FAQ | Emily Butler R Psych

Do you provide services to adults and children?

Yes. Both counselling and psychological assessments are available for adults and children.

However, additional guidelines apply for minors (under the age of 18):

Assessments are only completed for ages 6 and older.
Counselling is only provided for ages 10 and older; a referral for child counselling under the age of 10 can be provided upon request.
For clients ages 10 to 12, initial parent sessions are required. A parent session is then required again after every two sessions with the child.
For clients ages 13 to 17, parents cannot participate in sessions.
Minors of separated parents must have a signed custody agreement in place before any services are provided; the clinic must have consent from both custodial parents and a copy of the custody agreement before the child/adolescent is seen.
Parenting sessions are offered for parents who do not wish for their child to be seen in therapy. This can occur with one parent alone or with parents together.

What’s the difference between counselling therapy and psychological assessments?

In short, counselling focuses on support and intervention, while assessments are about evaluation and diagnosis.

Psychological Counselling is a therapeutic process where a trained counselor helps individuals address and manage emotional, mental, or behavioral issues. The focus is on personal growth, coping strategies, and resolving specific problems or life challenges through regular sessions and conversation.

Psychological Assessments are systematic evaluations involving tests, questionnaires, and other tools to measure cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Assessments aim to diagnose mental health conditions, understand personality traits, or evaluate cognitive abilities. The results are used to inform treatment plans or understand an individual's psychological profile.

What types of conditions can be diagnosed using an assessment?

Possible diagnostic outcomes include but are not limited to:

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Specific Learning Disorder(s)
Anxiety disorder(s)
Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD)
Depressive disorders

How long is a counselling session?

Each counselling session consists of 50 minutes of face-to-face work and 10 minutes of record keeping for a total of 1 hour.

I have a close family member who is currently a client. Can I become a client as well?

No. If family members from within the same immediate family are already being seen (siblings, spouse(s), partner(s), or parent(s)), a recommendation for another therapist can be provided upon request. This policy is compliant with the NLPB’s Standards of Professional Conduct regarding the creation of multiple relationships and confidentiality concerns.

Do you provide services online?

Yes. Counselling services can be provided online using a secure Zoom link. Please note:

The client must be physically located within Newfoundland and Labrador due to professional liability.
Some types of assessments must be completed in-person. Please inquire for additional details.

Frequently Asked Questions