Key takeaways
Counselling is a conversation with a trained counsellor, and you do not need to be in crisis to book.
Jocelyn MacLeod, CCC, draws on several approaches and chooses them with you, not for you.
A first session is about getting acquainted and finding out whether the fit feels right.
Counselling can sit alongside naturopathic care so that sleep, food and stress are looked at together.
Sometimes the most useful next step is simply having someone to talk with. If you have been wondering what actually happens in a counselling room, here is what a visit with us looks like, from the first phone call to the last few minutes of a session.
Ready to talk? Book a counselling session with Jocelyn MacLeod, CCC or call 204-943-6079.
Who will I be talking with?
Counselling here is with Jocelyn MacLeod, CCC, a clinical counsellor who sees children, adolescents, young adults and adults. People come for all kinds of reasons: things have felt heavy for a while, a big change is underway, a relationship is straining, or stress has started to show up in sleep and mood. You do not need a crisis or a diagnosis. Wanting some company while you sort things out is reason enough.
What does a counsellor actually do?
Counselling, sometimes called talk therapy, is a series of conversations where you can say things out loud, hear them reflected back, and build practical skills for the days ahead. The Canadian Mental Health Association describes talk therapy as one of several supports people use for their mental health, alongside things like peer support, sleep, movement and connection. It is a place to be heard, and also a place to leave with something to try.
Which approaches might we use?
Jocelyn works with several approaches and will suggest what fits your goals and pace:
Person-centred work, which starts from your own experience
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions feed each other
DBT-informed skills with mindfulness, for handling strong emotions in the moment
Narrative and Gestalt approaches, which explore the stories and patterns that shape how things look to you
Solution-focused work, which keeps attention on small, practical next steps
Art therapy through Breathlines Painting, for people who find it easier to express things without words
You do not need to know which one suits you. Figuring that out together is part of the early sessions.
What happens in a first session?
Expect an unhurried conversation. You will talk about what brought you in, what you would like to be different, and what has or has not helped before. You decide how much to share, and nothing has to be settled on day one. The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association stresses that the working relationship between client and counsellor matters, so treat the first session as a chance to notice whether you feel comfortable.
A few things that make it easier:
Think of a sentence or two about what you hope counselling might give you
Jot down questions about timing, format or fees
Check your extended health plan for counselling coverage
Leave a few minutes on either side of the appointment so you are not rushed
If you would like to know whether sessions can be held virtually, ask when you book.
How does counselling fit with naturopathic care?
Sleep, mood, digestion and energy tug on each other. Many people like having several kinds of support in one building, at 7-1200 Waverley Street in Winnipeg. A naturopathic assessment can look at sleep habits, nutrition and, where it makes sense, laboratory testing such as nutrient status or thyroid markers, while counselling gives you room to work on thoughts, feelings and coping. Dr. Jessica Flamand, ND lists mental health among her areas of focus. Massage therapy with Jennifer Weidemann, RMT and acupuncture with Juyin Lu, R.Ac are other options some people add for comfort. They are choices to talk through, never requirements.
What can counselling and care teams do together?
When you are comfortable, you can let your counsellor and naturopathic doctor know what you are working on in each room, so the plan hangs together: for example, a sleep routine in one visit and tools for racing thoughts in the other. Nothing is shared without your say-so.
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or call or text 9-8-8, Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline.
Frequently asked questions
I have never done this before. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Many first-time clients say they did not know what to expect. Bring whatever is on your mind, or nothing, and start from there.
How often would we meet?
That is decided together, based on what you want to work on and what fits your schedule.
Can my teenager see the counsellor?
Jocelyn works with adolescents as well as adults. Ask about how consent and parent involvement work for your family when you call.
Will I have to talk about everything straight away?
No. You set the pace, and it is fine to say you would rather not go into something yet.
What if we are not a good fit?
Tell us. Finding the right match matters more than staying with the first one, and we will help you work out the next step.
Is counselling covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan. Check with your insurer, and ask us for what you need to submit a claim.
Ready to book a session?
Start with a conversation. Book online with Nature Doctors, call 204-943-6079, or visit us at 7-1200 Waverley Street, Winnipeg.
Sources
Canadian Mental Health Association, About mental health and finding support: https://cmha.ca
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, About counselling: https://www.ccpa-accp.ca
Government of Canada, 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: https://988.ca