BITS - Bedford Integrative Therapeutic Services Ltd.

Consider Counselling therapy?
(But… not sure a Practicum therapist is right for you)

I get it.

You finally decided counselling might be helpful… You feel kind of vulnerable — opening up to a stranger… you need someone you can relate to.

And of course you want someone that is really good! You think: a counsellor must be super experienced to be really good.

Well….

Here’s a quote from a Stockholm university research study about that:

“We conclude that clinically inexperienced student therapists who receive supervision from experienced supervisors can achieve treatment effects that are on a par with those of experienced licensed psychotherapists.” 1

This is why Nancy & I have agreed to supervise practicum counsellors… We know they can be really good, with a bit of our help.

We carefully screen to ensure a fit with our values before we invite them to be a part of our team for:

relevant life experience,

openness to learning & collaboration

a sense of humor,

deeply empathic,

and an essence of kindness & safety for our clients.

What about their training? Aren’t they “baby counsellors” without much skill?

That really depends on the practicum therapist. This is part of our screening. We invite therapists that demonstrate eagerness to dig deep to learn & apply skills effectively.

By the time practicum students come to our clinic, they completed all theoretical training of a Masters degree & some practical skills. They just need practice hours, observed by an experienced clinical supervisor (Nancy & Tanya) before they can get their registration.

What’s the difference then, with your more senior therapists?

Our RCC/RSW’s have advanced post-degree trainings to specialize in trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, neurodiversity, or techniques like EMDR, OEI, & Lifespan integration. Nancy & Kay have specialized trainings in complex child & youth conditions.

Practicum therapists are trained in effective talk therapies like CBT, ACT, trauma-stabilization or anxiety management strategies. Very helpful for many of the reasons you may seek counselling.

What does supervision mean?

We meet with our practicum therapists at least 1-2 hrs a week to consult & review video recordings. Sometimes your student therapist will ask to record your session: with the camera aimed at the therapist, only. It is your choice. It does allow the clinical supervisor to provide more direct feedback to the therapist about their skills and give insight into your clinical situation. You get 2 sets of brains considering how to best help you!

What about the cost? Are practicum therapists covered by extended health?

While you could ask your extended health plan if they cover a practicum therapist, most will not unless the clinical supervisor is in the room while you have your session. (we have limited availability for that)

We know you will not likely get reimbursed for practicum counselling sessions, so we keep their fees very low. Fees are $60/hr (instead of$155/hr for an RCC/RSW). That makes it more affordable. Low - Cost Counselling !

Consider how much your extended health plan will actually cover RCC/RSW sessions. Often, plans have a limited $ amount available for counselling (e.g. $500). That will only cover 3-4 of your sessions & then you’ve built a relationship with a counsellor that costs more than double that of a practicum therapist.

Okay, if you need the specialized skill, but for anxiety, depression, grief, burnout & life changes/challenges, Practicum Counsellors are a big bang for your buck!

We have a new practicum student counsellor, Brittany, joining our team in September!

Brittany is available as of September 8th for children ages 10+, youth & adults.

She offers support for depression & anxiety, stress, overwhelm & burnout, self-worth & confidence, relationship challenges, trauma & difficult life experiences, building healthy coping strategies.

She has experience supporting Indigenous adolescents and individuals facing complex life challenges.

Book online under Low-Cost Counselling. Or call us to be put on the waitlist.

Questions? feel free to reach out to me and ask - I’ll try my best to answer.

Taking the first step can create meaningful change.

Warmly,

Tanya Bedford, RCC, ACS

✨Celebrating 10 Years of Care, Connection, and Community!✨

This year, we are honoured to celebrate 10 years of supporting individuals, couples, families, and our community on their journeys toward healing, growth, and resilience.

Over the past decade, we have had the privilege of walking alongside so many incredible people through life's challenges and milestones. We are deeply grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us, the dedication of our amazing team, and the support of our community.

Every story shared, every step forward, and every moment of courage has been a reminder of why this work matters.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead with excitement and commitment to continuing to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care for many years to come.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to the next chapter! 💙

- The BiTS Team

Celebrations include Candy/Chocolate every day!

We will hold a weekly prize draw on Friday of every week (first draw July 10th) .

If you attend an in-person or virtual session, you get an automatic entry.

You also get an entry when you write a note sharing your positive experience of BiTS, one of our therapists, admin or just our lovely space 😊 .

Pop-in to share on our celebration wall. We would love to see you.

"Chronic" is not a life sentence! You don't just 'have to live with it'.

At Bedford Integrative, we do not believe that a chronic diagnosis is the end of the story. We also believe that addressing chronic pain and other complex conditions is so much more than simply finding coping mechanisms that work for you.

Are you ready to embrace a new paradigm of hope?

Join Krystal on the journey! This August we will be exploring what it means to rewrite the protective patterns that our body has developed as a form of compensation or adaptation. Together, we are going to rewire our nervous system, one small step at a time.

Series Dates:

Wednesday Aug 12, 19, 26 & Sept 2nd from 6pm-7pm

Or

Saturday, Aug 15, 22, 29 & Sept 5th from 10am -11am

$160 for all four sessions. That's only $40 per class!

We hope to see you there ❤

Call us at 250-564-3034 or Email us at [email protected]

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, and mother figures in our community! 🌷💖

Today we celebrate the love, strength, compassion, and dedication you bring to the lives of those around you every single day. Thank you for all that you do — often behind the scenes and without recognition.

From all of us at BITS - Bedford Integrative Therapeutic Services Ltd. We wish you a day filled with love, appreciation, laughter, and well-deserved self-care.

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐

We are pleased to share that Myron Bedford, Osteopathic Practitioner, along with Lea, our Office Coordinator, will be attending the Young at Heart Expo tomorrow, April 17/2026.

We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team, learn more about Osteopathy, and explore the range of services offered by us.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Quiet soundproofed & furnished counselling spaces for rent. Come develop your counselling practice surrounded by friendly & experienced colleagues (see www.bitsbc.com). Month-to-month rental & hourly rentals available upon request.
Relaxed waiting area w/ music, tea & water
Utilities, internet & weekly office cleaning included
Common kitchen area for therapists & staff
Free easy & safe parking for clients & therapists
Ground floor entry & accessible bathroom

Window Office:

$150/mo for 1/2day /week
$275/mo for 1 day /week
$475/mo for 2 days /week
$650/mo for 3 days/week
$1000/mo fulltime

Inside office:

$125/mo for 1/2day /week
$250 for 1 day/ week
$450 for 2 days
$600 for 3 days
$800/mo fulltime

We look forward to working alongside you!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1429752988415634?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A1fc03d12-186a-4405-b154-abb762dc19ff

We are pleased to share that Myron Bedford, Osteopathic Practitioner, along with Lea, our Office Coordinator, will be attending the Young at Heart Expo.

We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team, learn more about Osteopathy, and explore the range of services offered by BITS - Bedford Integrative Therapeutic Services Ltd.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Hi, It's Lea the Office Coordinator here at BITS - Bedford Integrative Therapeutic Services Ltd.

I just wanted to HOP on here and wish everyone a peaceful and joyful Easter, filled with love, calm, and little moments of happiness. May this weekend bring a gentle pause and a touch of spring’s promise to all of you.

From all of us at BiTS, have a safe and peaceful long weekend!

Come as you are, wherever you are!

We are excited to announce that we have immediate space for virtual counselling! If you are home-bound or work-bound and are hoping to still access the supports that you need, then we are ready to help!

Contact the office today to secure space in Leanne's schedule.

Note that there is limited space available. Space will be given on a first come, first served basis.