Frequently Asked Questions

  • El-Awda offers counselling for adults and individuals navigating experiences such as trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity and belonging, life transitions, recovery, experiences of violence, and emotional overwhelm.

    You do not need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what you need help with to reach out. Sometimes knowing that something does not feel right is enough of a reason to seek support.

  • No.

    You do not need to have everything figured out before your first session. We can begin by understanding what has been bringing you in, what you have been experiencing, and what you would like to be different.

    Together, we can identify where to begin.

  • Yes.

    A complimentary initial consultation is available for you to briefly share what you are looking for, ask questions, and determine whether El-Awda feels like an appropriate fit for you.

    A consultation is not a counselling session or crisis service.

  • El-Awda provides receipts that may be submitted to your extended health benefits provider for reimbursement, where Registered Clinical Counsellor services are covered under your plan.

    Coverage varies between insurance plans, so it is recommended that you confirm your coverage directly with your provider before beginning counselling.

  • Both.

    In-person counselling is available in Richmond, BC.

    Virtual counselling is available to clients located throughout British Columbia, where virtual counselling is clinically appropriate.

  • Yes.

    Counselling is available in English and Arabic.

    You are welcome to use the language that feels most comfortable to you, including moving between languages when that feels natural.

  • Yes.

    Experiences of migration and displacement can affect identity, belonging, relationships, safety, grief, family dynamics, and our sense of home.

    My practice is informed by both clinical experience and lived understanding of displacement. At the same time, I recognize that every person's experience is different and deserves to be understood on its own terms.

  • If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or believe you may be at risk of harming yourself or someone else, El-Awda is not an emergency or crisis service.

    Please call or text 988 for immediate suicide crisis support, call 911 for an emergency, or go to your nearest emergency department.

    If you are not in immediate danger but are struggling and would like ongoing support, you are welcome to reach out to discuss whether counselling may be appropriate.

  • Counselling is confidential, with certain legal and ethical limits to confidentiality.

    These limits will be discussed with you as part of the counselling process. You are welcome to ask questions about confidentiality at any time.

  • That is okay.

    Finding the right counsellor matters. The initial consultation gives us an opportunity to talk about what you are looking for and determine whether my services and approach are appropriate for your needs.

    If I am not the right fit, I will do my best to help you identify a more appropriate direction.

  • You do not need to prepare anything special.

    You are welcome to bring questions, concerns, or simply a sense that you would like something in your life to change.

    You can begin wherever feels most manageable.

  • You can book your complimentary initial consultation through the Booking page.

    You can also contact El-Awda at info@elawdacounselling.com or through the Contact page with any questions about services or booking.