You Asked Us
Here are some common questions that are asked about the services we provide. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact us for more information:General
What should I expect from my first appointment?
How long will it take to get an appointment?
What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?
Can I request a therapist or do you assign me?
How many appointments does it take to resolve the problem?
What happens if I'm not happy with the advice I receive?
What if I run into someone I know?
I work shifts. Will it be hard to get a convenient appointment?
Employee Assistance Programs
How do I know if I'm covered through an EAP?
How many sessions are covered by my employer?
How do I book a counselling appointment through my EAP?
Will my workplace find out that I'm going to counselling?
What should I expect from my first appointment?
For your first appointment, you will need to arrive a few minutes early and complete some standard forms. You won't have to wait long before your therapist invites you into his or her office for a private consultation. You'll have the chance to talk about what's on your mind and explain what you want the counselling sessions to accomplish. The first session is usually aimed at gaining a better understanding of the issue and beginning to identify some goals and strategies. Your therapist will use a solution focus style of therapy, which is aimed at helping you explore new ways to resolve your problems.How long is an appointment?
Your counselling session will last between 50 and 60 minutes.How long will it take to get an appointment?
We will make every effort to ensure you see a therapist as soon as possible. Usually, we're able to find you an appointment within 2-5 working days. In urgent situations, you can see a counsellor on the same day that you call.What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?
You should contact our office as soon as possible to cancel an appointment. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the appointment may be subject to a half session fee.Can I request a therapist or do you assign me?
If you have seen a particular therapist before, then you will likely see the same person again. Each of our therapists has a special area of expertise and we make every effort to match you with the most suitable therapist. If you would feel more comfortable talking to a male or female therapist, please let us know during your initial phone call and we'll make very effort to accommodate your request.How many appointments does it take to resolve the problem?
This varies tremendously. Your therapist will use a style of therapy known as solution focus or brief therapy. The emphasis is not on prolonged introspection, bur rather on the identification of problem solving strategies. Our statistics show that on average, clients of Guthrie and Associates see their therapists for less than five visits. Many clients will return at a later date to further address the issue. Just like your family doctor, your therapist is a resource that you can connect with at times of need.What happens if I'm not happy with the advice I receive?
Therapy is not particularly aimed at "giving advice", but rather on helping you identify a course of action that you're most comfortable with. Your therapist is there as a coach and encourager, to support you in clearing some of life's hurdles.What if I run into someone I know?
There are a few precautions that Guthrie and Associates take to prevent this type of situation from occurring:- We're located in the Terrace Hill Medical Centre where many doctors' offices and clinics offer their services. By walking into our medical centre, an observer would not immediately know that you have a counselling appointment.
- Our counsellors have staggered appointment times to reduce the number of people waiting at the same time.
I work shifts. Will it be hard to get a convenient appointment?
We try and accommodate shifts by offering extended office hours. In addition to regular business hours, we're open until 8pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 9am-1pm on Saturdays. If you need to reach the office outside of those hours, there is a confidential answering machine.What is an EAP?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees of a company with professional and confidential counselling services. An EAP is offered as part of a benefits package to an employee.How do I know if I'm covered through an EAP?
There are a couple of ways to find out whether counselling services with Guthrie and Associates are covered as part of your benefit package with your employee. Either you can contact your Human Resources department for confirmation or you can contact our offices at (519) 752 8280.How many sessions are covered by my employer?
The answer to this question will depend upon your employer. Most companies provide full coverage for several counselling sessions per year for the employee or a dependent. For more specific information about your coverage, please contact our offices. A receptionist will be happy to confirm the number of sessions that are part of your company's agreement with Guthrie and Associates.How do I book a counselling appointment through my EAP?
The appointment is arranged directly through our office. All you need to do is call Guthrie and Associates for an appointment.Will my workplace find out that I'm going to counselling?
Your company receives no information regarding your counselling or even the use of your Employee Assistance Program. Guthrie and Associates assigns a number to each client, these numbers appear on the invoice to protect your identity. Your company will only know that an employee is using the Employee Assistance Program. The statistics that are provided to your company do not include any identifying information.Guthrie and Associates is a member of the Brantford Chamber of Commerce.
