Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is reaching out. We know that it can feel vulnerable and sometimes overwhelming. Taking that step matters, and we don’t take it lightly.

During your intake call, text or email, Ashliegh will ask a few focused questions about what’s bringing you in and what you’re looking for in therapy. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Even just simple keywords like “anxiety,” “couples therapy,” and “trauma” are enough to start!

From there, she’ll recommend a therapist whose experience, approach and availability align with your needs.

Once she’s set up your client profile, she’ll schedule your first session, send your welcome email, any required consent forms and a booking notification. She’ll guide the process so you feel clear, supported and ready to begin.

In most cases, a referral is not required to begin counselling or psychotherapy.

You can reach out directly to book your first session. Some insurance providers may require a doctors note for reimbursement, so we recommend checking your coverage in advance if applicable.

If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you navigate that process.

Sometimes a therapist’s profile immediately resonates. Other times, the options are too overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to figure that out alone.

Reach out by phone, text, or email. Ashliegh is on the other end, ready to help you narrow down the options.

Finding a therapist is like trying on shoes: you might have to try a few before you find the right fit. And that’s okay.

If after a session, the fit doesnt’t feel right, we can adjust. As a collaborative practice, we can transfer your file between our practitioners with your consent. Finding the right connection matters, and we treat that thoughtfully.

Our reception hours run Monday through Friday. We aim to respond to messages and intake requests the same day when they are received between 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (MT).

Each practitioner’s schedule is slightly different. Many offer daytime and evening appointments, and some begin as early as morning hours. If you have specific scheduling needs, let us know during intake, and we’ll do our best to match you with a provider whose availability aligns with your routine.

We intentionally take weekends and statutory holidays off. Sustainable care matters to us. When therapists are supported and well-rested, you receive steadier, more present care.

Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes. The remaining time in the hour is used for clinical documentation, care coordination, and scheduling to ensure continuity and quality of care.

For children, sessions typically range from 40–50 minutes, depending on age, developmental needs, and the modality being used (for example, play or art-based approaches may require additional setup or transition time).

Couples and families may benefit from extended sessions to allow for deeper engagement and balanced participation.

Longer or shorter sessions can be arranged in advance when clinically appropriate.

Your first therapy session is focused on understanding your story, your goals, and what feels most important to address.

Your therapist will ask thoughtful questions to clarify what’s bringing you in and begin identifying patterns, stressors, and priorities. There’s no pressure to get everything out — the first session is about building connection and creating direction.

By the end of the session, you can expect a clearer sense of next steps, including recommendations for frequency and focus.

Loree Mastel-Marr has written a thoughtful blog about what to expect in your first session. to this. You can read it here.

The number of sessions varies depending on your goals, the complexity of what you’re navigating, and how consistently you’re able and want to attend.

Some clients benefit from short-term, focused work over a few months. Others choose longer-term therapy to address deeper patterns, trauma, or ongoing life stressors.

During your first few sessions, your therapist will work with you to clarify goals and recommend a plan. We revisit that plan as needed. Therapy isn’t meant to be indefinite. It’s meant to be intentional.

Most clients begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Consistency builds momentum, especially in the early stages of therapy.

Your therapist will make recommendations based on your goals, level of distress, capacity and financial considerations. Frequency isn’t one-size-fits-all, but therapy tends to be most effective when there is structure and continuity.

We believe in Guided Growth, which means we work collaboratively with you to determine a pace that supports meaningful, sustainable change.

Yes. We offer in-person counselling at our West Edmonton location as well as secure virtual therapy sessions across Alberta.

Both options provide the same level of care. During intake, we can discuss which format best supports your schedule, comfort, and therapeutic goals.

At the end of your first session (or first few sessions), your therapist will typically recommend next steps, including frequency.

To support consistency and momentum, we often pre-book a series of appointments. This helps secure your space in the schedule and prevents last-minute scrambles for availability, especially during busier seasons and prime appointment times (evenings).

Not sure about your schedule or the kids’ hockey games? No problem. If you’d prefer to think about it, Ashliegh will follow up within a few days to help you with booking and answer any logistical questions.

Your treatment plan and scheduling frequency are always collaborative. If your needs, goals, or capacity shift, we adjust together.

Our session fees are guided provincial (AB) rate recommendations and are set below the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) suggested standard.

Our current fee schedule is as follows.

Meet & Greets (Initial Sessions):

• $220 for a 50-minute session (Registered & Provisional Psychologists)

• $150 for a 50-minute session (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

Individual Therapy (Online & In Person):

• $220 for a 50-minute session (Registered & Provisional Psychologists)

• $150 for a 50-minute session (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

Family and Couples Therapy:

• $220 for a 50-minute session (Registered & Provisional Psychologists)

• $150 for a 50-minute session (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

Reports, Letters, and Case Management Consultations:

• $220 for a 50-minute session (billed pro-rated in 10-minute intervals for both Registered Psychologists and Canadian Certified Counsellors)

CCCs (Certified Canadian Counsellors) have completed a master’s degree in counselling and meet national certification standards, but they are not regulated under provincial legislation in many provinces the way Psychologists (R. Psychs/R. Prov. Psychs) are. Because of this difference in regulation and insurance coverage, CCCs typically offer lower rates while still providing high-quality, professional therapy services.

We also have limited sliding-scale spaces available, as we recognize that cost can be a barrier to accessing support. If affordability is a concern, please reach out—we’re happy to explore options with you.

Payments are generally collected at the beginning of each session, though, sometimes may not be processed until the following business day.

We accept various payment methods, including Debit Visa, MasterCard Debit, e-transfer, Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX.

If you would like to arrange payment by e-transfer, please contact us for the details and instructions. A back-up payment card may still be required on your file.

A Thread of Clarity uses Jane Payments, which employs encrypted software to securely manage card information and process payments. Your card number will be partially obscured, displaying only the last four digits, ensuring that we never have access to your complete card details.

Our systems are built to support digital payments for ease and efficiency – for you and us. We do not accept cash or cheques.

Direct billing is currently available for the following companies:

• AGA Financial Group (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Alberta Blue Cross (Provisional & Registered Psychologists)

• Beneva Inc. (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• Blue Cross - Medavie [RCMP, VA, Canadian Armed Forces, National] (Select Canadian Certified Counsellors and Registered Psychologists)

• BPA - Benefit Plan Administrators (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• CanadaLife (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Canadian Constructions Workers Union (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• CINUP (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• ClaimSecure (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Coughlin & Associates Ltd. (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• Cowan (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• D.A. Townley (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• Equitable (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• First Canadian (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• First Nations & Inuit Health Benefits [FNIHB] (Select practitioners only)

• GMS Carrier 49 (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• GMS Carrier 50 (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• Greenshield Canada / SSQ (Canadian Certified Counsellors, Provisional & Registered Psychologists)

• Industrial Alliance (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Johnson Inc. (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Johnson Group Inc. (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• LiUna Local 183 (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• LiUna Local 506 (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Manulife Financial (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Maximum Benefit (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• MDM Insurance Services Inc. (Canadian Certified Counsellors)

• People Corporation (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Simply Benefits (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Sun Life (Registered and Provisional Psychologists - Certified Counsellors coming winter 2025)

• Telus Adjudicare (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• Union Benefits (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

• UV Insurance (Canadian Certified Counsellors & Registered Psychologists)

If you wish to utilize direct billing, your insurance provider will require you to complete an Electronic Transmission Authorization and Benefit Assignment consent form. Please note that our policy requires clients to keep a valid, active payment card on file as backup for denied or partially paid claims.

Direct billing is contingent upon your provider’s registration status. To avoid surprises, we strongly recommend confirming your coverage details with your insurance provider before your initial session. A Thread of Clarity cannot determine your insurance limits due to privacy laws in Canada.

If your insurance company is not listed, you may still be eligible for reimbursement. We will provide you with a receipt for submission to your insurance provider.

Please note: In cases of dual coverage, we may not be able to submit claims electronically. Therefore, clients must pay upfront and submit the claims directly to their insurance companies.

Additionally, any services provided by a Psychologist not covered by insurance may be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return. Please be sure to retain all receipts for your records.

Many of our clients benefit from coverage through their private insurance plans and work benefits.

We encourage you to check with your health insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage. While some insurers cover the full cost of therapy sessions, others may not, and most have a maximum limit on coverage. Receipts will be issued at the time of payment and can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement of services. We recommend that you contact your provider before scheduling your initial session to confirm your coverage so there are no surprises.

In some cases, once we receive your completed consent form, we can submit a pre-determination. Pre-determinations are limited to specific insurers and do not provide a full view of your insurance.

Due to privacy laws in Canada, specifically the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), insurance providers do not provide us with access to verify these details ourselves.

Before your initial session, we strongly recommend that you call your insurance company to verify the following:

• If you are seeing a Provisional or Registered Psychologist, ask whether psychological services are included in your policy

• If you are seeing a Canadian Certified Counsellor, ask whether Clinical Counselling or Counselling services are included in your policy

• Are you limited to the insurers' preferred providers?

• Who is covered under your plan?

• What is the extent of your coverage?

  • Does your plan cover the full session fee, or only a portion per visit?

  • Are there limits on the number of sessions, or a maximum dollar amount?

  • What is your yearly renewal date?

  • Is the length of each session a factor in your coverage?

  • Do you need a doctor’s referral?

  • What is the process for reimbursement?

In most cases, yes. We are able to direct bill to over 30 insurers for our Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs).

Alberta Blue Cross is one of the few insurance providers that does not allow us to submit claims for CCCs directly. However, we provide detauled receipts that make the reimbursement process straightforward when you submit your claim yourself.

We always recommend checking in with your insurance provider to avoid any surprises.

In most cases, yes! We have streamlined the reimbursement process by reviewing insurance companies' requirements for disclosing supervision by registered psychologists. This has helped many clients obtain reimbursement for services provided by provisional psychologists.

However, it’s important to note that it’s not always an exact science, and every insurer has unique requirements.

We always recommend checking in with your insurance provider to avoid any surprises.

Our attendance policy is about more than cancellations and empty spaces on the calendar. It reflects the reality that your therapist puts real time into planning your sessions. Consistent attendance and communication are what keep our services accessible to those who need them and our care sustainable for everyone we work with.

We get that life doesn’t always go as planned, and our goal isn’t to be punitive. This policy is here to protect the time your therapist has set aside for you amid the variability of your life.

Cancellation Notice:
We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This courtesy gives us time to reach out to someone else who might need support.

Late Cancellations:
Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance are charged the full session fee. We understand some things are genuinely out of your hands, and we may use discretion in those situations.

No-Show Policy:
If you do not arrive for or join your appointment and we do not hear from you within 10 minutes of your appointment start time, the appointment will be marked as a no-show, and the full session fee will be immediately charged to the card on file.

Your commitment to attendance helps us provide the best possible care to all our clients.

If you're dealing with a minor illness and prefer to stay cozy at home, we invite you to switch to a virtual or phone session. You can relax in your PJs with your favorite warm beverage while still getting the support you need! Just give us a call or email and we will help you switch your appointment.

If your counsellor is unwell or unable to attend your session, we will notify you as soon as possible. We value your time and understand that appointments require planning.

You’ll be offered the option to reschedule at the earliest available time. If appropriate and with your consent, we may also offer a temporary session with another provider on our team to maintain continuity of care.

We believe in sustainable care which means when we encourage clients to prioritize their health, we hold ourselves to that same standard.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, feel free to reach out to Ashliegh by phone, email or text. She’s here to help you navigate your practitioner’s schedule and find a new time that works for you! You can also contact your therapist directly, but keep in mind they only check email during office hours, so there may be a delay in their response.

Yes. We work with children and adolescents (7+). Sessions may include individual time with your child, parent-only sessions, or joint sessions depending on age, goals, and clinical recommendations.

Yes. We require consent from all legal guardians or parents. In the case of sole-custody, we require court documentation indicating sole-decision making rights.

Yes. Before beginning therapy with children under 16, we hold a parent session.

This is a full, paid 50-minute appointment dedicated to meeting with your provider without your child present.  It allows caregivers to discuss concerns, background information, and goals openly, without placing any emotional weight on the child.

Starting with a parent session helps protect their sense of safety and allows therapy to begin in a way that feels supportive rather than corrective.

This session also provides space to plan how to introduce therapy to your child in a thoughtful, supportive way that encourages their participation.

We recognize that families come in many different structures. For separated or blended families, we offer flexibility. Parents may attend together, split a session, or schedule separate appointments, depending on what feels most appropriate for your situation.

The first session is focused on building comfort and understanding your child’s world.

Depending on your child’s age and needs, the session may include time with you, time with your child individually, or a combination of both. We’ll gather relevant history, clarify goals, and begin identifying patterns or stressors that may be impacting your child.

There is no pressure for your child to “open up” immediately. Building trust takes time. The first session is about connection, safety, and creating a clear direction for care.

By the end of the appointment, you can expect a general plan for next steps, including recommendations for frequency and how caregiver involvement will be structured.

It depends on your child’s age, developmental stage, therapeutic goals, and presenting concerns.

In some cases, treatment focuses on the parent–child relationship, and sessions may include you directly. In other cases, therapy is primarily one-on-one with your child to support independence, emotional expression, and skill-building.

Meaningful change with children often includes caregiver involvement. Even when sessions are individual, your therapist may recommend periodic parent meetings to review progress, discuss strategies, and support what’s happening in therapy at home.

As children grow, so does their need for privacy. We balance confidentiality with parental involvement in a developmentally and ethically appropriate way. This means:

• We may share general themes, goals, and progress.

• We will not share specific details discussed in session unless there are safety concerns.

• If there are risks related to harm to self or others, we are ethically required to involve caregivers.

We will always be transparent about how information is handled.

No. Our practice does not provide custody evaluations, parenting capacity assessments, mediation services, or court-involved therapy in high-conflict situations.

We are a treatment-focused practice. Our work centers on therapeutic support, emotional wellbeing, and relational growth, not forensic evaluation or legal decision-making.

If you are seeking services related to court proceedings or custody matters, we recommend connecting with a provider who specializes in forensic or court-involved work.