Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

- Mindful Mage Counseling -

Questions About Mindful Mage Counselling

What is Fox’s current professional designation?
Fox is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), certified by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT).
These designations reflect Fox’s commitment to professional standards, ethical practice, and ongoing professional development.
Is Fox pursuing additional certifications or licenses?

Yes. Fox has submitted an application to the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) for Registered Provisional Psychologist status.
Once approved, this will allow Fox to practise as a supervised provisional psychologist while working toward full registration in Alberta.

Until then, sessions are provided under Fox’s current CCC and RTC designations.

What are the limitations of Mindful Mage Counselling services?

Counselling at Mindful Mage Counselling focuses on collaboration, skill-building, and emotional well-being. However, there are limits:

  • We do not provide crisis intervention services.
  • We cannot prescribe medication or provide medical diagnoses.
  • Counselling may not be suitable for individuals requiring intensive psychiatric care.

If we determine that your needs fall outside the scope of our practice, we’ll work with you to connect you to the right supports.

What are Mindful Mage Counselling’s values?
Our approach is grounded in
  • curiosity
  • directness
  • self-improvement,and
  • transparency
We value honesty over comfort when it serves meaningful, long-term growth. Skepticism and critical thinking are welcome in the therapy space — this isn’t about sugar-coating, it’s about building insight, accountability, and action. Challenge, when offered respectfully, can be one of the most healing forces in therapy.
How do you ensure cultural sensitivity?

We are committed to culturally sensitive and inclusive practice, which means:

  • Ongoing cultural competency training
  • Respecting and honouring diverse identities and worldviews
  • Integrating culturally relevant approaches, including Two-Eyed Seeing and Indigenous frameworks, when appropriate

Your unique cultural background is valued and woven into the work we do together.

Do you work with men or clients who are hesitant about therapy?

Yes. Many of our clients are men or first-timers who are unsure whether counselling is right for them. We work at your pace, without pressure or judgement, and create a space where you can define what support looks like for you.

Do you work with couples who are not married?

Absolutely! We work with couples in all forms:

  • Married
  • Dating
  • Living together
  • Long-distance
  • Polyamorous
  • Situationships
  • “It’s complicated”

Our focus is on communication, connection, and navigating challenges — not on legal status.

Questions About Booking and Fees

What are your hours?

Business hours are as follows:

  • Tuesdays: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Virtual ONLY)
  • Wednesdays: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Virtual ONLY)
  • Fridays: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Virtual ONLY)
  • Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (In-person AND Virtually)

Mindful Mage Counselling is closed on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Stat Holidays.

Can I book online?

Yes. All sessions are scheduled through our secure online booking portal. Walk-in appointments are not available.

What are your fees?
  • Individual sessions: $105 ($100 + GST) per 50-minute session
  • Couples sessions: $136.50 ($130 + GST) per 90-minute session
  • Safe and Sound Protocol: See below for details

Payment is due at the time of session. Receipts are provided for insurance or personal records.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not bill insurance companies directly, but we provide detailed receipts that you can submit for potential reimbursement.
Coverage depends on your provider — check whether they cover sessions with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) or Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC). See the full list of accepted providers

What’s your cancellation policy?

Life can be unpredictable. We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations with less notice are billed at the full session rate. Why? Each time slot is dedicated just for you.

Do you offer virtual counselling sessions?

Yes, we offer secure online counselling sessions for residents of Alberta. This allows for flexibility and accessibility, ensuring you can attend sessions from the comfort of your own space.

Can I receive counselling if I’m outside Alberta through Mindful Mage Counselling?

Currently, we offer counselling services exclusively to residents of Alberta due to provincial regulations. If you're located elsewhere, we are happy to discuss alternative options or provide referrals to appropriate resources.

Questions About the Therapy Process

What can I expect in the first session?

The first session is about building connection. We’ll discuss your goals, background, and what you’re hoping to achieve. You’ll also get a feel for whether Fox’s approach is the right fit for you. This can include building a character sheet for your IRL (in real life) character, strategising what we'll focus on in therapy, and setting the "difficulty level" for your weekly challenges.

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

Counselling can be beneficial if you're experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship issues. If you're feeling stuck or seeking personal growth, therapy provides a supportive space to explore these areas.

How do I prepare for my first session?

There's no need to prepare extensively. Simply come with an open mind and any thoughts or topics you'd like to discuss. Arriving a few minutes early can be helpful, especially if there are any forms to complete or issues virtually.

How long are sessions and treatment plans?
  • Standard sessions: 50 minutes
  • Treatment length: Flexible — some clients attend a few sessions, others engage long-term. We review progress regularly and adjust as needed.
What types of therapy do you use?

We integrate:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Practices
  • Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games (TA-RPGs)

Everything is tailored to fit your goals, strengths, and worldview.

What is gaming-integrated or pop-culture-informed therapy?

Gaming and pop culture metaphors are integrated into therapy to make abstract concepts more relatable. If you enjoy games, anime, or fantasy worlds, we can use those frameworks to explore identity, emotional regulation, and change—turning therapy into a narrative that makes sense to you.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

That’s okay! You don’t need to have it all figured out to start therapy. We’ll explore whatever feels present for you. Even silence or confusion can become meaningful starting points for discovery and healing.

Are there group therapy options?

Currently, we do not offer group therapy sessions. However, this is on our future list of services. Fox will update this information once such services become available.

Questions About Confidentiality and Safety

Is everything I share confidential?

Mostly, yes — everything shared in session is kept private and confidential. However, there are a few legal and ethical limits where Fox is required to break confidentiality:

  • Risk of harm: If you are at serious risk of harming yourself or others
  • Abuse or neglect: If a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected
  • Court order: If a court order, subpoena, or legal warrant compels disclosure
  • Professional misconduct: If you disclose abuse by a regulated health professional

These limits will be explained clearly in your first session so you know exactly where privacy ends and safety obligations begin.

What are the limits to confidentiality for youth or minors?

Confidentiality is just as important for youth as it is for adults. In Alberta, youth may access counselling without parental consent if they are assessed as a mature minor — meaning they understand the nature, risks, and benefits of therapy and can make informed choices.

However, there are important limits when working with youth:

  • Risk of harm: If a youth expresses serious intent to harm themselves or others, Fox is legally required to act — which can include notifying guardians or emergency services if necessary.
  • Abuse or neglect: If there is any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or risk of harm, Fox must report this to Child and Family Services under Alberta’s Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
  • Legal orders: If compelled by subpoena or court order, some information may need to be shared with legal authorities.
  • Parental access: If a youth is not considered a mature minor, parents or guardians may have the legal right to access session content. Fox always strives to include the youth in these conversations and protect their autonomy wherever possible.

πŸ›‘οΈ Our goal is to create a space where young clients feel safe to open up while helping families understand where the line between privacy and safety is drawn.

What if I have an emergency outside of counselling hours?

Mindful Mage Counselling is not an emergency service. If you need immediate mental health support, please contact:

  • πŸ“ž Distress Centre Calgary (24/7): (403) 266-4357
  • πŸ“ž Alberta Mental Health Helpline (24/7): 1-877-303-2642
  • 🚨 Emergency Services: Call 911
Can I bring someone with me to my sessions?

Yes! Bringing a support person can be helpful in some cases. This is discussed in advance to ensure it’s therapeutically appropriate and does not compromise confidentiality or the focus of the session.

Can you prescribe medication?

No. Fox is not licensed to prescribe medication or provide medical diagnoses.
If medication might be helpful, we can collaborate with your doctor or psychiatrist for an integrated care plan.

Will you collaborate with my psychiatrist or doctor?

Absolutely. With your written consent, Fox is happy to share updates or coordinate care with your other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive and consistent approach.

Safety Safe and Social Protocol (SSP)

What is the SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening-based therapeutic intervention designed to help regulate the nervous system, improve emotional resilience, and support deeper connection with others.
It uses specially filtered music to gently stimulate the vagus nerve, helping shift the body out of chronic fight-or-flight mode and into a state where calm, focus, and social engagement become easier.

πŸ’‘ Learn more about SSP’s science and research at whatisthessp.com

SSP Package & Pricing

Our SSP offering is delivered as a 7-session package, each session 50 minutes, for a total of $950 ($135 per session + GST).

Component Time Description
Intake & Orientation 50 minutes We review your history, goals, and set up the Unyte app for listening.
SSP Sessions 30–50 minutes Minimum of 7 sessions, broken into 30–50 minute blocks to support nervous system regulation. This pacing allows time for breaks, in-session processing, and gradual rewiring — helping you stay comfortable and grounded throughout the experience.
SSP Core Listening 5 hours total Five hours of listening, completed across your sessions. The pace is fully adjustable — slower if you are more sensitive, faster if your system feels ready.
Integration & Debrief Included Short check-ins between sessions (5–15 minutes by phone, video, or email) to monitor progress and adjust pacing.
Total Package 7 × 50-minute sessions $950 + GST (additional sessions can be added at $135 + GST each, if you need extra time to complete the protocol).

πŸ“„ For more details, visit our Safe and Sound Protocol page or check our SSP Headphones Guide for approved listening equipment.

SSP Mini-FAQ

Do I need special headphones?
Yes — SSP requires wired, over-ear headphones that meet specific technical standards so the filtered music plays as intended.
You can view the full list of recommended models on our Approved Headphones Guide

Why do I need seven sessions?

The protocol is five total hours of listening, but it’s intentionally broken into multiple shorter sessions to give your nervous system time to integrate the changes. This “listen–pause–process” approach is what makes SSP effective and safe.

What if I feel overwhelmed during listening?

It’s normal to feel emotional shifts during SSP. Sessions are always paced to support regulation, and we can slow down, pause, or spread them out further if needed. Safety and comfort come first.

Who might not be ready for SSP?

SSP is not recommended for people currently experiencing:

  • Acute psychiatric crisis

  • Active psychosis

  • Unsafe living conditions where increased emotional awareness might feel destabilising

We carefully review this during intake to ensure SSP is safe and supportive for your unique situation. Please see the Limitations & Cautions for more details.

Can I repeat the SSP in the future?

Yes. Many clients benefit from repeating SSP after a break or during a new season of growth. Additional rounds can be scheduled as needed, and we’ll discuss timing based on your goals.