Trina Kushnerik, MSW, RSW

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is therapy with you best suited for?

A: I work with adults who are experiencing anxiety, burnout, trauma-related experiences, or patterns of self-criticism and pressure. Many of the people I work with are high-achieving and competent, yet feel stuck in difficult thought or emotional patterns.

Q: What is your general availability? Do you have evenings and weekends?

A: I have weekend and evening spots currently available. My current work hours are:
Mon, Tues, Weds, and Thurs 07h00 – 15h00 PST.
Sun and Wed evenings 20h00 – 23h00 PST.

My calendar may not show all available appointment times. If you don’t see a time that works for you, you’re welcome to reach out by email or phone and I will do my best to help find a time that fits. I welcome you to reach out even if you’re unsure whether scheduling will work with your availability.

Q: What happens during your 15-minute consult?

A: This consult is a time to get a sense of the therapy process, ask more questions about the methods we can use, and ask anything else you'd like to know to determine if we'd be a fit.

Our first consult is not a therapy session, so it's super low pressure. Think of it as a brief introduction and an opportunity to get to know each other.

If you already feel like we will be a good fit, you're welcome to schedule a full session instead.

Q: How do I know if I’m ready to start therapy?

A: You don’t need to feel completely ready. Many people begin therapy when something in their life feels heavy, confusing, or not quite how they want it to be. Maybe even the process of finding a therapist feels heavy and confusing. That's okay!

Q: Do you offer virtual sessions?

A: Yes. Currently are the session I offer are virtual therapy sessions through the Jane platform, a HIPAA compliant platform.

Q: Can I still see you if I don't live in BC?

A: I'm only licensed in the province of British Columbia, so I can only work with BC residents. Sorry!

Q: How much do sessions cost?

A: Please visit the Rates page for current session fees. I believe therapy is a meaningful investment in your well-being.

Q: Do I need to have severe symptoms to start therapy?

A: No. Many people begin therapy because they want support working through patterns that are affecting their quality of life. Things don't have to feel "wrong" or "bad enough" to start, sometimes you might just want things to feel a little lighter or a little more clarity.

Q: What if I feel like I’m not doing therapy “right”?

A: There is no right or wrong way to do therapy. Many people worry about whether they are sharing enough, thinking the right thoughts, or making progress quickly enough. Therapy is a space to learn and practice new ways of responding to your experience without needing to be perfect. We're here to sit in the process together.

Q: I emailed or called you, when will I hear back?

A: During the week, I typically respond within 24 hours. If you reach out on Friday evening or on a weekend or holiday, I’m usually offline and will reply the next business day.

Q:I'm looking for a diagnosis, can you provide that?

A: This is not part of my professional scope, I do not provide formal mental health diagnoses. My work focuses on understanding your symptoms, and helping you develop practical tools for moving forward. You don't need a diagnosis to start therapy.

If you are seeking a diagnosis, I’m happy to discuss appropriate referral options.

Q: Is there a difference between therapy and counselling?

A: The terms “therapy” and “counselling” are often used interchangeably. In my practice, both refer to a collaborative process focused on helping you better understand your patterns, build practical skills, and move toward meaningful change.

Still Have Questions?

If something here resonates with you but you’re still unsure about taking the next step, you’re welcome to schedule a brief, low-pressure consultation.
You don't have to figure it all out right in this moment. <br> Many people find it helpful to talk first before deciding whether therapy is right for them.