Frequently asked questions about Counselling in Saskatoon

If you do not find the answer to your question below, please use the form at the bottom of the page to submit your question to be answered by a registered counselor.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a collaborative process where you meet with a trained mental health professional to understand your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and patterns more clearly. At Bridge Counseling, sessions happen in a supportive, confidential environment where you can talk openly, slow things down, and work through what’s stressing or overwhelming you.
People come to counselling for many reasons — anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, depression, burnout, life transitions, or simply because they feel stuck. Therapy helps you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and build the skills and capacity to move forward.

How does counselling help?

Counselling helps you reduce emotional distress, build healthier coping strategies, strengthen relationships, make clearer decisions, and reconnect with parts of yourself that may have gone quiet under stress.
People often report feeling less overwhelmed, more grounded, more self-aware, and more hopeful. The change comes from what happens between sessions — applying insights, practicing new skills, and noticing what shifts over time.

What types of issues do you help with?

Our therapists support clients with a wide range of concerns, including:

• Anxiety and chronic stress

• Depression and emotional numbness

• Trauma and PTSD

• Relationship conflict and communication issues

• Grief, loss, and life transitions

• Burnout, ADHD, and overwhelm

• Parenting stress and family dynamics

• Identity concerns and self-esteem

We offer individual therapy, couples counselling, family therapy, support for teens, and online counselling across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

How long does counselling take?

There’s no one “right” timeline. Many people notice meaningful shifts within 6–12 sessions, especially when attending weekly or biweekly. Others prefer longer-term therapy because they’re working through deeper patterns, trauma, or ongoing relational challenges.
You and your therapist will check in regularly about progress, goals, and pacing so therapy feels purposeful and aligned with what you need.

How much does counselling cost?

Session fees vary by therapist. You can view current pricing on our Counselling Fees page.
Most of our therapists are covered by providers such as Canada Life, Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, and Chamber of Commerce plans. If you’re unsure whether your insurance covers sessions, our admin team can help you check.

Is online counselling effective?

Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counselling for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, and trauma work.
Online sessions offer flexibility, reduced travel time, and access for clients outside Saskatoon or Pincher Creek. All you need is a quiet space and a stable internet connection.

Do you offer counselling for children and teens?

Yes. Several members of our team specialize in supporting children and teens.
If parents are separated or divorced, we require:

• A copy of the most recent custody agreement (if applicable)

• Consent-for-minor forms signed by both legal guardians

You can download the consent form directly from our website.

What are the risks and benefits of counselling?

The benefits often include reduced symptoms, more emotional clarity, better relationships, healthier stress responses, and a stronger sense of self.
Therapy can also be challenging at times. Increased self-awareness may bring up emotions or memories you’ve pushed aside. This is normal and often a sign that deeper healing work is happening.
Your therapist will pace the work collaboratively so it feels safe, manageable, and supportive.

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

Most people seek therapy because something in their life isn’t working as well as it could — and they want support to change that.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, disconnected, burnt out, or repeating old patterns, counselling can help you understand what’s driving those experiences and build a way forward.

What does successful counselling feel like?

Success isn’t about perfection. It often looks like:

• Feeling more grounded or balanced

• Reacting differently to stress or conflict

• Communicating more clearly

• Having more compassion for yourself

• Noticing patterns you couldn’t see before

• Taking small, steady steps toward the life you want

People around you may even comment that you seem different — in a good way.

What if therapy doesn’t feel like it’s working?

Bring it up with your therapist. Honest feedback is part of the process.
Therapy works best when we can talk openly about what’s helping and what isn’t. Sometimes small adjustments — pacing, goals, structure — can make a big difference. And if a different therapist or approach might serve you better, we’ll help you find the right fit.

How will I know when I’m done therapy?

Most people feel “done” when:

• The main concerns they came in with have softened

• They feel more capable, clear, and steady

• They’re using skills naturally in daily life

• Stressful moments don’t derail them the way they used to

Ending therapy is a collaborative conversation. Your therapist will check in with you about readiness, and you can always return for tune-ups or additional support in the future.

Do I need a referral to start counselling?

No. You can book directly with any therapist at Bridge Counseling. If you’re unsure who to see, our admin team can help match you based on your concerns, schedule, insurance, and preferences.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Everything shared in counseling is confidential, with a few legal exceptions involving safety concerns. Your therapist will review confidentiality clearly in your first session so you know exactly what to expect.

 What happens in the first counselling session?

Your first session is mostly about getting to know you. Your therapist will ask what brought you in, what’s been stressful or overwhelming lately, and what you hope to get out of therapy. You won’t be pushed to share anything before you’re ready.
Many clients leave the first session feeling lighter simply because they finally said things out loud that they’ve been carrying alone. It’s also your chance to get a sense of the therapist’s style and see if it’s a good fit.

How do I choose the right therapist?

Fit matters more than modality. Look for someone whose style feels grounding, safe, and easy to talk to.
At Bridge Counseling, our admin team helps match you based on:

• Your concerns (anxiety, trauma, relationships, ADHD, burnout, etc.)

• Insurance coverage

• Preferred schedule

• Whether you want online or in-person sessions

• Individual vs. couples vs. family therapy

If your first therapist isn’t the right fit, we make finding a new match simple and judgment-free.

Do you offer couples counselling?

Yes. Couples counselling is one of our most requested services in Saskatoon.
We help partners break old conflict patterns, improve communication, repair trust, rebuild emotional connection, and navigate parenting stress. You don’t need to be in crisis to start — many couples come in to strengthen their relationship before issues grow.

What if my partner won’t come to counselling?

You can still begin.
Individual therapy can help you understand your part in the dynamic, reduce reactivity, communicate differently, and shift old patterns. These personal changes often influence the relationship, even if the other person isn’t ready to participate.

Do you offer trauma therapy?

Yes. Several therapists specialize in trauma, including developmental trauma, complex trauma, childhood abuse, sexual assault, and nervous-system-based symptoms like shutdown, freeze, and hypervigilance.
We draw from evidence-informed approaches such as somatic work, EMDR, AEDP, and relational therapy — but we speak in everyday language and move at a pace that feels safe.

Is online counselling effective for trauma or couples work?

Often, yes. Online therapy works well for anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, relationship struggles, and many forms of trauma work.
For couples, online sessions can reduce logistical stress — especially for partners who travel, live in different locations, or have childcare challenges.

Do you direct bill insurance?

Yes, we can direct bill most major insurance providers, including:

• Canada Life

• Sun Life

• Blue Cross

• Manulife

• Green Shield

• Chamber of Commerce Plans

Coverage varies widely by plan, so if you’re unsure, please consult your insurance plan and find more information here.

Do I need a diagnosis to start counselling?

No. Therapy is for anyone who wants support, clarity, change, or relief.
If a diagnosis is relevant or required for insurance, your therapist can discuss that with you.

Can counselling help with ADHD or neurodivergence?

Yes. Many clients seek help for ADHD, executive functioning difficulties, emotional regulation, task paralysis, or overstimulation. Therapy can help you understand how your nervous system works, build realistic strategies, reduce shame, and create systems that actually fit your brain.

Do you offer weekend or evening appointments?

Yes. We have therapists available during evenings and weekends to support clients with full schedules or shift work.
Online sessions expand availability further.

What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?

Most people are. Starting therapy means slowing down long enough to take yourself seriously which is uncomfortable at first.
Your therapist will guide the pace, check in often, and help you build confidence session by session. You don’t have to come in with a polished story. Just start with what’s true right now.

What if I get emotional during a session?

It’s normal. Emotion is information.
Crying, shutting down, feeling overwhelmed these aren’t signs of failure. They’re signs that something important is coming to the surface. Therapists are trained to help you stay grounded, regulated, and supported while working through difficult feelings.

Can counselling make things feel worse before they feel better?

Sometimes. When you stop avoiding something and start understanding it, emotions can temporarily increase.
This doesn’t mean therapy isn’t working it means the work is happening. Your therapist will help you pace the process so it doesn’t overwhelm your nervous system.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Late cancellations or missed sessions are billed at the full session rate, as the time was reserved specifically for you.

What if I don’t know what to talk about in therapy?

That’s normal, especially early on.
Your therapist will help you find a direction by asking about your week, your stress level, your relationships, or anything that feels off. Many clients discover that “I don’t know where to start” is actually the starting point.

Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?

Yes — at any time, without awkwardness.
We want you to feel supported and connected. If something isn’t working, tell us and we’ll help you find someone who aligns better with your needs or personality.

Do you offer counselling for teens and young adults?

Yes. We support teens with anxiety, depression, social challenges, self-esteem issues, school stress, burnout, identity questions, and family conflict.
For young adults, we often work on overwhelm, life transitions, emotional regulation, relationship dynamics, and building a sense of self.

Do you offer counselling for professionals, first responders, or people in high-stress jobs?

Yes. We regularly work with teachers, nurses, business owners, paramedics, construction leaders, and other high-demand professions.
Therapy is particularly helpful for preventing burnout, improving emotional regulation, and supporting healthier boundaries.

Do you provide crisis services?

We don’t offer emergency crisis intervention.
If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent support, contact:
911, your local emergency department, or Saskatchewan’s mental health line: 1-306-525-5333.
Once you’re safe, therapy can help you understand what led to the crisis and build ongoing support.

How do I book a counselling appointment?

You can book online anytime through our website or contact our admin team for support in choosing the right therapist.
If you’re unsure where to start, our team can walk you through options and help you find a good match based on your goals and availability.