Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and families?
EFT focuses on helping partners to shift the emotional responses that maintain their negative interactional patterns. Through a series of steps and approximately 8-20 sessions, the therapist leads the couple away from conflict and deadlock into new bonding interactions that help to build a renewed sense of love and a stronger foundation than ever. This approach is also used with excellent results with families. It also lends itself very well to working with couples where one partner or both partners are presenting with specific problems including depression, trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, low sexual desire, and/or other sexual problems.
Dr. Leanne Campbell and Dr. David Fairweather were trained and supervised in EFT in the early-mid 1990s by its co-originator Dr. Susan Johnson, and have been using the approach ever since, in addition to training and supervising other clinicians in its use. Campbell & Fairweather Psychology Group is designated as a Centre for the Training of EFT.
How do I choose a Therapist?
Some people get referred to a particular psychologist or counsellor through a family doctor or lawyer, or another professional, or a friend. However, if you have not been referred to a particular therapist, you may wish to see the Therapists section of our website to view a brief profile of each of our clinicians. Should you have any further questions, our support staff would be pleased to assist you in this or any other regard.
What will I get out of therapy?
People usually decide to see a therapist when they (or their relatives) believe they are stuck in unproductive ways of thinking, feeling, or behaving. The goal of therapy is to help clients gain awareness and develop new and more adaptive ways of being, leading to greater life satisfaction and satisfaction in relationships.
How long will it take?
Frequency of sessions and length of treatment are discussed and are guided by the needs and desires of the clients. Many issues or concerns can be addressed in 8-12 sessions. Some clients may wish to pursue longer term therapy based on their specific needs and/or goals. Clients who do not have access to funding and/or who have limited resources may benefit from seeing a therapist for just 1 to 3 sessions to gain insight and guidance in addressing their concerns.
What will it cost?
Some individuals have coverage through extended health benefit plans that will re-imburse for the cost of services in whole or in part. Our Psychologist and Clinical Counsellor rates are charged in accordance with recommendations from the BC Psychological Association and BC Association of Clinical Counsellors respectively. Please contact our office for specific information.
Is funding available?
Many of our clients have access to funding to assist in payment for services. A number of employers provide extended medical plans which include coverage for services provided by a Registered Psychologist. Insurance companies may also fund services when there has been an injury and victims of crime may be able to access funding through the Crime Victims Assistance program. First Nations clients may have funding for services through their Bands or First Nations and Inuit Health Services. Many of these organizations require pre-approval of services and some require a referral from a physician. Services are not covered through the standard BC Medical Plan.