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Looking Glass Counselling | Bridge The Gap™

Access for All

Looking Glass Counselling | Bridge the Gap™ provides affordable one-to-one support to individuals in British Columbia who are affected by eating disorders. It also offers a meaningful learning experience for students in the field of counselling.

Therapeutic support is provided by dedicated practicum students from accredited B.C. universities, who are involved in full-time studies in a relevant discipline at a master’s or higher level. Students are overseen by a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is accredited to supervise.

Program Impact

‘Bridges the gap’ in accessible eating disorder counselling in the province
Gives people a safe place to process their challenges and gain a sense of hope that recovery is possible; and,
Equips new therapists with the specialized skills and experience to meet the needs of individuals affected by disordered eating
This program is offered at $35 / hour. A small number of partial bursaries may be available.

Who Can Apply

Potential clients must be recovery-focused, aged 19 or older, and willing to work closely with a therapist to help them meet their goals. Must be B.C. residents.

How It Works

The program begins with an initial brief conversation with an eating disorder therapist who will consider whether the program will be a fit. The goal is to ensure clients are in an environment where they are heard, supported, and able to explore difficult topics and pursue personal growth. Accepted clients will be asked to commit to counselling sessions every week or two weeks, over a maximum ten-month time frame. Sessions are offered in-person or virtually through Zoom, based on the client’s preference and/or geographical location.

How to Apply

To determine if we can support you through this program, please complete our Client Interest Form. Please note that counselling spots are very limited. Check out our other programs for additional support.

Please note there is an active waitlist for this program. We encourage you to apply here and we will be in touch as soon as we have a spot for you.

Practicum Student Info

Students must be enrolled in a Master of Arts or Master of Education degree in counselling at a recognized B.C. university and must be deemed eligible by their university to participate in a practicum placement. Students will commit to a 10-month practicum, and an option to extend may be considered. Prior to entering the program, students must demonstrate completion of counselling theory and counselling skills training courses and must submit all required information in order to be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who will be eligible for our counselling program?

Counselling will initially be available for B.C. residents aged 19 years or older.

Do clients need to have been diagnosed with an eating disorder?

No. Clients may have a clinical diagnosis or may be self-diagnosed. No referral is
required.

Do you support all types of eating disorders? 

We support individuals struggling with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder and OSFED.

Can I access the counselling if I am in a hospital or residential treatment program? 

No, however, you may be eligible if you are on a hospital or residential program waitlist or have been discharged from such a program.

How frequently can I access support? 

We ask that you be able to attend counselling sessions every week or once every two weeks for a maximum of ten months.

What is the cost per session?

Sessions are offered at $35.

Do you offer bursaries if payment is a barrier?

In certain circumstances. This will be discussed during the initial consultation with an eating disorder therapist.

What happens if I am also dealing with substance misuse, depression, or other significant issues? 

This is not necessarily a barrier to support, and we know that many people who struggle with an eating disorder face additional challenges. You must be considered physically and psychologically stable, with a capacity to commit to therapeutic work on your eating disorder.

What can I expect from a counselling session?

Your therapist is there to help you explore the issues that feel most pressing in your life. You will set goals and work through the thoughts, emotions and behaviours that you feel affect you the most. While there will be a strong focus on an individual’s eating disorder, your therapist will also focus on getting to know you as a whole person.

As a practicum student, why do I have to commit to ten months?

We will strive to run the program year-round in order to best meet the needs of clients and students.
Ten-month practicums will enable overlap and sufficient transition times.

Why is this counselling program restricted to B.C. clients and students?

At present, most of our funding comes from B.C. donors. In addition, Looking Glass Foundation’s Vision and Mission currently focuses on British Columbia. We are aware of the demand for affordable counselling and want to manage our scope to avoid being one more eating disorder program with a very long waitlist. If you live outside B.C. and are seeking therapeutic support, please visit the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)’s Find a Provider tool.

I’m interested in providing financial support. Who should I talk with? 

Thank you for asking! Please contact sarahclark@lookingglassbc.com

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to answer your questions or direct you to a program that might better suit your needs.

Building Bridges Together

We are seeking two to three-year funding commitments, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 annually, to embed this important counselling program in our core offering. If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to us to learn more.

Email Us: bridgethegap@lookingglassbc.com
Call Us: 604-314-0548

Recovery is possible—we see it every day. Many of our volunteers and staff have been impacted by an eating disorder, either directly or in supporting a loved one.

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