• Graduate level education (Master’s degree or higher) from an accredited university
• Registration and/or certification with a professional association that ensures adherence to standards of practice and a code of ethics
• Experience and training in the specific type of counselling and issues that you are interested in
• Participation in ongoing professional development (i.e., workshops, training, supervision)
• Membership in professional organizations that require ongoing education and training
• A good fit and an approach and communication style you like

No referral is needed for counselling. You can book online here.

• Since 2020, all sessions have been offered virtually using a secure videoconferencing program. 
• Many people prefer virtual counselling due to convenience and better accessibility for those in remote areas. 
• Not all topics are appropriate for video counselling, however; please email if you have any concerns.
• All you need is quiet, private location and a device that is connected to the internet. 

• Every effort is made to ensure your digital privacy according to BC’s Personal Information and Privacy Act. 
• Video sessions take place using a secure videoconferencing program, and are never recorded.
• Plan to be in a space that is quiet and where you can speak freely.  
• If you share a device with others and do not want them to know you have had counselling, you may want to clear your browser cache and lock your computer/device after your session, so that others don’t see a history of your appointments.

• Holly welcomes all genders and all sexes. This includes, but is not limited to cisgender, transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer people.

• After years of advocacy, BC’s provincial medical services plan (MSP) still does not cover the cost of counselling.
• However, many extended health care benefits plans will reimburse you for the services of a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).
• Check your plan’s details to see if you qualify.
• See the Fees page for more information.

• Information that you share in a counselling session is kept confidential by your counsellor according to BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
• Every effort is made to respect client confidentiality. However, counsellors are required by law to share your information when/if:
  • It is revealed that a child is/may be at risk of abuse or neglect, or in need of protection
  • If you or another person is at clear risk of imminent harm
  • If disclosure is otherwise required or authorized by law (legal order, subpoena, warrant)
• Some additional situations exist where your information is shared with others, but requires your consent beforehand:
  • Third-party reproduction counselling reports sent to your clinic
  • When/if you request that records be sent to (or shared with) another party (e.g., lawyer, physician, insurance company)

• Your appointment time is reserved specially for you. A minimum of 48 hours cancellation notice is required to avoid a no-show fee equivalent to the full session amount.
• This amount of time gives your counsellor the chance to offer your time slot to someone else who  may be waiting to be seen. 
• Of course, unforeseen or last-minute emergencies/illnesses can occur, and exceptions can be made. Please email your counsellor with as much notice as you can.
• If you have signed up for online booking, you can cancel or change your appointment online, if you are providing more than 48 hours notice.
• If you are cancelling with less than 48 hours notice, you will need to email to cancel.

• Most counselling sessions require the full hour to be effective.
• Clients arriving more than 15 minutes late for their scheduled appointment will be considered to have missed their appointment.
• Unless you have made arrangements well in advance, your counsellor will not wait longer than 15 minutes.
• A fee equivalent to the full session amount may be charged for the missed session (except in the case of an unforeseen emergency/illness).

• Email is the best way to reach Holly, as it is difficult to answer phone calls when in client sessions. 
• Most questions can be answered by email, but if talking is better you can set up a time for a quick chat.

• If you have a mental health crisis that requires immediate attention, please call the Vancouver 24-hour Crisis Line at 604.872.3311 or toll-free at 1.866.661.3311. 
• You may also call 911 and/or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department.

• At this time, Holly is offering counselling sessions solely by video. 

• Third party reproduction counselling is a session recommended by fertility clinics when participating in donation of gametes or embryos, or when participating in gestational surrogacy. 
• Please see the page dedicated to third-party reproduction counselling to get a better idea of what to expect in this session.