Question 1

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work primarily with tweens, teens, and young adults. I also work with parents who are looking for support in better understanding and supporting their child.

Question 2

Do I need an ADHD or autism diagnosis to work with you?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access neurodivergent-affirming counselling with me. Some clients come in with a diagnosis, some are exploring whether ADHD or autism may fit their experience, and others simply know that traditional approaches have not worked well for them.

Question 3

What if sitting on a couch and talking for an hour sounds awful?

Accepted Answer

Then we do not have to do therapy that way.You can move around, use a fidget, play a game, draw, take breaks, avoid eye contact, sit on the floor, or kick off your shoes. You also do not need to have the perfect words for what you are feeling.There is no “right” way to show up here.

Question 4

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other and figuring out what would actually be helpful. We’ll talk about what brought you in, what has been going on, and what you would like to get out of counselling.There is no expectation that you arrive knowing exactly what to say or what your goals should be. We can figure that out together.

Question 5

What does counselling look like for tweens and teens?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the person. Some clients like to talk. Others are much more comfortable talking while playing a game, drawing, using a fidget, or doing something with their hands.I try to make sessions flexible and low-pressure so that counselling does not feel like another place where a young person has to perform or get things “right.”

Question 6

Will parents be involved in counselling?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes — but how much depends on the age, needs, and comfort of the young person.Parents can be an important part of the support system, particularly for younger clients. At the same time, young people also need enough privacy to build trust in the counselling relationship. We can talk together about what parent involvement will look like and what feels appropriate.

Question 7

What will you tell me about my child’s sessions?

Accepted Answer

I take confidentiality seriously, including with younger clients. I generally do not provide parents with a detailed account of what is discussed in session.I will involve parents when it is helpful, with the young person’s knowledge whenever possible, and I will share information when there is a concern about safety or another situation where confidentiality cannot be maintained.

Question 8

What if my child does not want to come to counselling?

Accepted Answer

That is important information.I do not expect a reluctant young person to walk in excited about therapy. Sometimes the first goal is simply to make the experience feel safe enough that they are willing to come back.I focus on relationship-building and giving the client as much choice and control as possible. If counselling is not feeling helpful, we can talk openly about that too.

Question 9

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer both in-person and virtual counselling.Virtual sessions can work especially well for clients who feel more comfortable in their own space, have difficulty with transitions, or simply prefer not to travel to the office.

Question 10

Where are in-person sessions located?

Accepted Answer

In-person sessions are offered through Inner Balance Solutions, Inc. at 7355 Vedder Road in Chilliwack, BC.

Question 11

Can I use BC Autism Funding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. BC Autism Funding can be used for eligible counselling services, and direct billing is available.

Question 12

Are you a CVAP provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am a provider with the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP), and direct billing is available for approved clients.

Question 13

How often will I need to come to counselling?

Accepted Answer

There is no one schedule that works for everyone. Some clients come weekly, while others attend every two weeks or less often.We can decide together what makes sense based on your goals, needs, schedule, and budget.

Question 14

How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

Fit matters.You should feel like your counsellor understands you, respects you, and is someone you can gradually become comfortable with. You do not need to know after the first five minutes, but counselling should begin to feel like a place where you can be yourself.If we decide I am not the right fit, that is okay too.

Question 15

Do I really need to complete the forms before my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please. Your intake and consent forms need to be completed before we can begin counselling.Completing them ahead of time means we can use your appointment for what you came for, rather than spending part of your session filling out paperwork. If the forms aren’t completed before you arrive, we’ll need to use session time to complete them before moving forward.

Question 16

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I understand that things come up and sometimes appointments need to be changed. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice whenever possible.Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as missed appointments, may be charged the full session fee. Exceptions may be made for emergencies or exceptional circumstances.Because appointment times are reserved specifically for you, cancellation fees are not typically eligible for reimbursement through extended health benefits.

Franceska Hills, MACP, RCC

Frequently Asked Questions

A few things you might be wondering before getting started