08/12/2026
Consider Counselling therapy?
(But… not sure a Practicum therapist is right for you)
I get it.
You finally decided counselling might be helpful… You feel kind of vulnerable — opening up to a stranger… you need someone you can relate to.
And of course you want someone that is really good! You think: a counsellor must be super experienced to be really good.
Well….
Here’s a quote from a Stockholm university research study about that:
“We conclude that clinically inexperienced student therapists who receive supervision from experienced supervisors can achieve treatment effects that are on a par with those of experienced licensed psychotherapists.” 1
This is why Nancy & I have agreed to supervise practicum counsellors… We know they can be really good, with a bit of our help.
We carefully screen to ensure a fit with our values before we invite them to be a part of our team for:
relevant life experience,
openness to learning & collaboration
a sense of humor,
deeply empathic,
and an essence of kindness & safety for our clients.
What about their training? Aren’t they “baby counsellors” without much skill?
That really depends on the practicum therapist. This is part of our screening. We invite therapists that demonstrate eagerness to dig deep to learn & apply skills effectively.
By the time practicum students come to our clinic, they completed all theoretical training of a Masters degree & some practical skills. They just need practice hours, observed by an experienced clinical supervisor (Nancy & Tanya) before they can get their registration.
What’s the difference then, with your more senior therapists?
Our RCC/RSW’s have advanced post-degree trainings to specialize in trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, neurodiversity, or techniques like EMDR, OEI, & Lifespan integration. Nancy & Kay have specialized trainings in complex child & youth conditions.
Practicum therapists are trained in effective talk therapies like CBT, ACT, trauma-stabilization or anxiety management strategies. Very helpful for many of the reasons you may seek counselling.
What does supervision mean?
We meet with our practicum therapists at least 1-2 hrs a week to consult & review video recordings. Sometimes your student therapist will ask to record your session: with the camera aimed at the therapist, only. It is your choice. It does allow the clinical supervisor to provide more direct feedback to the therapist about their skills and give insight into your clinical situation. You get 2 sets of brains considering how to best help you!
What about the cost? Are practicum therapists covered by extended health?
While you could ask your extended health plan if they cover a practicum therapist, most will not unless the clinical supervisor is in the room while you have your session. (we have limited availability for that)
We know you will not likely get reimbursed for practicum counselling sessions, so we keep their fees very low. Fees are $60/hr (instead of$155/hr for an RCC/RSW). That makes it more affordable. Low - Cost Counselling !
Consider how much your extended health plan will actually cover RCC/RSW sessions. Often, plans have a limited $ amount available for counselling (e.g. $500). That will only cover 3-4 of your sessions & then you’ve built a relationship with a counsellor that costs more than double that of a practicum therapist.
Okay, if you need the specialized skill, but for anxiety, depression, grief, burnout & life changes/challenges, Practicum Counsellors are a big bang for your buck!
We have a new practicum student counsellor, Brittany, joining our team in September!
Brittany is available as of September 8th for children ages 10+, youth & adults.
She offers support for depression & anxiety, stress, overwhelm & burnout, self-worth & confidence, relationship challenges, trauma & difficult life experiences, building healthy coping strategies.
She has experience supporting Indigenous adolescents and individuals facing complex life challenges.
Book online under Low-Cost Counselling. Or call us to be put on the waitlist.
Questions? feel free to reach out to me and ask - I’ll try my best to answer.
Taking the first step can create meaningful change.
Warmly,
Tanya Bedford, RCC, ACS
