Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calm Waters Counselling Collective?
Calm Waters Counselling Collective (CWCC) is a group practice offering inclusive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based mental health counselling in British Columbia. Our team of Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and Registered Social Workers provides individual therapy, group therapy, and professional consultation — all delivered virtually to clients across BC.
What services do you offer?
Calm Waters Counselling Collective offers individual counselling, group therapy, and professional clinical consultation and supervision for counsellors. Select clinicians also offer couples and family counselling. All services are delivered virtually, making them accessible to anyone in British Columbia.
Do you offer counselling for teenagers?
Yes, Calm Waters Counselling Collective offers counselling for teenagers ages 16 and older. We have counsellors with experience working in the school system as well as in the hospitals with children and youth in mental health crisis.
What is psychotherapy?
‘Psychotherapy is the act of assessment, engagement and treatment of cognitive, behavioural, emotional and relational distress and disorder, delivered through structured communication within a psychotherapeutic relationship of care.’ - BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
For more information on clinical counseling and practice of psychotherapy by Registered Clinical Counsellors: https://bcacc.ca/what-is-counselling/
What if I am in crisis or need immediate help?
If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 (in Canada) or go to your nearest emergency department. For urgent mental health situations, you can use local crisis lines or contact the 24/7 line in Canada (e.g., 988). Our services are not emergency crisis services. Follow your safety plan and connect with your clinician for follow up.
Who do you help? What population do you serve?
The counsellors at Calm Waters Counselling Collective provide individual counselling to adults and teenagers ages 16 and up. We provide counselling to individuals needing support with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, trauma, grief & loss and more. Our counsellors also provide parent support for parents who have children with ADHD, Autism or other forms of neurodivergence. Calm Waters offers couples counselling as well. Counselling services are available virtually across British Columbia.
How long does therapy usually last?
Group counselling is usually 4-8 weeks, depending on the group. Skill Builders is a virtual group for ages 16 to 25 that runs for 4 weeks.
For individual counselling, the duration depends on your goals, needs, and pace — we’ll discuss this with you in your first session. Most folks start with weekly or biweekly session, decreasing or increasing frequency as needed.
How do I schedule a session?
To schedule a session with a counsellor, use the “Contact Us” form on our website or send us a message to book a free 15-minute consultation. You may also call us at 604.834.1708 to book a session. If you are unsure of who you’d like to work with, we can help match you with the right clinician or group. Returning clients, please email your clinician or the clinical director.
Are you currently in person or virtual?
Currently individual and group counselling sessions are provided virtually (clinicians are based in BC).
Common Questions from teenagers:
Will you tell my parents or guardian what I say in session?
Counselling is confidential and we do not share what you say to counsellors with other people, except with your permission. The limits of confidentiality include if you are going to hurt yourself, hurt someone else or if someone is hurting you, then counsellors are obligated by law to report it. Counsellors will always do their best to talk to you first. We value your privacy and it is your space to talk!
Will you make me talk about things I don’t want to talk about?
Absolutely not! Counsellors will not make you talk about something if you don’t want to. The session is your time to talk about what’s important to you.
Can my parents/guardian read my file?
No, your file is protected health information and your parents do not have access to it. As a consenting adult (including teenagers) your information is protected.
My parents are ‘making me’ go to counselling, what do I do?
Counselling at Calm Waters will always be voluntary. If your parents are strongly encouraging that you talk to someone, you can chat or ‘vibe check’ with the counsellors to see if someone is a good fit. Counsellors offer 15 minute free consultation calls so you can get to know them a bit more, ask questions, and see if you’d like to keep talking to them.
I’m interested in joining group, Do I have to share my personal stuff in front of other people?
The great thing about group is that you can share as little or as much as you want to. The group facilitator will not share your information with other group members either. You can share your experiences and you can also pass on a share too.
Does that have to be something ‘wrong’ with me to go to counselling?
Counselling is a place to come and get support. Counselling doesn’t require you to have a diagnosis or have something ‘wrong’ with you. The only requirement for counselling is that you want to be there- everything is voluntary.
How is talking supposed to fix anything?
Talking to a counsellor gives you the space to process what’s going on, learn some skills to help with problem solving and feel some bigger feelings in a safe space. Counselling can help you gain a new perspective on situations. Many of the counsellors can also help you learn real skills that you can apply at school, talking with your parents, building friendships etc.
Group Therapy
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Group therapy provides a supportive, confidential space where you can connect with others facing similar challenges. Benefits include reduced isolation, new perspectives, practical coping skills, and increased confidence. Many clients find group therapy a powerful complement to — or alternative to — individual counselling.
What types of groups do you offer?
Anxiety & Depression
Grief & Grace
DBT Cope Ahead
DBT Based Skills
Boundaries & Communication skills.
What sliding scale or low cost options are available ?
In order to increase accessibility for folks, all of our groups are offered below the standard/recommended fee schedule set forth by the BCACC.
Example: DBT Group is $100/2 hour session.
Fee schedule for counsellors states range of $110-$230.
You can find the recommended fee schedule, according to the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors here:
What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat suicidal ideation, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder. It teaches practical skills across four areas: Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. DBT skills are beneficial for anyone struggling with intense emotions or relationship difficulties.
What is DBT Based skills group?
Our skills group is a 2 hour weekly group that teaches some of the fundamental skills from DBT. We run group in alignment with the principles, structures and goals of DBT, without the 24+ week time commitment and financial strain.
For folks who would like to attend a comprehensive DBT Program, we are happy to provide recommendations.
Who can join DBT skills group?
We welcome adults age 18+ who are in British Columbia, Canada. We do NOT require a borderline personality disorder diagnosis. Participants must be able and willing to attend and participate in all modules/weeks of the group. A confidential space is needed during group.
Billing Questions
Can I get reimbursed by my insurance?
We hope so! Clients with extended health benefits may be eligible for reimbursement for counselling services. Please check with your insurance provider to see which services and which providers are covered under your policy. We cannot guarantee reimbursement. A receipt will be provided that you can submit (if applicable).
Does Calm Waters offer low cost counselling?
Yes, many of our clinicians offer reduced fee counselling. There is limited availability for low cost counselling so please speak to your counsellor or the clinical director for more information.
What is the cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment and avoid a late/no show fee. You can cancel your appointment by giving us a call, sending an email, or cancelling through Jane. The cancellation fee is 100% of the session fee.
What methods of payment are accepted?
Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard), American Express, E-transfer. Checks, Money orders, or cash are not accepted.’
Individual Counselling Fees
Katie Kilback, RCC
Individual sessions $160/50 minutes
Jennica Campbell-RTC
Individual sessions $110+GST/50 minutes
Samantha Short, RCC
Individual sessions $160/50 minutes, $225/75mins
Low-Cost Individual $75/50 minutes or $120/50mins
Christie McRae, RCC
Individual Sessions, $140/50mins
Eric, RCC
Individual Sessions, $160/50mins
Couples Counselling, $185/50mins, $260/75mins
Individual session fees are subject to change based on the qualifications of the counsellor and specialized training. Associate counsellors fees increase once awarded their RCC or CCC. Contact the clinical director for questions.
Group Counselling Fees
Youth Skills: Regulating Emotions & Distress Tolerance (August 2026)
$130/week, Group is 6 weeks cohort,
Adult DBT Based Skills (Date TBD)
$100/week, Group is 6 weeks cohort
Summer Skill Builders Group (2026)
$35/week, Group is 4 weeks cohort model