Registered counselling

reflect, explore, listen

Counselling is a confidential, safe, and supportive space to explore personal challenges, learn tools of regulation, communication, relationships, and self-awareness. The counselling space lies outside of ordinary social norms and consequences. No one is here to tell you what to do, impose moral values on you, or judge you for your actions. Instead, we are here to listen, reflect and explore with you what you choose to explore, when, how, and at whatever pace you choose or that is right for you.

You do not have to be ill or broken to warrant or deserve counselling. In fact, counselling is here to help you prevent illness or crisis by strengthening personal awareness, emotional processing and regulation, relationships and communication. If you are losing sleep over something, distracted by obsessive thoughts or overwhelming emotions, the weight of a difficult decision or a relationship on the rocks – or absolutely anything else – humans are not meant to carry these things alone. 

Counsellors at Eleven Arrows offer a variety of perspectives, approaches, styles, and interventions. We are person centred, meaning we respond to each client authentically. We believe that each person is inherently and innately the expert on their own internal experiences and pathways to thriving. 

Take the time to meet us before you decide on a counsellor. We all offer free consultations, because finding the right therapeutic fit will be absolutely integral to the outcome; and none of us take it personally should you decide to go with another. May each person find their counselling match as soon as possible!

DESIGNATIONS + REGULATION:

THE COMPETENCY BASED MODEL

With so many modalities, designations and governing bodies, it’s hard to know where to start when considering a counsellor. Some counsellors have Masters degrees and some are certified and regulated by something called the Competency Based Model of certification, developed by FACT BC since 2007 and evolved in partnership with national and provincial regulating bodies ever since.  

Currently, FACT BC’s Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile includes 125 competencies within four major practice areas:

    1. Foundations
    2. Communication and relationships
    3. Professionalism
    4. Counselling Therapy Process

Competency Based professionals have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience in each of these competencies. We effectively and efficiently assess client needs, develop and maintain a therapeutic alliance, employ appropriate counselling interventions, and manage client cases. Additionally, we are committed to and must maintain continued education, professional development, supervision, excellence in communication skills, and purposeful self-care and wellness practices in order to remain licensed.

Counselling therapy is a truly safe space to explore, grow, heal and learn about emotions, life and relationship patterns, communication, and evidence-based interventions. These professionals are not here to diagnose, which is a service reserved for psychologists and psychiatrists. Competency Based professionals also do not report anything to doctors or any other third party without your explicit and written permission. 

REGULATING BODIES + ASSOCIATED TITLES 

REPRESENTED AT ELEVEN ARROWS:

1. The Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists (ACCT)

   Master Therapeutic Counsellor MTC

   Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (or candidate) RTC/RTCc

2. The Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA)

   Registered Professional Counsellor (or candidate) RPC/RPCc