Question 1

What can counselling do for me?

Accepted Answer

Counselling offers more than just a place to talk, it’s a collaborative space designed to help you heal, grow, and thrive. It can support you in managing and reducing mental, emotional, and social stress by providing tools to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and more.

A professional counsellor helps you explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment, guiding you toward a clearer understanding of your patterns, behaviours, and values.

Counselling can also:

Help you set and achieve personal or professional goals
Provide coping strategies for overwhelming life transitions
Create space for self-reflection, mindfulness, and healing
Support you in building healthier relationships
Empower you to take control of your mental health

Ready to begin your journey? Learn more about our Counselling Services

Question 2

What should I expect when going in for counselling?

Accepted Answer

At first, a new therapist will collect information as to what brings you into therapy.

Your therapist may ask about factors that could influence your mental health and therapeutic progress. These may include:

Your current emotional well-being
Past or present experiences with trauma, grief, or abuse
Substance use or addiction concerns
Suicidal thoughts, self-harm history, or safety concerns
Mental and physical health diagnoses
Gender identity, cultural background, and other important parts of your identity
Any medications or treatments you’re currently using

These questions are handled with care and without judgment. Their purpose is to ensure you receive the most appropriate and compassionate support. Your therapist’s focus in these early sessions is to build trust, validate your experiences, and create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and understood.

Once a foundation is in place, your therapist will work with you to identify the most helpful therapeutic approach.

Question 3

I’ve tried therapy before, why should I try it again?

Accepted Answer

Like with any person-centered relationship, not everyone is compatible. This can lead to a therapeutic relationship not being effective. Additionally, every therapist will have a unique style and approach that may work for one individual, but not another. It’s normal that a person may visit a few therapists before finding a match.

Sometimes it takes meeting a few professionals before finding the one who truly resonates with you. Don’t let a previous experience keep you from the progress you deserve.

Looking for a better fit? Reach out today and book a consultation

Question 4

Do you prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

As therapists and counsellors, we don’t prescribe medication. We are educated in medications on a surface level to help understand how they may impact our clients, but medication is usually prescribed by a psychiatrist, doctor or nurse practitioners.

Need emotional support while on medication? Our Counselling can help complement your care.

Question 5

Will someone know that I am getting therapy?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are strictly confidential, with the exception of situations that can be reviewed here:

Mandatory Reporting Obligations for Registered Psychotherapists

Often people are worried about the stigma of seeing a therapist. We are here to tell you that counselling and therapy are much more common today than in previous years and have been destigmatized in many places. Some even consider therapy as a regular part of their health check-up, using therapy as a place to maintain their mental health in the long-term.

Question 6

What is adult autism?

Accepted Answer

Adult autism refers to a naturally occurring neurotype that continues across the lifespan and is often identified later in life. Unlike past beliefs that framed autism strictly as a developmental disorder, we now understand it as a difference in how the brain processes information, social interaction, and sensory input. Many autistic adults experience strong interests, a preference for routines, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli, traits that come with both strengths and challenges. Recognizing adult autism means acknowledging these unique traits and supporting individuals in ways that foster self-understanding, acceptance, and well-being.

Question 7

How common is autism?

Accepted Answer

According to recent statistics, one in every 59 people are assessed as autistic. This number has been increasing as more is learnt about what it means to be autistic. This number is high enough that most of us have had an interaction with someone who is autistic (although we may not know it).

Question 8

How are individuals assessed as being autistic?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, if someone suspects that they are autistic, they can be assessed through a physician, a nurse practitioner, a psychiatrist or a psychologist. However, because not everyone in these groups are trained to assess individuals as autistic, it can be difficult to seek an assessment. If you need help finding a specialist that can help in this area, feel free to reach out. Although we cannot assess you ourselves, we may have some leads in your area (subject to availability, results not guaranteed and the leads will not be associated with Unique Peace Counselling).

Question 9

What causes autism?

Accepted Answer

This question is difficult to answer, as autism isn’t something that’s “caused”. Instead, current research suggests that autism is a natural variance in neurotype that leads individuals to experience the world differently. This means that an individual is autistic throughout their life, even though they may only be assessed later in life. Additionally, one’s chances of being autistic are higher if individuals in your family are neurodivergent, as neurotypes seem to be, at least in part, hereditary.

Question 10

What are traits associated with being autistic?

Accepted Answer

Autistic individuals have the capability of feeling a lot in some situations (hypersensitivity) and not much in others (hyposensitivity), leading to different insights and perspectives compared to neurotypicals. However, this often means that autistic individuals are more likely to avoid situations where they’re exposed to a lot of things at once, such as crowds, chaotic environments, etc. In addition, some autistic adults may control their sensory exposure by maintaining habits and routine. Because of differences in sensory perception, autistic traits can look very different from person to person.

Question 11

Why is Asperger's Syndrome no longer used as a term?

Accepted Answer

Asperger’s Syndrome was reclassified as “autism level one” to reflect autism’s spectrum nature and to move away from the term’s ableist origins. Autism level one describes minimal support needs, focusing on day-to-day task assistance and social support, in contrast to levels two and three, which require more substantial assistance.

Question 12

What is adult ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Adult ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, attention, memory, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. While symptoms often begin in childhood, many adults remain undiagnosed until later in life.

Question 13

What does ADHD stand for?

Accepted Answer

ADHD stands for “Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder”. Although this is what the abbreviation stands for, it is not a great name for it. This is because ADHD is not a disorder, nor does always lead to “deficits” in attention. Some ADHD individuals can actually hyperfixate on things, meaning that they have intense focus rather than a lack of it.

Question 14

What causes ADHD?

Accepted Answer

This is a hard question to ask, as there really isn’t a “cause” as most people would think of it. Instead, it’s believed that ADHD is a naturally occurring variance in neurotype. This means that a person is ADHD for life. What we do know, however, is that neurotypes are at least in some part hereditary, meaning that if your family members are ADHD, your chances of being ADHD increase as well.

Question 15

What's the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Accepted Answer

ADD (attention deficit disorder) is an outdated term which has now been adapted to ADHD inattentive type. Individuals that present as ADHD inattentive type typically have a preference for less overall stimulation, while those who are ADHD have a preference for more stimulation.

Question 16

How is adult ADHD assessed?

Accepted Answer

Adult ADHD is assessed through a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The process may include interviews, questionnaires, and a review of personal history, especially symptoms dating back to childhood.

Question 17

What are types of adult ADHD and their main traits?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 main types of ADHD:

Inattentive Type – Easily distracted, forgetful, and struggles with focus and organization.

Hyperactive Type – Impulsive, restless, and often feels a need to be in constant motion.

Combination Type – A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive traits, including difficulty focusing and regulating impulses.

Question 18

What is relationship therapy?

Accepted Answer

Relationship therapy is a form of therapy that is carried out by a trained psychologist, therapist, or counsellor with the purpose of addressing any difficulties that are present in a partnership. By openly addressing these struggles, and discussing them, individuals can find solutions that will strengthen their relationship.

Question 19

What happens in relationship therapy?

Accepted Answer

Relationship therapy involves your therapist creating a dialogue that will help get to the bottom of your relationship issues. This is often done by asking very specific questions or engaging in a variety of activities to improve communication, trust, and understanding. Throughout relationship therapy, you will be equipped with skills to deal with your issues in your relationship. From the first appointment, the goals should be made clear and from that point on, the process and progress is measured relative to those goals.

Question 20

What are the most common relationship issues?

Accepted Answer

The first thing that people usually associate relationship therapy with is infidelity. A betrayal of trust like this can bring about a myriad of different issues; primarily revolving around trust. Other common issues in a relationship that can be potentially improved through relationship therapy include: frequent arguments, poor communications, jealousy, expectations and assumptions, and sexual problems.

Question 21

What can you learn from relationship therapy?

Accepted Answer

Relationship therapy is about learning to communicate with each other about particular issues affecting the relationship. On top of improving your communication skills, you will learn skills like: resolving arguments effectively, working through your problems together, understanding one another better, and acknowledging your partners feelings.

Question 22

When is a good time to get relationship therapy?

Accepted Answer

There is a common misconception that relationship therapy is only intended for when your relationship is going through a crisis. Anybody can potentially benefit from relationship therapy at any point in their partnership. If there is a specific life event or hardship that you’re facing, then we absolutely recommend seeking support. Even when you’ve worked through the initial issue that you were seeking help for, on-going relationship therapy may continue to strengthen your relationship and provide continual support throughout your time together.

Question 23

How should you prepare for your first relationship therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Before you’ve committed to seeing a therapist, we recommend researching a myriad of therapists. It’s important to consider what specialties a therapist has, what their background is, and whether or not they take insurance (if applicable). Not all relationship therapists have the same approaches and philosophy to their work.

Once you’ve selected a therapist, all you need to do is be ready to openly communicate with your partner and your therapist, as the therapist should guide you through the remainder of the process.

Question 24

What is anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety is your body’s natural emotional response to feelings of stress. Those who suffer from anxiety often have recurring feelings and thoughts of apprehension or fear regarding specific stressors.

Question 25

How to deal with anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Managing anxiety can be simple in some contexts and very complex in others. Because our nervous systems are so complex and can detect a variety of nuances, many different triggers can exist for a person’s anxiety. This is why working with a professional can help to identify these triggers.

Question 26

What is an anxiety attack?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety attacks are uncontrollable episodes of intense feelings of anxiety and stress that can occur without warning. Anxiety attacks are also commonly referred to as “panic attacks”. Typically, these episodes subside on their own, but can have lingering affects. Your therapist will help identify potential causes of these episodes and build a recovery process.

Question 27

What does an anxiety attack feel like?

Accepted Answer

During an anxiety attack you may experience the following sensations: shortness of breath, a significantly increased heart rate, chest pain, a sense of overwhelming panic, and other generalized sensations of worry. Some individuals may also disassociate during an anxiety attack. Anxiety attacks are uncontrollable, unpredictable, and can happen during any part of your day.

Question 28

What causes anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety can be caused by any type of thought, feeling, sensation or occasion that makes you nervous or stressed. Anxiety can be prolonged, temporary, a frequent occurrence, or it can be related to one specific situation.

Question 29

How common is anxiety?

Accepted Answer

According to Statistics Canada, anxiety disorders are frequently assessed across all age groups. Anxiety can also be a trigger for someone to recognize that they may be neurodivergent.

Question 30

What is depression?

Accepted Answer

Depression is a state best characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and solitude. Additionally, depressed individuals may also report a lack of enjoyment and satisfaction of activities, hobbies and milestones.

Question 31

How prevalent is depression?

Accepted Answer

It is estimated that nearly 3 million Canadians suffer from a variety of depression in different forms.

Question 32

What are the traits associated with depression?

Accepted Answer

Depression is not just feeling sad, lonely, or melancholy. Depression is when these common feelings become overwhelming and impact your day-to-day activities. Among others, common traits include:

Fatigue
Lethargy
Oversleeping or Insomnia
Loss of Self-Esteem
Loss of Motivation
Changes in Weight or Appetite
Decreased Sexual Drive

Question 33

What are the main causes of depression?

Accepted Answer

Depression can be caused by a variety of genetic or environmental factors. Research suggests that the most common causes of depression stem from stressful life events, medications and drug use, genetic vulnerability, and trauma. Individuals may also be at a higher risk for depression when they are neurodivergent.

Question 34

How to cope with depression?

Accepted Answer

Like anxiety, depression can be rooted in various causes. As such, every individual’s coping strategies are different and heavily customized. This is why working with a professional may help you to better understand your needs and how they relate to depression.

Question 35

What is grief?

Accepted Answer

Grief is a strong and often overwhelming emotion that we express when dealing with a loss. The grieving process has similarities between different people but each person’s experience will be unique to them.

Question 36

How long does grief last?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there is no universal answer. Every grieving process is unique and is a reflection of one’s personality and the significance of the loss. Therapy may help in processing emotions associated with loss.

Question 37

What are the stages of grief?

Accepted Answer

It’s important to note that not everybody has the same coping process, but there are similarities in the stages that people experience in response to a loss. The 5 stages of grief model summarize the grieving process in five main stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Individuals may experience some, or all of these, in different orders and intensities.

Question 38

What does grief feel like?

Accepted Answer

More often than not, grief is described as “an intense loss of connection and meaning”. Additional feelings may include: shock, numbness, sadness and disbelief.

Question 39

How to cope with grief?

Accepted Answer

Every person’s grieving journey will look different from another’s, as we all interpret loss differently. Additionally, we all can experience different intensities with grief, leading to further differentiating experiences.

Question 40

How does grief affect the body?

Accepted Answer

Grief can bring on a variety of adverse physical symptoms. The feelings of stress can increase inflammation and can cause or accelerate headaches, stiffness, and joint pain. Prolonged grief can also diminish the effectiveness of your immune system and increase your blood pressure.

Question 41

What distinguishes ACT from other forms of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Because of its emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based living, ACT varies from conventional therapy. ACT does not aim to reduce negative thoughts and feelings directly, but rather uses them as a source of wisdom to better align with one’s values.

Question 42

How can ACT assist with emotional control?

Accepted Answer

Through the promotion of mindfulness and emotional acceptance, ACT aids in the development of efficient emotional awareness techniques. People may enhance their well-being by developing a keen awareness of their emotions by learning to recognize and accept them without passing judgment.

Question 43

What does a session of ACT typically involve?

Accepted Answer

A typical ACT session consists of guided mindfulness exercises, the identification of personal values and aspirations, the exploration of present difficulties, and the development of practical techniques for bringing behaviours into line with ideals. Therapists collaborate with their clients, offering support and direction all along the way.

Question 44

How long does it usually take to see progress with ACT?

Accepted Answer

Depending on their particular situation and goals, each person’s time frame for seeing development with ACT is different. While some people could see results after just a few sessions, others might need more time. Regular engagement and dedication to the process can result in favourable outcomes.

Question 45

Are there specific qualifications or training for therapists providing ACT?

Accepted Answer

At Unique Peace Counselling, we are trained and have received specific training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We have the skills and knowledge essential to apply ACT procedures and to modify therapy to accommodate different client needs.

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