Emotional Regulation
Learn practical strategies to manage stress responses, reduce emotional overwhelm, and develop healthier coping patterns.
07Psychotherapy & Counselling
Clinical CounsellingNavigate life’s challenges, manage stress, and strengthen your emotional well-being.
Clinical counselling can support concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationships, and life changes. Sessions are available in North Vancouver.
Pricing
From $150
Duration
60 or 90 Minutes
Location
North Vancouver
May Qualify for Extended BenefitsOfficial Provider Receipts for Insurance Claims
Session Duration
60 or 90 Minutes
Standard (60 min) or extended (90 min) sessions
Session Frequency
Tailored to Your Needs
Frequency tailored to your goals and pace
Counselling Environment
Private & Supportive
A confidential and welcoming space
Therapeutic Approach
Collaborative & Personalized
Guided by your goals and preferences
Psychotherapy Rooted in Professional Care & Genuine Empathy
Mental health support should be grounded in established standards, compassionate listening, and clinical experience.
01
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
BCACC Professional Standards
Hamid Afshar is listed as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC and follows its professional standards and code of ethics.
02
Over 20 Years of Clinical Experience
Psychotherapy & Counselling
Experience across psychotherapy and counselling informs compassionate, individualized support.
03
Mind-Body Awareness
Emotional & Physical Connections
Care considers how emotional well-being, stress, and physical health can affect one another.
04
Extended Health Benefit Eligibility
Insurance Coverage & Receipts
RCC counselling may qualify for reimbursement under some extended health plans. Coverage varies, and receipts are provided for eligible claims.
Therapeutic Approach
What is clinical counselling at Parsa Wellness?
Meet Hamid Afshar, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist, and explore how counselling can support emotional well-being. Sessions offer a collaborative space to understand your experiences, build coping skills, and work toward goals that matter to you.
Cognitive & Emotional Awareness
Identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop more balanced ways of responding to difficult situations.
Mind-Body Connection
Explore how stress and emotional experiences may influence physical tension, discomfort, and overall well-being.
Resilience & Personal Growth
Build emotional flexibility, strengthen coping skills, and make meaningful changes aligned with your personal values.
Session Fees & Coverage
Clinical Counselling Fees & Extended Health Benefits
Personalized mental health support with transparent session fees. Choose between standard and extended counselling sessions based on your individual needs.
Standard Session60 Minutes
Standard Clinical Counselling
$150CAD / session
A 60-minute individual counselling session with Hamid Afshar, RCC, for ongoing support and work toward your counselling goals.
Confidential individual session at our North Vancouver clinic
Therapeutic approaches selected to fit your needs
Professional receipts provided for eligible extended health insurance claims
Extended Session90 Minutes
Extended Clinical Counselling
$180CAD / session
A 90-minute individual counselling session offering additional time to explore complex concerns, process emotional experiences, and engage in therapeutic discussion at a comfortable pace.
Ideal for comprehensive intake or complex emotional concerns
Allows unhurried pacing for therapeutic exercises and integration
Professional receipts provided for eligible extended health insurance claims
Extended Health Insurance: RCC counselling may qualify for reimbursement under some plans. Coverage varies by insurer and policy; professional receipts are provided for eligible claims.
Check with your insurer to confirm your plan’s coverage and limits before your first appointment.
What we can work on together
Anxiety & Stress
Support for worry, panic, and feeling overwhelmed.
Chronic Pain
Explore pain’s emotional effects and build coping skills.
Trauma
A supportive space to work through difficult experiences.
Depression & Burnout
Support for low mood, fatigue, and loss of motivation.
Relationships
Work through communication difficulties and boundaries.
Life Changes & Grief
Support through transitions, career changes, and loss.
The Mind-Body Connection
Pain, emotions, and the whole person
Pain is a real experience that can be influenced by emotional, psychological, social, and cultural factors. In this video, Hamid Afshar discusses psychosomatic pain and why understanding the whole person matters when supporting someone living with persistent pain.
Pain and emotions
Explore how pain and emotional well-being can influence one another, including their effects on mood and sleep.
Stress and physical tension
Consider how stress responses may contribute to tension and discomfort, and explore ways to cope.
Your personal context
Your relationships, social environment, and cultural experiences are part of understanding your needs.
Support alongside medical care
Counselling can complement medical assessment and treatment. Extended health coverage depends on your individual insurance plan.
Approaches and methods in counselling
Your counsellor may draw on different approaches and methods depending on your needs and goals.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A structured approach for noticing thought and behaviour patterns and exploring more helpful responses.
Common areas of application
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Stress
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Supports psychological flexibility and action guided by personal values, while making room for difficult thoughts and feelings.
Common areas of application
- Life changes
- Stress
- Chronic health concerns
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Mindfulness practices can be incorporated into counselling to support present-moment awareness and coping.
Common areas of application
- Stress
- Emotional awareness
- Coping skills
Interpersonal Therapy
Focuses on communication and relationship patterns that can affect emotional well-being.
Common areas of application
- Relationships
- Communication
- Life changes
Narrative Therapy
Invites people to examine the stories they hold about their lives and consider perspectives that better reflect their values and experiences.
Common areas of application
- Life changes
- Identity
- Personal goals
Grief Counselling
Provides space to process loss and adjust to the changes that can follow bereavement.
Common areas of application
- Bereavement
- Loss
- Life transitions
Understanding Your Experience
Exploring the emotional contributors to pain
Hamid Afshar explains how a psychosomatic approach explores the relationship between emotional experiences and persistent pain. Hear how trauma, unresolved grief, and individual circumstances may inform a personalized combination of therapeutic approaches.
Explore your story
Discuss your experiences, concerns, and the impact of pain on your everyday life at a pace that feels manageable.
Recognize patterns
Explore connections between stressful experiences, emotions, and changes in how you experience pain.
Make space for difficult emotions
Counselling provides space to work through grief or trauma when relevant to your needs and readiness.
Build a personal approach
Therapeutic methods and coping strategies are chosen collaboratively. Pain can have multiple contributors and still requires appropriate medical care.
Mental Health Care Roles
Clinical Counselling vs. Psychology vs. Psychiatry
Understanding the distinct qualifications, services, and approaches across mental health professions to help you choose the right care for your needs.
| Feature / Role | Clinical Counselling (RCC) | Psychology (R.Psych) | Psychiatry (MD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Designation | Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) | Registered Psychologist (R.Psych) | Psychiatrist (Medical Doctor, MD) |
| Educational Background | Graduate education and training required for BCACC registration | Graduate education and supervised practice required for BC licensure | Medical degree and specialty training in psychiatry |
| Primary Focus & Services | Counselling and psychotherapy, depending on the practitioner’s training | Psychological services, which may include assessment, diagnosis, and therapy | Medical assessment and treatment; psychotherapy may also be offered |
| Psychotherapy | Provided by RCCs; approaches depend on training and client needs | May be provided, depending on the practitioner’s training and practice | May be provided, depending on the psychiatrist’s training and practice |
| Typical Appointment Length | Standard 60 minutes or extended 90 minutes | Varies by practitioner, service, and clinical needs | Varies by practitioner, service, and clinical needs |
| Insurance & Coverage | May qualify for extended health reimbursement; check your plan | May be covered, depending on your policy and benefit limits | Coverage depends on MSP eligibility, the service, and the care pathway |
Professional scope and available services vary by practitioner, training, and individual care needs.
The Therapeutic Process
What to Expect on Your Counselling Journey
A collaborative, flexible process designed around your individual circumstances and therapeutic pace.
01
Your First Counselling Session
Understanding Your NeedsWe begin in a warm, confidential setting. Hamid Afshar listens to your personal history, primary concerns, and goals to understand your unique situation.
02
Personalized Therapeutic Planning
Collaborative DirectionTogether, we outline focus areas and select therapeutic frameworks—such as CBT, ACT, or mindfulness techniques—tailored to your comfort and objectives.
03
Ongoing Counselling & Skill Building
Active Exploration & GrowthStructured individual sessions where you explore emotional patterns, develop practical coping tools, and address specific challenges at a comfortable pace.
04
Progress Review & Continued Support
Flexible MilestonesWe periodically evaluate your progress, refine goals, and adjust session frequency. Continued care or maintenance check-ins are tailored to your preferences.
Flexible Care & Pacing
Request an AppointmentEvery therapeutic journey is unique.
Session frequency and the overall course of therapy depend on your individual preferences, presenting concerns, and goals. You and your counsellor will regularly review progress together.
Session Guidelines & Self-Care
Before & after your counselling session
A few simple ideas for before and after your visit.
Part 01
Before Your VisitPreparing for Your Session
01
Think about what you’d like to discuss
No preparation is required. You may want to consider what feels most important to bring up.
02
Check your benefits
Ask your insurer whether your plan covers RCC counselling and what limits apply.
03
Go at your own pace
You choose what to share and can take time as you need.
Part 02
Reflection & CareAfter Your Session
01
Give yourself time
You may feel reflective or tired after a session. Take a quiet moment if you need one.
02
Choose a calming activity
Rest, take a walk, or try a grounding activity if it feels helpful.
03
Note anything to revisit
Write down questions or thoughts you’d like to bring to your next session.
Experienced Clinical Care
Meet Your Clinical Counsellor
Meet our lead counsellor providing personalized, evidence-informed care at Parsa Wellness Clinic in North Vancouver.
Dr. Hamid Afshar
RCC, PhD · Psychotherapist
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist
North Vancouver
With 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, psychiatry, and psychosomatic medicine, Dr. Hamid Afshar supports patients in overcoming the psychological challenges of chronic pain. His evidence-based and compassionate approach makes him a trusted guide for emotional wellness. Within the Turn Pain Into Power program, Dr. Afshar uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other techniques to help patients manage stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. His work fosters resilience and plays a vital role in the program’s integrative model of care.
Common Inquiries
Frequently asked questions about clinical counselling
Clear information about session fees, extended health coverage, therapeutic approaches, and what to expect during your visits.
Yes. Clinical counselling sessions are confidential and conducted in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and professional ethical standards. There are limited exceptions to confidentiality, including circumstances involving serious safety concerns or legal disclosure requirements. Your counsellor will explain confidentiality, its limitations, and informed consent during your initial appointment.
No. You can generally book an appointment with a Registered Clinical Counsellor directly without a physician referral. However, some extended health insurance plans may have specific reimbursement requirements, so checking with your insurer before booking is recommended.
RCCs provide counselling and psychotherapy. Psychologists may provide assessment, diagnosis, and therapy, depending on their practice. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who provide mental health assessment and may offer medication management and psychotherapy. Services vary by practitioner and care needs.
Clinical counselling provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) may qualify for reimbursement under participating extended health insurance plans. Coverage varies by provider and policy. Professional receipts containing the counsellor’s credentials are provided for eligible extended health insurance claims. We recommend verifying your specific plan benefits prior to your first appointment.
Standard sessions are 60 minutes for $150. Extended sessions are 90 minutes for $180.
Chronic pain can affect mood, sleep, stress, and daily life. Counselling can help you develop coping strategies and address pain-related stress alongside medical care. It does not replace medical assessment or treatment.
The number of sessions depends on your circumstances and goals. You and your counsellor can review your progress together and adjust the plan over time.
Your first appointment focuses on establishing comfort and understanding what brings you to counselling. You are invited to share as much or as little as you feel ready to discuss. Hamid Afshar will explore your goals, answer questions about the therapeutic process, and begin outlining a supportive plan tailored to you.
Explore Related Services
Explore other services in Pain Management & Integrative Health. A provider can help you understand which options may be appropriate for your concerns and goals.
Chronic Pain Management
Access physician-directed chronic pain management with individualized assessment and targeted interventions. Treatment options may include nerve blocks, trigger point injections, joint injections, and medication assessment to help manage persistent musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain.
Explore service
Therapeutic Neuromodulator Treatment
Physician-led therapeutic botulinum toxin care for selected chronic migraine, jaw-muscle, and underarm sweating concerns. Treatment protocols and suitability depend on the condition and product.
Explore service
Turn Pain Into Power Program
Take a multidisciplinary approach to persistent pain through structured rehabilitation and personalized care. This program integrates medical oversight, physical therapies, and psychological support to improve pain management, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.
Explore service
Acupuncture
Support pain management and overall well-being with registered acupuncture treatments. Using precisely placed sterile needles, traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture may help manage musculoskeletal discomfort, tension headaches, stress-related symptoms, and selected chronic pain conditions.
Explore service
Chiropractic Care
Improve musculoskeletal function and manage discomfort with personalized chiropractic care. Treatments may include spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative techniques addressing back pain, neck stiffness, TMJ dysfunction, and movement-related concerns.
Explore service
Manual Osteopathy
Improve mobility and manage musculoskeletal discomfort through gentle manual osteopathic techniques. Treatment may include joint mobilization, myofascial release, and soft tissue approaches addressing postural imbalances, muscle tension, restricted movement, and persistent physical discomfort.
Explore service
Naturopathic Medicine
Explore individualized health management through naturopathic medicine. Our naturopathic doctor combines clinical assessment, laboratory investigations, nutrition, and evidence-informed treatment strategies to address cardiometabolic health, digestive concerns, hormonal symptoms, and other individualized wellness needs.
Explore service
MoCA Cognitive Screening
Assess memory, attention, language, and executive functioning with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. This standardized cognitive screening helps identify potential changes in cognitive performance and determine whether further medical evaluation or additional assessment may be appropriate.
Explore service
Confidential Support · Emotional Well-Being
Ready to talk through what’s going on?
Choose a 60-minute session for $150 or a 90-minute session for $180. Check your extended health plan for possible reimbursement.
RCC Sessions May Qualify for ReimbursementNorth Vancouver ClinicBCACC Professional Standards