Our Virtual Counselling BC Services

Step 1: Getting Started with Virtual Counselling BC

Welcome to Your First Connection

Taking the first step toward healing and growth takes courage. At Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, we understand that reaching out can feel uncertain. That's why we've designed our initial contact process to be warm, welcoming, and completely pressure-free. You're in control every step of the way.

What Happens When You Contact Us

Your journey begins with a simple conversation. When you reach out, you'll connect with Kotone Frankowski, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor who specializes in trauma informed care, emotional healing, and life transitions. She'll take time to listen to what brought you here and answer any questions you might have about how we work together.

This initial contact is designed to help you feel comfortable and informed before you commit to anything. There's no pressure, no lengthy paperwork, and no judgment. Just a genuine conversation about your needs and how we might support you.

Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

We offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation call to all new clients. During this time, you can:

• Share what's been on your mind and what brought you to seek support
• Learn about how we work and what to expect in sessions
• Ask any questions about our approach, availability, or how virtual counselling works
• Determine whether we're a good fit for your needs
• Discuss any concerns you might have about online therapy

This conversation helps us both understand whether working together makes sense. Sometimes the best support comes from finding the right match, and we want to make sure that's what happens for you.

How to Book Your Consultation

Getting started is straightforward. You have several ways to reach us:

What to Expect

Your first session will be a 50-minute virtual meeting conducted through a secure, confidential online platform. You'll connect from wherever feels most comfortable for you, whether that's your home, a quiet space, or anywhere in British Columbia where you have privacy and a reliable internet connection.

During this first session, we'll focus on getting to know each other. Kotone will listen to your story, understand what's brought you to counselling, and learn about your background and experiences. She'll ask questions that help her understand your strengths, your values, and what matters most to you. This isn't about filling out forms or answering clinical questions. It's about genuine connection and understanding.

You'll also learn about how we work together. Kotone will explain the different approaches she uses, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic approaches, and cognitive behavioural techniques. She'll help you understand how these methods can support your specific situation.

By the end of your first session, you'll have a clear sense of what counselling with us looks like, what your goals might be, and how we can work together toward the healing and growth you're seeking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is virtual counselling really as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes. Research consistently shows that online counselling is just as effective as traditional therapy for most concerns. Many clients actually find virtual sessions more comfortable because they're in a familiar, safe space. You control your environment, which can make it easier to open up and do the deeper work of healing.

What if I'm nervous about sharing personal things with someone I don't know?

That nervousness is completely normal and actually quite common. Kotone is trained in creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where clients feel comfortable being vulnerable. She's worked with people from all backgrounds and has extensive experience supporting clients through trauma and difficult emotions. You can share at your own pace, and you're always in control of what you discuss.

How do I know if virtual counselling is right for me?

That's exactly what your free 20-minute consultation is for. During that conversation, you can discuss whether online therapy feels like the right fit for your needs. Kotone can also talk through any concerns you have and help you understand what the experience will be like.

What if I'm not sure what I need help with?

You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out. Many people come to counselling knowing something feels off but not having clear words for it. That's okay. Your first session is about exploring together. Kotone will help you understand what's happening and what might help.

How much does counselling cost?

Our sessions are affordable and designed to be accessible. We offer flexible pricing options, including a sliding scale for those who need it. During your consultation, we can discuss what works best for your situation. We also work with major insurance providers, so coverage may be available based on your individual policy.

Do I need to have insurance to access counselling?

No. While we do accept insurance from providers like Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross, you don't need insurance to work with us. We accept direct payment through Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, and we're happy to discuss payment options that fit your needs.

What areas of British Columbia do you serve?

Our virtual counselling services are available throughout British Columbia. Whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, or any community across the province, you can access support through secure online sessions. We serve Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, Northern BC, the Kootenays, and all regions in between.

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't work?

Previous therapy experiences don't define what's possible now. Sometimes it's about finding the right fit, the right approach, or the right timing. Kotone works with a range of evidence-based methods and tailors her approach to what works for you. Your first conversation is a chance to talk about what hasn't worked before and what you're hoping for this time.

Is everything I share confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is fundamental to counselling. Everything you share is protected and private. The only exceptions are situations where there's risk of harm to you or someone else, or where the law requires disclosure. Kotone will be clear about these boundaries from the start.

What if I'm not ready to commit to ongoing counselling?

That's completely fine. Some people start with a single session to explore whether counselling feels right for them. Others take a break and return later. There's no pressure to commit to a specific number of sessions. You can take things one step at a time and decide what feels right as you go.

Your Next Steps

You're ready to begin whenever you are. Here's what to do:

1. Choose your preferred way to connect: online booking, email, or phone
2. Schedule your free 20-minute consultation
3. Show up to your call in a comfortable, private space
4. Have an honest conversation about what you're experiencing and what you need
5. Decide together whether we're a good fit and what comes next

That's it. Simple, straightforward, and focused entirely on supporting you.

Why Choose Turning Tides for Your First Step

Kotone brings over five years of experience supporting people through trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional healing. She's trained in multiple therapeutic approaches and specializes in creating spaces where people feel truly seen and supported. Her approach is warm, genuine, and focused entirely on what matters to you.

Our virtual counselling services across British Columbia mean you can access this support from anywhere, at times that fit your life. You're not alone in this, and reaching out is the brave first step toward the healing and growth you deserve.

Ready to Get Started?

Book your free 20-minute consultation today through our secure online booking platform, send us an email, or give us a call. We're here, we're listening, and we're ready to support you.

Contact Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching:

• Online Booking: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling
• Email: info@turningtidestoday.com
• Phone: 778-321-6058
• Website: https://www.turningtidestoday.com

Your journey toward healing begins with one conversation. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Step 2: Your Intake and Getting to Know Each Other

Welcome to Step 2 of your Virtual Counselling BC journey. This is where we begin building the foundation of your healing. During this phase, we'll have meaningful conversations to understand your unique story, what brings you here, and what you hope to achieve through counselling.

What Happens During Your First Session

Your first session is 50 minutes long and conducted through a secure online platform. This is a collaborative conversation, not an interrogation. We'll explore your background, your current challenges, and your strengths in a warm, supportive environment.

Here's what to expect:

• A welcoming introduction where we build rapport and establish safety
• Open conversation about what brought you to counselling
• Discussion of your personal history and current life circumstances
• Exploration of your values, strengths, and what matters most to you
• Collaborative goal setting for your counselling journey
• Explanation of how we'll work together and what the process looks like

Our Intake Conversation

Rather than filling out lengthy forms, we have a genuine conversation. We'll discuss your experiences with a focus on understanding the whole picture of who you are. This includes exploring any trauma or difficult experiences you've faced, your relationships, your work or life transitions, and your emotional wellbeing.

We use a trauma informed approach, which means we're sensitive to how past experiences shape who you are today. Nothing you share is judged. Everything is held with compassion and confidentiality.

What to Prepare and Bring

You don't need to bring physical documents, but it helps to have these things ready:

• A quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly
• A reliable internet connection and device (computer, tablet, or phone)
• A notebook if you like to jot down thoughts or questions
• Your insurance information if you plan to submit claims for reimbursement
• Any relevant medical or mental health history you'd like to share
• A list of any medications you're currently taking
• Contact information for emergency support if needed

Most importantly, bring yourself. Your willingness to show up and engage in this process is what matters most.

Understanding Your Goals and Values

During our first conversation, we'll work together to identify what success looks like for you. This might include healing from past trauma, improving your relationships, building confidence, navigating a life transition, or developing healthier ways of managing emotions.

We'll explore your core values and hidden strengths. Often, people discover capabilities and resilience they didn't know they had. This collaborative goal setting ensures that your counselling is focused on what truly matters to you, not what we think you should work on.

Our Therapeutic Approach

Kotone brings together several evidence based approaches tailored specifically to your needs. These include Internal Family Systems therapy, which helps you understand different parts of yourself and how they work together. We also draw on somatic approaches that recognise how your body holds experiences, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for emotional regulation, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for shifting thought patterns, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for living in alignment with your values.

The beauty of this integrative approach is that it's flexible. We'll discover together which methods resonate most with you and adjust as we go.

Addressing Common Concerns About the Intake Process

Will I have to relive my trauma? No. We move at your pace. You're always in control of what you share and when. We won't push you to discuss anything you're not ready for.

What if I don't remember everything? That's completely normal. Memory is complex, especially around difficult experiences. We work with what you do remember and explore things gradually over time.

Is everything confidential? Yes, with very limited exceptions. We maintain strict confidentiality. The only times we might need to break confidentiality are if there's immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or if a child is being abused. We'll explain these boundaries clearly.

What if I get emotional? That's welcome and expected. Crying, feeling frustrated, or experiencing strong emotions during counselling is part of the healing process. We create a safe space for all of it.

How long does the intake process take? Your first session is 50 minutes. Some people need one session to get started, while others benefit from a second session to dive deeper. We'll discuss this together.

Between Session Support

After your first session, you'll have access to between session email support. If something comes up or you want to reflect on what we discussed, you can reach out. We're here to support your journey between appointments.

What Happens Next

Following your intake session, we'll create a personalised counselling plan together. This plan outlines your goals, the approaches we'll use, and how we'll measure progress. You'll receive a summary of our conversation and the key insights we discovered together.

From there, you'll move into regular counselling sessions, typically weekly or bi weekly depending on your needs and preferences. Each session builds on the last, creating momentum toward the healing and growth you're seeking.

Ready to Begin?

The intake process is your opportunity to be truly heard and understood. It's the beginning of a collaborative relationship where your voice, your story, and your goals are at the centre of everything we do.

If you have questions before your first session, please reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Book your intake session today through our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Step 3: Your Therapy Sessions and Treatment Plan

Welcome to Step 3 of your Virtual Counselling BC journey. This is where your healing work truly begins. Here, we'll walk you through what to expect during your sessions, how we'll work together, and what happens between our time together.

What Happens During Your Sessions

Each session lasts 50 minutes and follows a thoughtful structure designed to support your growth and healing.

Your Session Flow

The Approaches We Use

Your counselling draws from several evidence-based methods. We choose which approaches to use based on what resonates with you and what your healing needs.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) work helps you understand the different parts of yourself and how they're trying to protect you. This approach is particularly powerful for trauma healing and helps you develop compassion for yourself.
• Somatic approaches recognize that your body holds wisdom and memory. We might work with your breathing, your nervous system, or gentle body awareness to help you feel safer and more grounded.
• Polyvagal-informed work helps us understand how your nervous system responds to threat and safety. This knowledge becomes a tool for healing.
• Cognitive and behavioural approaches help you examine thought patterns that might be keeping you stuck and explore new ways of responding to situations.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports you in living a meaningful life even when difficult emotions or memories are present. It's about moving toward what matters to you.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) offers practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and building a life worth living.

Your counsellor will introduce these approaches naturally as they become relevant to your work together. You're always invited to ask questions about what we're doing and why.

Between Our Sessions: Your Practices and Homework

The real transformation happens in your daily life. What we explore together in sessions becomes most powerful when you have a chance to practice and reflect between our meetings.

What Between-Session Practice Might Look Like

• Reflective journaling gives you space to notice your emotions, what triggers them, and how you're responding. You might use prompts we discuss together, or simply write what feels true for you.
• Grounding and calming practices help you build skills for managing difficult moments. These might include breathing techniques, sensory awareness, or gentle movement. We'll practice these together first, then you'll have them available when you need them.
• Mindset explorations invite you to gently question beliefs that might be limiting you. You might write down a thought that's been troubling you, then explore it from different angles.
• Communication experiments if you're working on relationships. These are chances to try new ways of expressing yourself or listening to others, then notice what happens.
• Values and strengths reflections help you reconnect with what matters most to you and recognize your own resilience and capabilities.
• Creative expression might include drawing, writing, or other ways of processing your experience that go beyond words.

Here's what's important: these practices are invitations, not requirements. We'll talk together about what feels manageable and meaningful for you. If something isn't working, we'll adjust. Your counsellor will send you written reminders and resources via email to support your practice between sessions.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress in counselling isn't always linear, and it's not always obvious. We track it in several ways.

• Conversation and reflection are our primary tools. In each session, we'll notice together what's shifted. Are you sleeping better? Feeling less reactive? More able to be yourself in relationships? These conversations help us see the real changes happening.
• Your own observations matter most. You're the expert on your own life. We'll regularly check in about what you're noticing about yourself and your patterns.
• Specific goals you've set give us markers to return to. If you came in wanting to feel less anxious in social situations or to communicate more openly with your partner, we'll track how those specific areas are shifting.
• How you're feeling in your body and nervous system is important information. Are you feeling more settled? More able to handle stress? These physical shifts are real progress.
• Your relationships and daily life tell the story. Are you showing up differently with people you care about? Making choices that align with your values? These are the signs that your inner work is translating to real change.

We won't use complicated questionnaires or clinical measures. Instead, we'll have ongoing conversations about what you're noticing and experiencing. This keeps the focus on your lived experience rather than abstract scores.

Between-Session Support

You're not alone between our sessions. Here's how we stay connected.

• Email support means you can reach out with questions, reflections, or if something comes up that feels important. Your counsellor will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
• Post-session follow-up emails will include reflections from your session, resources, and reminders about practices we discussed.
• Crisis resources are always available. If you're in crisis, we'll make sure you know how to access immediate support through British Columbia's mental health services.
• Access to our online community through our CPTSD support groups and therapy book clubs means you can connect with others on similar journeys. These groups meet regularly and offer both community and learning.

What We're Building Together

Your therapy is a collaboration. You bring your lived experience, your wisdom about yourself, and your commitment to change. Your counsellor brings training, experience, and a genuine investment in your healing.

Together, we're building new neural pathways, developing skills, processing what's been stuck, and reconnecting you with your own resilience and strength. This work takes time. It's not always comfortable. But it leads somewhere real.

By the end of Step 3, you should have a clear picture of how your sessions will work, what to expect from yourself between sessions, and how we'll know that things are shifting for you.

Ready to Begin?

If you're ready to move forward with your Virtual Counselling BC journey, the next step is to book your first session. Our online booking platform makes it easy to find a time that works for you.

Book Your First Session

If you have questions before booking, you can also reach out for a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your needs and see if this approach feels right for you.

Step 4: Progress Evaluation and Completion

You've reached an important milestone in your healing journey. Step 4 focuses on evaluating your progress, recognising the growth you've achieved, and planning for sustained wellness moving forward.

Understanding Your Progress

Throughout your work with Our virtual counselling services serving all of British Columbia, you've been developing new skills and insights. This step involves taking time to reflect on how far you've come. We'll look at the changes you've noticed in how you manage emotions, handle relationships, and approach life's challenges.

Progress isn't always linear. Some weeks feel easier than others. What matters is the overall direction and the tools you're building for yourself.

Signs You May Be Ready for Completion

You might be approaching a natural completion point if you're experiencing several of these indicators:

• You feel more confident managing difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed
• Your relationships have improved, with better communication and understanding
• You're sleeping better and have more energy for daily activities
• Memories that once felt unbearable are becoming more manageable
• You've developed a personal toolkit of strategies that work for you
• You're setting and achieving goals that matter to you
• You feel less isolated and more connected to your life
• You're noticing patterns in your thinking and can redirect them more easily

How We Evaluate Your Progress Together

Completion isn't something we decide for you. It's a conversation we have together. During your final sessions, we'll reflect on where you started and where you are now. We'll discuss what's working well and what you want to continue practising.

You might share observations like 'I used to avoid these situations, and now I can handle them' or 'I understand myself so much better.' These reflections matter. They help us both recognise your real progress.

Creating Your Maintenance Plan

Completing counselling doesn't mean you're done growing. It means you're ready to continue on your own with the foundation you've built. Your maintenance plan is personalised to your needs and might include:

Ongoing Support Options Available to You

Completing your counselling sessions doesn't mean you lose access to support. Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's virtual counselling services available across British Columbia offer several ways to stay connected:

CPTSD Support Groups and Therapy Book Clubs continue to meet regularly online. These affordable options provide ongoing community, psychoeducation, and peer support. Many clients find that staying involved in group settings helps them maintain their progress and feel less alone.

Between-session email support is available if you need guidance during challenging moments. You can reach out with questions or concerns, and we'll respond to help you navigate what's coming up.

Returning for focused sessions is always an option. Some clients complete their main work and then return for a few sessions when facing a major life transition or when they want to deepen their understanding of something new.

What Success Looks Like

Success in your healing journey is deeply personal. It might mean you're sleeping through the night for the first time in years. It might mean you had a difficult conversation with someone and didn't shut down afterwards. It might mean you're pursuing a goal you thought was impossible. It might mean you're simply kinder to yourself on hard days.

These are the victories that matter. They're the evidence of your courage and commitment to your own wellbeing.

Planning for Life's Challenges Ahead

Completing counselling doesn't mean life will be perfect. Challenges will still arise. The difference is that you now have skills, understanding, and resilience you didn't have before. You know how to reach out. You understand yourself better. You've proven you can work through difficult things.

We'll talk through potential triggers or situations that might feel challenging after you complete. Having a plan in place helps you feel confident moving forward.

The Door Remains Open

One of the most important things to know is that completing your counselling doesn't close the door. Life changes. New challenges emerge. You might want to explore something deeper. You might face a significant transition. All of these are valid reasons to return.

Many clients find that having worked with a counsellor before, returning feels easier. You don't have to start from scratch explaining your history. We know you. We can pick up where you left off or explore something entirely new.

Your Next Steps

If you're ready to explore whether completion is right for you, or if you'd like to discuss your ongoing support options, we're here to help. You can reach out to discuss your progress and what comes next.

Ready to book your Step 4 session or explore ongoing support options? You can schedule through our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling.

You've done meaningful work. You've shown up for yourself. That matters deeply. Whatever comes next, you're not alone.