Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups do you support?
At Bedford Integrative, we provide support to all age groups! Clinical counselling is available to children, youth, and adults of all backgrounds and life experiences.
Please note that manual therapy (such as osteopathy and massage) is only available to those 16-years and older.
How do I book an appointment?
The easiest way to go about booking an appointment is to call reception (250-564-3034)! They will be able to work with you to find a time that works for both you and the therapist. If you are not one for phone calls, you can also text reception (250-961-9920) or email them at info@bitsbc.com.
Additionally, some (but not all) of our therapists’ schedules are available online! To book with a therapist online, you can click here.
Do you offer virtual therapy?
Yes! At Bedford Integrative, we are happy to provide counselling in-person, over the phone, or through video.
Video sessions are hosted entirely through our Jane booking platform. This means that you do not have to download an app or create an account, simply click the link to join! Moreover, Jane Video is fully PIPPA compliant, ensuring that your privacy is safeguarded at all times.
How long is an appointment?
The length of a therapeutic session will vary according to your needs. Children will often book 30 to 45-minute sessions with their therapist in light of their short attention spans. Alternatively, some adults will opt for 90-minute sessions so that they can receive additional support from their therapist.
If you are just beginning counselling and are not sure what to book first, we recommend starting with a 90-minute intake. This will allow you the chance to get to know your therapist and vice versa. You will also be able to explore your therapeutic goals. Once you have completed your first 90-minute appointment, you can proceed with 60-minute sessions. 60-minutes is a standard length for therapy and will allow space for regular support until you find a rhythm that works for you!
What happens during a counselling intake appointment?
Your first session is all about relationship. We understand how scary and stressful it can feel to work through the deepest aspects of yourself with someone you don’t know. It is for this reason that intake appointments are all about building rapport.
When you first enter, you will be asked to sit however you are most comfortable. The therapist will then ask some questions about you. These questions will be very similar to those outlined in the intake form you received prior to your appointment: “What is your current support network?”, “Who do you currently live with?”, etc.
The therapist will then work with you to create therapeutic goals. You will discuss what you are hoping to work through or toward. Often, as a part of this conversation, the therapist will also explain the various therapy-types that they offer so that you can decide which sounds most fitting for you. Some people prefer to talk through their past experiences, for example, while others opt for therapies that require minimal conversation around past events.
Throughout the session, you are encouraged to ask as many questions as you would like! Effective therapy is only ever conducted on a foundation of trust. This in mind, our therapists are more than happy to explain how a therapy works or to provide more information on their background and training, if desired. If you are curious, then ask away!
At the conclusion of the session, the therapist will work with you to create some next steps. Often they will help you highlight portions of the session that you can take into the week to further meditate on or put into action. They will also make a plan for future therapy so that you know when to book and what to expect at your next appointment.
Do you accept insurance?
At Bedford Integrative, we direct bill to Pacific Blue Cross for massage therapy and clinical counselling.
Unfortunately, we are unable to direct bill for social work or osteopathic sessions at this time.
If you have extended health through someone other than Pacific Blue Cross, we would encourage you to submit your receipts to your provider after your appointment. They will then reimburse you directly in accordance with your plan details.
When should I book my next session?
The human brain is truly phenomenal! Even days after your appointment, your brain will continue to work through the contents of your therapy session. This remains true whether you receive a form of counselling or a form of manual therapy. This in mind, we generally recommend booking sessions no less than one week apart. This will allow your brain the space to work through the presented material before receiving new input.
For manual therapy, one can often go even longer between sessions! Thankfully, our physical body is excellent at communicating when it needs support. As soon as you begin to feel discomfort, unease, or pain, you can book another session! Clients with chronic pain will often find this happens somewhere between 10-14 days. Those without chronic pain may even go one to two months between sessions!
Note: If you are in crisis, (physically, mentally, or otherwise) you may be encouraged by your therapist to book multiple times in a week for regular support.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a philosophy of treatment that integrates the diagnostic components of Western medicine with the intrinsic knowledge and ability of the body to heal itself. This proven discipline offers manual assessment with hands-on therapeutic treatments designed to improve muscle and joint function. Specialty techniques used in osteopathy are craniosacral, visceral manipulation, muscle energy techniques, osteo-articular mobilizations, and numerous additional soft-tissue techniques.
BiTS is a Metis family-owned business with deep, multi-generational roots in Prince George and the surrounding communities of Northern BC. Our clinic respectfully acknowledges the Lheidli T’enneh people upon whose traditional territory we work and serve.