Welcome.
Congratulations on taking the next step in your counselling journey!
Here at Cordea Counselling, you will be encouraged to discover new perspectives, learn new coping skills, and most importantly, you will be heard and respected without judgment. This is your opportunity to have conversations that are unlike any other you have previously had.
Please take a look around and see if Carmen is a good fit for your counselling journey.
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Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Carmen directly.
ABOUT
CARMEN
Carmen lives her life in the pursuit of radical self-acceptance, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard for all those around her. She carries this forward in her counselling practice and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
In 2007 Carmen moved to Victoria, where she attended the University of Victoria and received her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Carmen then went on to complete her Masters in Counselling from Seattle City University, a program that emphasized Response-Based Practice and a healthy respect for agency, dignity, and resilience while navigating the therapeutic process.
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Carmen has been a counsellor in the Victoria area since 2016, and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC #14941). She has over 10 years of experience working with youth in a therapeutic setting and believes that teens are her greatest teachers. Carmen works well with individuals, parents, couples, families, and polycules.
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Carmen believes that all individuals are making their best choices to not only survive but to stay resilient in the face of adversity. Carmen enjoys engaging in such modalities as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative/Talk Based Therapy, Response-Based Practice, and other uplifting approaches. Other approaches that inform her therapeutic repertoire are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectic Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Therapy, as well as Trauma-Informed Practice.
SERVICES
Sessions may take place in person or via telehealth (video or phone call).
Generally, sessions run for 50 minutes, however, some have alternative time options. Please refer to the booking options for runtimes.
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In-person sessions are currently limited to Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Telehealth appointments are available Monday through Friday. Sessions are only available on weekdays, excluding holidays.
Free 15 minute Consultation
The process of finding the right counsellor can be exhausting, which is why Carmen offers a free 15 minute meet-and-greet consultation to all new clients. This is your opportunity to inquire about the counselling approaches used, ask questions about the counselling process, or get a general vibe.
Individual Session
Individual sessions are best described as one-on-one focused time with your therapist. This is your opportunity to explore things more intentionally, discover new coping strategies, and build a deeper understanding of self.
Intake Assessment
The intake assessment must be completed for people aged 18 and under, and is recommended for new adult clients as well. The assessment allows the practitioner an opportunity to collect pertinent information about a client’s development, history, narrative, family background, presenting challenges, as well as current strengths and resiliencies. This is also a chance to explore counselling objectives and goals.
Parent or Guardian Support Sessions
In this type of session, parents and guardians have the opportunity to discuss their concerns while receiving support, strategies, and feedback unique to their child’s needs. Your child’s confidentiality will be maintained according to the industry standard.
Relationship Session for Couples or Polycules
During these sessions, those in partnerships will find support in rebuilding mutual trust, intimacy, and communication within their relationship. These sessions are ideal for couples, or polycules at any stage.
Family and Group Sessions
These sessions are held when more than one contributary member is present. This could include a child and their guardian(s), two siblings, or several friends wanting to work through a hurdle.
Outreach
Outreach sessions are held outside of the office. These usually take place within the client’s home, or at a community park, café, hospital, or school. Fuel costs may be added depending on the agreed-upon meeting location. If being held in a client’s home, a phone screening must be completed prior to booking.
Consultation
15 min
Free
Individual Session
50 min
80 min
$160
$215
Family or Group Session
30 min
50 min
$85
$160
Intake Assessment
80 min
$225
Couples or Polycule Session
50 min
80 min
$170
$225
Parent or Guardian Support Session
30 min
50 min
$85
$160
Administrative Billing
Operational fees are applied to anything administratively substantial requested outside the time of the counselling session. This could include a therapeutic summary for your doctor, a short confirmation of service for court, or a full clinical summary of your therapeutic history with Carmen. Administrative fees are billed in 15 min intervals at $40 each.
Sliding Scale
Should anyone feel that the cost of sessions is a significant barrier to access sliding scale rates are available. These range from as low as $90 however waitlists are being taken for the lower costs. Please do not hesitate to reach out and request to be added to the list.
Outreach Sessions
These sessions are billed on a case by case basis and require a phone screening prior to commencement. Please contact Carmen directly to begin the process.
All fees are subject to GST
Fees and Sliding Scale
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Are your counselling sessions in-person or online?Both! In-person sessions are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Telehealth sessions are available Monday through Friday. Telehealth options include phone calls or video calls through Jane Booking.
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Are you accepting new clients?Yes! Please reach out to info@cordeacounselling.ca to arrange a free 15 min consultation. Alternatively you can skip the consultation and book a full session right away through Carmen’s Jane Booking link here. Carmen is also continuing to accept clients through First Nations Health Authority as well.
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Where are you located?The office is located in the DataTech building at 1095 McKenzie Ave. Please go to the 3rd floor where Carmen will find you at the time of your session.
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What forms of payment are accepted?Please expect to pay for your session prior to or at the start of your session time. Payment for your session can be made via e transfer, exact cash, or through uploading a credit card to your Jane Booking account. Credit cards can also be uploaded to a family member’s account then shared via the relationship setting on Jane. E transfers can be sent directly to info@cordeacounselling.ca Carmen is also registered with the First Nations Health authority and is able to bill them directly.
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Is there a sliding scale option?Yes! There is a sliding scale option for clients who feel there is a significant barrier to accessing counselling services. Please contact Carmen at info@cordeacousnelling.ca to be added to the waitlist.
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Can you bill my insurance directly?No, unfortunately insurance cannot be billed directly. It is the clients’ responsibility to determine their eligibility through extended health providers. Client’s can reach out to their insurance provider directly and offer them the following information about Carmen: Holds a Masters of Arts in Clinical Counselling Is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC with RCC #14941 The practice is located in Victoria, British Columbia. The exception is in the case of First Nations Health authority clients, as Carmen is able to bill FNHA directly.
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What can I expect from my first session?In Person: When you arrive for your in-person session please enter the building through the main glass doors. You may then take the stairs or elevator up to the 3rd floor. Here you will find a large waiting area to the right of the reception desk, and a smaller one to the left. Please take a seat there and Carmen will come greet you at the time of your session. Telehealth: Prior to your telehealth session, please prepare your home in a way that allows comfort as well as privacy. This may include using headphones, as well as having a glass of water or tissues near by. For your video session, you will need to ensure an up-to-date email is linked to your Jane Account. You will receive a video link 30 min to an hour before your session start time. Please click on this link once you are ready. This will bring you to an online waiting room. Carmen will then greet you at the time of your session. If you have chosen a telephone session, please ensure your phone number is up to date on your Jane account. Carmen will call you at this number at the start of your session time.
CONTACT
phone
778-966-4700
location
1095 McKenzie Ave Suite 329
Victoria, BC V8P 2L5
fax
Attn: Carmen Anderson
250-704-4440
