Chris Nicol BSc, MA, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Telephone: (236) 858-5285
Self
Compassion
What I Do
Online Individual Counselling for Adults
I'm a professional talk therapist who can meet with you via telephone or online to discuss whatever it is that's getting in the way of you living the life you want to live. That might be sadness or worry, substance use or addiction, loneliness or fear, loss, depression or anxiety. Or maybe you're not sure what it is; sometimes the first step in therapy is finding and naming whatever it is that's troubling you. If what I have to offer isn't what you're looking for, we can explore your options.
The expectations, preferences, personal values, and cultural influences that each client brings to therapy play a central role in how I work. Although there are no guarantees with psychotherapy, my commitment to you is this: I'll provide a safe, genuine, accepting and supportive space for us to have therapeutic conversations about whatever it is that's holding you back from being who or where you want to be.
Consultations for Concerned Others
I offer support and education to the friends and family members of loved ones who are struggling with substance use or addiction. Witnessing the effects of addiction on those we love and care for can be painful and frightening. Thankfully, we are starting to move away from the idea that addiction is the result of bad choices, a moral deficiency, or a weak character. But we have a ways to go in understanding the roots of addiction and eliminating the stigma associated with it.
In supporting families and loved ones, I draw on my own lived experiences with addiction, extensive trainings over the past 20 years, and the invaluable education I've received from the hundreds of clients I've worked with over the years.
Privacy
Client privacy and confidentiality are necessary aspects of psychotherapy, and as a professional therapist I am legally obliged to adhere to PIPA, British Columbia's Personal Information Protection Act. For phone--based counselling, my wireless carrier is Rogers. For online counselling, I meet with clients using Zoom, a free, easy to use, 256--bit encrypted online platform for meeting online. I also use Cliniko, practice management software for booking appointments and record--keeping that also uses 256--bit encryption as well a two--factor authentication for access. To learn more about my Privacy Policy, click here:
Free Introductions
If you're not sure if counselling is for you, you can contact me to arrange a free 20--minute Zoom or phone introduction. So much of effective counselling is based on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor, and these free introductions are meant to help you get a sense of who I am, what I do, and how I do it, without any obligation. After we talk, you may choose to explore other options, take some time to think about it, or book an initial session with me to see how that goes.
My Fees
$147.00 (includes GST) for 50 minutes.
Paid no later than same day as scheduled session, payable by e-transfer.
Insurance Coverage
BC's Medical Services Plan does not cover counselling fees, and not all third party payers cover counselling services provided by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs). You may want to check with your insurance provider or employer to see if you have coverage.