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FAQs
Austin Counselling (Natalya Austin) is registered in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
In person sessions are offered in Airdrie, Alberta, while video sessions are offered in all of the noted Provinces above.
All hours are offered in Mountain Standard Time Zone
Monday/Tuesday 11:30 to 7:30 MST
Wednesday/Thursday 9:30 to 5:30 MST
*At this time we are unable to offer weekend availability.
I'm often not immediately available; however, I will respond to you within 24 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays.
*Note- business hours are adjusted in accordance with the specific time zone where the client resides.
You may notice that therapy is working when you notice progress toward your goals, improved emotions, behaviors, and relationships, and feel supported by your therapist.
At the beginning of therapy, you and your therapist will likely set some goals (e.g., reducing anxiety, improving relationships, managing depression). Then, together, you both will regularly assess whether you're making progress toward these goals with questions, such as
Are you noticing changes in your behavior, thoughts, or emotions?”, “Are you handling stress better?”, “Are your relationships improving?”, “Do you find it easier to manage emotions or challenging situations?”.
Also, actively engaging in sessions and applying what you learn can enhance the process.
Progress may take time, so be patient and open to discussing your concerns or feedback with your therapist.
Information that is shared during sessions is private and confidential. We do not release information about you or your adolescent to anyone without your written consent. However, there are three exceptions when we would have to break confidentiality:
If clients share information that leads us to believe that they or another person is at imminent risk of serious harm;
If clients share information that leads us to believe that a child (17 and under) or dependent adult is being abused or neglected;
If clients become involved in a court case and therapy records are subpoenaed by a court of law.
For children under 18 years of age, their legal guardians have the right to information that is being discussed in session. If parents/legal guardians would like us to share information about sessions with other professionals, we require a written release of information from all legal guardians.
Counsellor, therapist, and coach are general terms and are not regulated by legislation. In other words, anyone can use these terms to refer to themselves regardless of education or training.
Natalya is Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). The title of RCSW is a protected title under the Mental Health Act, and requires post secondary education, practice hours, clinical supervision, along with a comprehensive, competency-based exam developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Natalya will often refer to herself as a counsellor or therapist when looking for a general term for the work she offers.
Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Social Workers are all regulated titles; only those who meet the requirements and are registered with their regulatory body can use these titles.
Master’s in Social Workers (MSW) have a minimum of a masters degree in Social Work and have completed additional supervised practice. Whereas, a Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSW) have additional education, training, clinical supervision and have completed entrance exams.
Psychologists have a minimum of a masters degree in psychology and have completed additional supervised practice and entrance exams. Psychologists may provide psychological testing or counselling services (or both). Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who completed additional training in psychiatry. Some Psychiatrists may provide counselling services but most tend to focus on medication regulation. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
The type of professional you choose to work with will be influenced by your personal preferences and needs. However, I encourage people to always make sure any mental health professional you work with is registered with a regulatory body. Regulatory bodies:
Recognizes the profession (Social Worker, Psychology) with the mental health act or other associated provincial or federal legislation.
Ensure the professional's education and training meet minimal requirements.
Have codes of ethics and conduct along with standards of practice that members must abide by.
Are a space for you, the client, to voice any ethical concerns around a professional's conduct.