GENERAL INFORMATION & FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
How do I know if therapy is right for my child, teen, or family?
If you are noticing changes in mood, behaviour, stress levels, sleep, or communication that persist for more than a few weeks, it is worth exploring. You do not need to wait for a crisis to seek support. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, a free Connection Call is a low-pressure way to talk through what you are experiencing and see if therapy makes sense right now.
What ages do you work with at Birdie Counselling?
We support individuals across multiple stages of life, including children (ages 6+), adolescents, teens, and young adults navigating independence. We also work extensively with parents and caregivers through dedicated consultations and support entire family systems.
What is a Connection Call?
A Connection Call is a free 15-minute virtual consultation. It gives us a chance to briefly connect, discuss what you are seeking support for, and make sure we are the right fit for your family's needs before booking a full session.
What if my child or teen is hesitant about attending therapy?
This is very common, and it is completely okay. We never force a young person to participate. Keeping therapy low-pressure and collaborative is essential. Starting with a Parent/Caregiver Consultation is often a great first step. It gives you tools to support your child at home while we collaborate on how to make therapy feel safe and inviting for them.
OUR SERVICES & SUPPORT
Do you offer support specifically for parents and caregivers?
Yes. Parenting can be challenging, especially when a child, teen, or young adult is facing emotional or behavioural struggles. A Parent/Caregiver Consultation provides a dedicated space for parents to gain clarity, learn effective strategies, and receive support, whether as a complement to your child's therapy or as a standalone service.
How do you support young adults?
Moving into adulthood comes with unique pressures around identity, post-secondary transitions, career, relationships, and independence. We work with young adults individually to build coping tools and emotional resilience, and we also support families in adjusting their communication and boundaries during this transitional phase.
How does In-Home Family Therapy work?
In-home family therapy brings therapeutic support directly into your everyday living environment. Being in a familiar space often helps family members feel more relaxed and open, making it easier to work through real-life routines, boundaries, and communication. We complete an initial intake session first to ensure in-home therapy is the right therapeutic fit.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. We offer virtual therapy sessions across Alberta. Virtual sessions allow kids, teens, young adults, and caregivers to attend from the comfort of their own space, which can sometimes make opening up feel easier and more convenient.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THERAPY
What happens in our very first session?
For Children & Teens (under 16): The journey starts with an Initial Parent/Caregiver Consultation. This allows us to gather background, understand your concerns, and map out a plan before your child attends.
For Teens & Young Adults: The first individual session focuses on building rapport, safety, and trust at a pace that feels comfortable to them.
For Families: We focus on understanding your family's unique strengths, hearing everyone's perspective, and establishing what a healthier, more connected home life looks like for you.
Do parents attend the therapy sessions with their child or teen?
It depends on the individual's age and goals:
Younger Children: Parents are usually more involved in sessions and ongoing check-ins.
Teens & Young Adults: We protect their privacy to encourage open sharing, while maintaining structured parent check-ins to keep caregivers informed and aligned.
BOOKING, PRICING & INSURANCE
How do I book an appointment?
All appointments and Connection Calls can be booked online through our secure booking portal on Jane App:
What are your session fees?
15-Minute Connection Call: Free
Individual Youth, Young Adult & Caregiver Sessions: 50 minutes | $220
Extended Individual Sessions: 80 minutes | $330
In-Office Family Therapy: 50 minutes ($220) or 80 minutes ($330; recommended for initial family sessions)
In-Home Family Therapy: Contact us directly for rates and availability
Is therapy covered by health insurance in Alberta?
Many extended benefit plans cover services provided by a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) and Registered Clinical Social Worker (MSW, RCSW). We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm coverage details and any session caps. Official receipts are issued after each paid session for you to submit for reimbursement.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule appointments. Late cancellations or missed appointments are charged the full session fee.