Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't see the answer to your question below, please email me directly at stevenbutler@thebft.ca.
Counselling is usually focused on a specific issue for a limited amount of time while therapy helps you understand yourself and your patterns of thought, feelings, and behaviours.
Therapy and Counselling are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between them.
Counselling involves working with a mental health counsellor or clinical mental health counsellor on a specific issue for a limited amount of time. For example, counselling can help you if you’re having problems with your marriage. You can see a marriage counsellor to learn how to improve things between you and your spouse. Or counselling can help you if you have difficulty managing stress and want guidance on tools you can use when you are stressed out. Usually, counselling focuses on a specific issue for a limited amount of time.
Therapy can be more long-term and focuses on you as an individual — how you see yourself and the world, your thoughts, and your behaviours, as well as the underlying patterns of why you do the things you do. For example, if you were suffering from depression, you and your mental health therapist can explore how depression impacts your everyday life and how to develop better coping strategies so that you can feel better. You usually go to therapy sessions on a more long-term basis.
Source: Mental Health Match. (n.d.). What is the difference between therapy and counselling? Mental Health Match. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://mentalhealthmatch.com/articles/about-therapy-and-mental-health/what-is-the-difference-between-therapy-and-counseling
Steven Butler, The BFT will send appointment reminders for your session, however it is your responsibility to keep track of your appointments.
Clients are expected to notify if they will be late to an appointment. I also offer the ability to change your session to phone/virtual should you be unable to attend in person for any reason.
If you cannot attend your appointment, notify Steven Butler as soon as possible by emailing or calling 1 (506) 497-6090 or stevenbutler@thebft.ca.
If you do not provide notification within 24 hours or fail to show for your scheduled appointment time, you will be charged as outlined:
- No Show Appointment: A full session rate ($150, HST included) will be charged.
- Late Cancel (Less than 24 hours notice): A half-session rate ($75, HST included) will be charged.
This allows us to offer the appointment to another client who is waiting. Thank you for your understanding.
All past outstanding balances must be paid before booking a new appointment. This includes past attended sessions, late cancellations or no-show fees.
Currently, I only direct bill for those with Blue Cross insurance plans.
For any other insurance plan, you will have to pay the total cost upfront and submit your receipt directly to your insurance company (i.e., online portal, smartphone app, case worker, etc.).
Please note that it is you responsibility to ensure your policy covers "clinical counsellors, psychotherapists, or licensed counselling therapists". It is also your responsibility to keep track of how much benefit you are using and how much remains.
My preferred payment method is e-transfer, to stevenbutler@thebft.ca
I am also able to accept visa-debit, credit card, or paypal.
Typically appointments are booked two weeks to one month ahead of time, though this can fluctuate. My calendar is always current, so if you are unable to find an appointment, it is because I am already booked for that time.
Occasionally, last minute spots will become available. Please contact me directly if you would like to be made aware of any last minute availability as I do keep an cancellation list.
To book your appointment, please click this link, click any of the "Book Now" buttons on my website, or reach out to me at stevenbutler@thebft.ca.
Yes, though due to high demand, these times are booked well in advance and are not available through my online booking system.
Please email me at stevenbutler@thebft.ca if this is your desired timeframe and I will do my best to find suitable availability, though I am unable to make any guarantees.
Steven Butler, The Big Friendly Therapist is not available on an urgent or emergency basis.
If you are in distress, in life-threatening need, or concerned about the safety of yourself or the safety of others, they are required to contact the appropriate authorities.
These can include:
New Brunswick Resources:
- CHIMO - 24/7 phone line @ 1-800-667-5005
- Courage Centre - 24/7 phone line @ 506-533-9100
- Saint John Mobile Mental Health @ 1-888-811-3664
- Fredericton Mobile Mental Health @ 506-453-2132
- Moncton Mobile Mental Health @ 866-771-7760
- Edmundston/Grand Falls Mobile Mental Health @ 1-844-398-4718
- Miramichi Mobile Mental Health @ (506) 623-3333
- Laura Gatien and Associates FREE Friday Drop-In Clinic, please call 506-651-1239 to be added to the list.
- www.evisitnb.ca from 8:00am - 8:00pm 7 days a week with valid New Brunswick Medicare Card
- Going immediately to the Hospital
- Calling 911
Canada Wide Resources:
- Kids Help Phone @ 800-668-6868 (also serving youth and adults) (Text Connect to 686868)
- Trans Lifeline @ 1-877-330-6366
- Canada Suicide Prevention: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
- Canadian Crisis Hotline @ 1-888-353-2273
- Other Mental Health and Crisis Support: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html#a1
Queer theory is a way of looking at the world that challenges traditional ideas about gender and sexuality. It's all about questioning and breaking free from the usual labels and categories society puts on people. In a nutshell, queer theory is about celebrating the beautiful complexity of human experiences and helping us understand that there's so much more to people than just a simple "one-size-fits-all" label. It's a fresh perspective that encourages inclusivity, empathy, and acceptance for everyone.
Gender affirming care is a way of supporting and respecting a person's gender identity, making them feel valued, understood, and validated. This care might include medical treatments like hormone therapy or surgeries, if that's what the person needs to feel more like themselves. But it's not just about medical stuff; it's also about using the right name and pronouns, creating safe spaces, and making sure people feel heard and seen.
Ultimately, gender-affirming care is about promoting happiness, mental well-being, and confidence in folks, no matter how they identify.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was created by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since been used to address a wide range of psychological issues beyond PTSD.
The main goal of EMDR is to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences that have become "stuck" or unprocessed in the brain. These unresolved memories can lead to emotional and behavioral difficulties in the present. EMDR aims to alleviate the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories, allowing the individual to integrate those memories more adaptively.
The therapy involves eight phases:
1. History-taking and treatment planning: The therapist gathers information about the individual's history and identifies target memories for processing.
2. Preparation: The therapist helps the individual develop coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage any distress that may arise during the therapy sessions.
3. Assessment: The target memory is identified, and the emotions, negative beliefs, and physical sensations associated with it are explored.
4. Desensitization: The individual focuses on the target memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, which can be achieved through side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. This bilateral stimulation is thought to mimic the rapid eye movement that occurs during REM sleep and helps to process the memory.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs and self-statements are integrated to replace the negative beliefs associated with the target memory.
6. Body scan: The individual scans their body to identify any residual tension or discomfort and processes any associated memories.
7. Closure: At the end of each session, the therapist ensures the individual is stable and provides relaxation techniques if needed.
8. Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist checks the progress made and reassesses the target memory to ensure it has been properly processed.
EMDR is considered an evidence-based therapy and has been found to be effective in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. It is also used for anxiety, depression, phobias, and other emotional difficulties. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and it's essential to work with a qualified and experienced EMDR therapist to determine if it's the right approach for your specific needs.
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Important Statements
Safe Space
Land Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement
Every single one of us, is entitled to work, heal, or relax in a safe space. A space free of discrimination or fear; a space, free of bullying and harassment of any kind. I vow to make my practice a safe space for everyone - regardless of race, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Land Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement
The City of Saint John/Menaquesk is situated is the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik/Maliseet. I respectfully share that I live and practice as a guest on the unsurrendered and unceded Traditional lands of Wolastoqiyik/Maliseet peoples. I am committed to Piluwitahasuwawsuwakon (a Wolastoqey phrase that advocates for actions toward Truth and Reconciliation) as I engage and work with Indigenous peoples.
Copyright © 2023 Steven Butler, The Big Friendly Therapist (The BFT) - All Rights Reserved.
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