Frequently Asked Questions

It’s common not to know which therapy approach will help most. You don’t have to know ahead of time.

I will listen to what brings you to therapy, your strengths, concerns and challenges, and from there I will offer a counselling approach. With your consent and collaboration, we will work toward your counselling goals. We will continue to check-in and adapt our work together, to provide care and support for you in the counselling process. 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain and body heal from distressing memories, patterns, and beliefs.
By using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sound), EMDR helps your nervous system resolve stored trauma.
It can be especially effective for PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, shame, self-criticism, and chronic overwhelm.
You do not need to share every detail of your trauma for EMDR to work.

Most extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).
Each plan is different, so check your benefits to confirm coverage.
I provide receipts you can submit for reimbursement.

Yes. I have a limited number of sliding-scale spots for clients with financial need. Please ask if you’d like to be added to the waitlist.
I also offer lower-cost group therapy options.

You can click here or email me at stephanielofquistcounselling@gmail.com. I am open 9am-7pm and have flexible scheduling options. You’re welcome to email with any questions before booking.

Yes. I use Jane app’s online platform which is PIPEDA compliant (find more information about Jane app’s privacy compliance here https://jane.app/guide/online-appointments-and-privacy-laws. 

Many clients find online sessions convenient, and effective and easier to fit into daily life.

Clients find it helpful to:

• Find a quiet, private space
• Use headphones for comfort and confidentiality
• Test your internet connection before sessions
• Log off other devices to reduce distractions

• Find a quiet, private space
• Use headphones for comfort and confidentiality
• Test your internet connection before sessions
• Log off other devices to reduce distractions
• Have water, a blanket, or grounding items nearby

Group therapy offers connection, community, and shared understanding. It reduces shame, builds emotional skills, increases self-compassion, and helps people feel less alone. I offer trauma-informed, queer-affirming groups at accessible rates.

An RCC is a mental health therapist registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
RCCs meet professional standards for education, training, and ethics.
Many extended health insurance plans cover counselling with an RCC, making therapy more accessible.

Therapists / Counsellors (including RCCs):

• Provide mental health counselling, trauma therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and relational support
• Focus on emotional healing, coping skills, and behavioural change
• Often have lower fees
• Typically covered by extended health benefits

Psychologists:

• Hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD)
• Can provide psychological assessments
• May offer therapy and specialized testing
• Often have higher fees and different insurance coverage

Both can be helpful — the best choice depends on your needs

No. Chatbots and AI tools can help with general coping strategies, grounding exercises, or psychoeducation, but they cannot replace the safety, attunement, or clinical skill of a trained therapist.
A therapist provides:

• Relational support
• Trauma-informed care
• Ethical responsibility
• Nervous system co-regulation
• Tailored treatment
• Deep understanding of your history, identity, and lived experience

AI can support—but not replace—real therapeutic connection.

It depends on your goals.
Some people attend short-term therapy (6–12 sessions), while others prefer long-term support.
We check in regularly to make sure therapy aligns with your values and pace.