FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS BROOKE'S REGISTRATION INFORMATION?
Brooke is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Her BCACC registration number is 18607.
Brooke is registered with the BC College of Social Workers at a bachelors level. Her BCCSW registration number is 13529.
Brooke is also a non-certified* member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Her member number is 11244744.
*Non-certified means that she has not pursued the Canadian Certified Counsellor registration, as she is already a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC.
WHAT THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS DOES BROOKE USE?
Brooke's Approach is Primarily Informed by:
Mindful Self-Compassion
Internal Family Systems
Person-Centered/ Rogerian Theory
Brooke is also an EMDRIA approved EMDR therapist.
Brooke will collaborate with you to determine the best therapeutic plan to help you meet your goals.
WHAT IS A REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR?
With many helpers utilizing the term 'counsellor' it is crucial that potential clients understand this language. The term 'counsellor' can be used by anyone in BC who has completed any kind of counselling training; whether a certificate, a diploma, or a degree. While all of these are appropriate in the right settings, not all counsellors in BC are Registered Clinical Counsellors prepared for advanced psychotherapy work.
A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is someone specifically trained to offer clinical psychotherapy, having completed a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent such as a Masters in Social Work or General Psychology).
RCC's complete a minimum of 100 hours of clinical supervision and 200 hours of direct client work before receiving RCC approval. They engage in continuing education, clinical supervision, and adherence to the standards and practices of the BCACC throughout their career.
The BC government recognizes the need for enhanced oversight of the Counselling and Psychotherapy profession, and greater clarity for folks seeking mental health care. The province is currently working with BCACC to define and further regulate RCC's for these purposes. Across Canada many provinces refer to RCC's as 'Licensed Psychotherapists' and through Bill-C36 (Health Professions and Occupations Act), RCC's in BC may be renamed to enhance clarity and continuity for the public.
Brooke consistently fulfils the requirements for her RCC designation, as well as all requirements for her Registered Social Worker designation.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM OUR WORK?
Psychotherapy at Old Growth is a collaborative process that centers you as the expert in your life. Brooke will navigate with you as you engage in your process of self-exploration and discovery. Often in psychotherapy, people find they feel more difficulty before they feel ease, and this is normal. Brooke will support you to establish practices that allow you to support yourself through therapy and beyond. You can expect that ultimately it is you doing the work to create the changes you wish to see in your life. Brooke can guide, but only you can lead.
Evidence based research tells us that committing to a routine with psychotherapy provides the best results. For this reason, psychotherapy is most effective when you are able to meet weekly or bi-weekly for your sessions. Consistent and frequent appointments help you to maintain the thread of your process, and allow you to gain the momentum you need to create lasting change. As time goes on many clients feel confident enough to reduce their session frequency. This is respected and fully supported by Brooke.
WHAT IS THE SESSION FEE?
The session fee is currently $130.00 + GST per 50 minute session.
Brooke may raise the fee by no more than $5.00 annually, in August. Brooke offers two months notice to the fee change and posts notice of the change on the booking site for Old Growth Therapy. The British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors sets the standard rate scale annually.
HOW DO WE MEET?
Brooke offers telehealth therapy. This means we will meet via secure online video, or in rare occasions, over the telephone.
DOES OLD GROWTH THERAPY OFFER DIRECT BILLING TO INSURANCE PROVIDERS?
Brooke does not offer direct billing but provides a receipt to you that you may submit to your provider.
HOW LONG IS EACH THERAPY SESSION?
Each session is 50 minutes
CRISIS RESOURCES
Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1‑888‑494‑3888
Citizens Counselling Centre (Accessible Sliding Scale): 250-384-9934
Victoria Women's Transition House Society: (250)-592-2927
1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre: (250) 385-1114
Mustard Seed Food Bank: (250) 953-1575
AVI Health and Community Services: (250) 384-2366
Victoria Sexual Assault Centre: (250) 383-3232
Nurse Line: Dial 811