
Welcome to
Counselling at Hills Relationship Centre
At Hills Relationship Centre, we understand that entering therapy can feel both hopeful and uncertain. Whether you're seeking support as an individual, couple, parent, or family, our goal is to help you feel safe, supported, and confident as you begin your journey with us.
Counselling with us is a collaborative experience. It’s a space to explore what’s going on for you, understand what matters most, and work together to build a more connected, fulfilling life.
To help you feel more prepared, we’ve outlined what the counselling process looks like—and how it may vary depending on the type of support you're seeking. If you're unsure where to start, that’s completely okay. We're here to guide you.
When you first reach out to us, our client care team will guide you through a brief phone intake. This is a relaxed, supportive chat where you can share what’s been going on and what you're hoping to get from counselling. This helps us to thoughtfully match you with the counsellor who best suits your needs, goals, and preferences.
Already have someone in mind? That’s great—we can move straight into the booking process.
You’re welcome to book online using our booking system, or contact us directly and we’ll take care of it for you.
Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and intake form.
A space that's just for you.
Your first session is all about creating comfort, building trust, and getting to know each other. During this time, your counsellor will: • Explain what to expect from the counselling process • Learn more about what’s brought you in and what you're hoping to achieve • Collaboratively explore goals and direction for your sessions
You’ll have space to speak freely, feel heard without judgment, and begin building a strong therapeutic relationship. At the end of the session, we’ll assist you with payment and booking future appointments.
Couples counselling offers a supportive space to strengthen your relationship, improve communication, and navigate challenges together. Some couples choose to begin with individual sessions—this can help each partner share freely, reflect on their experiences, and feel more prepared for joint work. If that feels right for you, we welcome it.
Others prefer to start together—and that’s absolutely okay too. We’ll always tailor the process to support both of you.
In your first session as a couple, your therapist will: • Identify key areas of tension or concern • Help you set shared goals • Begin introducing practical tools to support you on your journey
Following this session, your therapist will provide recommendations and work with you to decide on session frequency and focus. Ongoing check-ins help ensure your sessions stay relevant, meaningful, and aligned with your goals.
Therapy designed for young people and their families.
Initial Sessions
For younger children, we typically begin with a parent/guardian-only session. This provides a space to share any concerns, background information, or parenting challenges, and helps us choose the most supportive approach moving forward.
For older children and teenagers, we’ll tailor the first session based on their comfort—it may include a parent/guardian or be one-on-one. Ongoing Sessions
Each child is unique, so their sessions may look a little different depending on their age, personality, and presenting concerns. Some children feel more secure with a parent in the room at first, while others prefer to attend alone.
Our counsellors create a calm, welcoming space, and use gentle, age-appropriate strategies such as talking, play, art, worksheets, or mindfulness to help children: – Express emotions safely – Build emotional regulation and coping skills – Navigate everyday challenges or changes in family life
Collaborative Support
After meeting with both you and your child, we’ll suggest a plan that best supports your child’s growth and wellbeing. This might involve a mix of individual child sessions, parenting support, or family therapy.
We’re also committed to working collaboratively—with your consent (and your teen’s, where appropriate), we can connect with key supports like school staff or health professionals to ensure care is consistent and holistic.
Supporting families through connection and change.
Family therapy can involve parents, children, siblings, or any combination of family members. Sessions are tailored to your unique situation—whether you're navigating conflict, parent-child bonds, blended family dynamics, parenting challenges, or significant life changes.
Your counsellor will help create a safe space for everyone involved to express themselves, understand one another’s perspectives, and work toward healthier patterns of communication and connection. We'll work collaboratively to decide who should be involved in each session and what approach will best support your family.
Important Information for Clients Involved in Legal Proceedings
If you’re currently involved in family law matters, including custody arrangements, parenting disputes, or court orders, please let us know during the intake process. We may also require a copy of any parenting or court orders.
This helps us ensure that we are providing the most appropriate therapeutic support and acting in alignment with any legal requirements or recommendations related to therapy. Our priority is your emotional wellbeing, and we’re here to help you access the right kind of support—whether that’s counselling, referrals, or further guidance as needed.
Therapy is a ongoing journey, and we’re committed to making sure your experience remains meaningful and supportive. Your counsellor will check in with you from time to time to reflect on your progress, revisit your goals, and ensure the support you're receiving is aligned with your needs.
As things shift or evolve, you’ll always have the opportunity to adjust your focus or approach. And if at any point you’d like to explore additional services, take a break, or change counsellors, our client care team is here to support you every step of the way.
