Counselling Approach

High ethical standards aren't just a professional obligation--

We know they are a key ingredient in providing optimal therapy

The counsellors at Bergen & Associates Counselling are experienced therapists committed to confidentiality, safety, respect and collaboration.  We know that effective therapy happens when you know what is going to happen, and you trust the safety of the situation--allowing you to more freely immerse yourself into the experience. We adhere to high ethical standards, not just because we believe that is part of a professional practice, but because we know how important it is in having clients feel good about what is happening in therapy. We seek to have the experience be positive from the time you start looking at the website, throughout the appointment booking process, in the waiting room, and of course, in the session itself.

Believing that we as therapists are life long learners, and our clients can be our greatest teachers, we use a process called Feedback Enhanced Therapy, which allows clients, in less than 2 minutes per session objectively evaluate the process of therapy and allows for ongoing quality improvement.  This allows us to maximize the use of each session, and creates an environment which gently facilitates each client to be an active participant in individualizing therapy to their specific needs.

Confidentiality A very high value is placed on confidentiality.  You can be very confident that you are able to discuss anything knowing that it will not be discussed elsewhere.  The narrow exceptions to confidentiality--for example, if you present a danger to yourself or others--are explained to you in the first session.
	Safety Attending therapy is courageous action.  Therapy can feel risky as a person decides that something that is rarely said out loud or even never discussed will be verbalized.  A client allows him/herself to be vulnerable in therapy in a way that is rarely required elsewhere.  A therapist honors the trust you place in us, and works with you to decide how much of the story will be discussed.  We will work together with you as you take risks in discussing difficult issues to help it feel "safe enough".
Respect At Bergen & Associates Counselling, we recognize as a fundamental value that each person has intrinsic value as a human being, and that every story that is told has meaning to the client, and therefore, to us.  Even behavior that is unwanted and poorly understood often has an underlying reason deserving of respect. As part of that respect, we commit ourselves to engage in conversations with you, even if they are difficult
	Collaboration It is important to the therapists that each client participate actively in establishing goals.   We will provide you with some input, ideas, and guidance throughout the process. Together we will determine how often you come, for how long a time period, and what is discussed as well as how the discussion occurs.  The therapist wants you to feel like an active participant in the process.  Therapy is not done "to" you, rather it is a process done together "with " you.
Hope Often people coming for counselling feel as if they are the only ones with this "problem", that they are more "messed up" than most people, or that feeling better is not possible.  Education about the issue can be provided, new perspectives can be seen, and support to try new strategies can be given allowing for the spark of hope to emerge.  Outcomes cannot be guaranteed or known--sometimes people take courageous and satisfying but unexpected action as a result of therapy.  We can assure you that you will receive a therapist's best efforts at providing you with the best therapy possible.