What types of counsellors are the therapists at Allura?

At Allura, our team consists of Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCCs), and Registered Social Workers (RSW). A Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Certified Canadian Counsellor is a professional counsellor who has met specific educational and training criteria that provide assurance of experience, qualifications, and stringent professional and ethical standards under the BC Association for Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) or the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). A Registered Social Worker provides the same standards but under the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW). For more information, feel free to visit their website. Allura also offers low-cost counselling through Master's level graduate students completing their practicum placement with us – these students are closely supervised by highly experienced clinicians on the team.

What is sex therapy?

This is the most common question we receive from potential clients. Sex therapy is a non-touch, clothes-on, talk therapy that is focused on working with people around sexual issues such as sexual dysfunction, sexual issues, or struggles around their sexual identities. Sex therapy can be done both in individual or couples sessions depending on the needs of the client(s).

Can I work with one of your counsellors if I don't live in BC?

Due to regulations in different provinces and countries, our counsellors are only able to work with clients who currently live in or have a permanent address in BC, Canada or in one of the unregulated provinces (i.e., Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Nunavut). We have one counsellor who is able to see clients who reside in Ontario – please contact us to discuss this. We are unable to see clients in the US or regulated provinces (i.e., Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Socita, Ontario, PEI, and Quebec).

Are counselling sessions confidential?

Yes, what we discuss in counselling is is held to the strictest of confidence. However, there are three (3) exceptions to this rule:

1. If your therapist believes you are at imminent or serious risk to harm yourself or others.
2. If your therapist believe a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of or is being abused.
3. If we are officially subpoenaed in a court case.

If you are working with an intern counsellor, your sessions are confidential between yourself, the intern counsellor, and their supervisor.

What should I expect in a first session of sex therapy or relationship therapy?

In the first session of counselling, we will work to connect with each other and get to know what the issue is that brings you (and your partner) to see us. We explore what your goals look like for therapy and what changes you would like to see happen. Your counsellor is here to answer any questions you may have; the first session is important to begin to build your trust and comfort in me.

How many counselling sessions will it take for me to be better?

This is a difficult question to answer. Depending on the complexity of the issue that brings you to therapy, this number can vary. The same issue in two people can take different amounts of time to begin to see change depending on the underlying cause.

Regardless of how many sessions you might ultimately need, you could begin to see positive changes in your life after six sessions.

What are your fees?

Our fees vary from counsellor to counsellor between $140 and $375 - you can find each counsellor's fee at the bottom of their bio, or by going here.

What is your cancellation policy?

Your appointment time is help specifically for you. At Allura, we have a firm 48-hour cancellation policy. All cancellations or requests to reschedule within less than 48 hours will be charged the full session amount regardless for rhe reason for cancelling.

Is counselling covered by my extended health benefits?

As Registered Clinical Counsellors, Canadian Certified Counsellors, and Registered Social Workers, our services are covered by many extended health benefit plans. Please contact your service provider to inquire. An official receipt will be provided after each session to be submitted for reimbursement; clients are responsible for paying for session fees upfront.

Counselling is covered but is sex therapy covered by extended health benefits?

Think of sex therapy as a type of therapy/technique that can be used in clinical counselling rather than as a different type of counselling completely. As Registered Clinical Counsellors, Canadian Certified COunsellors, and Registered Social Workers, our services are covered by many extended health benefit plans. Please contact your service provider to enquire. Our receipts do not list sex therapy on them and are discreetly billed as the issue you are working on within counselling does not matter to insurance companies, rather that your counsellor is registered with the proper body which entitles you to sessions with us as RCCs(Registered Clinical Counsellor) or RSWs (Registered Social Workers).

Do you have a reduced rate for counselling?

We at Allura Sex Therapy Centre believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be heard. For this reason, we offer low-cost counselling with one of our Intern Counsellors who are currently completing their Masters degrees in Counselling and are closely supervised by one of our experienced therapists. In addition, many of our therapists offer a sliding scale for clients facing financial barriers – please contact us prior to booking a session to discuss this further as this varies per each counsellor.

Do you offer group therapy?

Yes we do! We offer a variety of groups throughout the year – you can find out our current groups & registration information here.

Do you do non-sex therapy with individuals?

Yes, we do. As Registered Clinical Counsellors and Registered Social Workers with extensive training in sex therapy, our services are poly-, LGBTQ-, and kink-friendly, aware, and sensitive. As such, some clients prefer to see us due to this reason but our work may be around other issues, such as anxiety or depression.

Who do you work with?

We work with people of varying ages, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and so forth. Please note, however, that we do not work with people under the age of 18, except in extenuating circumstances

Do you offer online or virtual counselling?

At this time, all of our counsellors are avaialble for virtual/online sessions or phone sessions for people residing within BC, as well as Kate Griffin is available to counsel those in Ontario.

What is the best way to contact you?

We have multiple options available to contact us to allow for easy connection! If you are unsure of which counsellor you'd like to work with, head to our Contact page and submit an Inquiry Form, and we will connect you with a team member within 2-3 business days.

How do I apply for a practicum placement with you?

Allura offers one cohort each year for practicum placement running from September to April for 8-months; our program requires a 2-3 day commitment including client sessions, individual and group supervision, training, and other administrative tasks. We accept applications in January each year for a September start. Head to our Join Our Team to be placed on the list to be contacted when our application process opens.