FAQ: Men’s Counselling in Vancouver — Everything You Want to Know

1. What problems do most men come to counselling for?

Most men seek therapy for issues like:

• Anxiety, overthinking, and constant stress
• Feeling overwhelmed at work or at home
• Burnout or loss of motivation
• Relationship problems
• Anger, irritability, or shutting down emotionally
• OCD patterns or intrusive thoughts
• Struggling to balance performance and wellbeing

If you’re feeling “off,” overloaded, or stuck in your own head, counselling can help you get clarity and momentum quickly.

2. How do I know if I actually need counselling?

Here’s an easy test:

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If your stress, anxiety, or emotional state has lasted longer than four weeks, is impacting your sleep, or is hurting your relationships or work, counselling is recommended.

Most men wait too long. You don’t need to “hit a wall” to seek support. Early intervention is faster, cheaper, and far more effective.

3. Is men’s counselling different from regular counselling?

Yes — in two ways:

1. Approach: Men often want clarity, tools, and direct guidance rather than vague “talk therapy.”
2. Context: Men experience anxiety, anger, pressure, and burnout differently. Therapy tailored for men addresses performance pressure, identity, and emotional expression directly.

At Gibson Mental Health, we specialize specifically in men’s mental health, which means you get strategies that match how men process stress and change.

4. How long does counselling usually take?

Most men see meaningful change in 4–8 sessions.
More complex patterns (trauma, OCD, relationship issues) may require longer-term support.

We don’t drag things out — the goal of therapy is to get you out of therapy and functioning well in your life. On average people do 10-12 sessions.

5. How does online counselling compare to in-person sessions?

Online counselling is extremely effective for most men.
Benefits include:

• No commute
• More privacy
• Easier scheduling
• Same therapeutic impact

Many men prefer online because it reduces friction and keeps the process simple. All of our counsellors are available for in person or remotely so you can choose what works best for you. Some clients do a hybrid approach; some in person and some remote sessions.

6. What should I expect in my first therapy session?

Your first session is a full intake assessment. To help you we need all the information. That includes:

• What’s going on
• Where it’s affecting you
• What your goals are
• What specific outcomes you want
• A clear clincal plan

No pressure, no judgment — just a structured conversation, strong planning, and clinical outcomes.

7. How much does counselling cost in Vancouver?

Most Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) in Vancouver charge $150–$180 per session.
Gibson Mental Health’s rates are $160, and to work with Cameron $180.

8. Do you offer counselling for fathers or new dads?

Yes.
Many men seek support around:

• New-parent adjustment
• Fatigue
• Relationship strain
• Identity shifts
• Balancing work and family
• Sleep.. men often need support with young kids!

This is extremely common and highly treatable.

9. Do benefits cover men’s counselling?

Yes — most extended health plans in BC cover sessions with RCCs.
Clients with Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Canada Life, and Green Shield typically get partial or full reimbursement.

10. How do I start?

You can book your first session directly or request a free 15-minute consult.
Most men begin with one session to get clarity and then choose a short treatment plan based on their goals.

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