A Therapist Speaks About Mental Health After Pandemic Reopening

By Ray Hsu

I recently had a chance to chat with Duncan Kleist, a Registered Clinicial Counsellor based in Vancouver, who is now focused on building his practice. He’s a practitioner, but it’s also clear that he’s a teacher in the grandest sense of the word.

We discussed where to find mental health resources for LGBTQI2S+ folks and what to expect from a post-pandemic--or at least post-reopening--world.

So what are you looking forward to in the wake of this reopening?

I am most looking forward to spending time with my friends regularly.

What aren't you looking forward to? Or--let me put it this way--what do you feel anxious about, if anything, in the wake of this reopening?

I am concerned that the reopening plan may cause new and virulent variants to emerge and spread.

What are your feelings about the neighbourhoods around us reopening?

Dr. Henry has provided us with evidence-based guidance on how our communities can safely reopen. Moreover, the BC Government's reopening plan, Restart BC, is balanced and measured. However, people may still feel anxious, uncertain, or cautious about the reopening strategy. These feelings may come from not trusting that people or businesses will adhere to the plan's protocols, or that the Delta variant may exploit expanded socialization across the province. Whatever the case may be, these are unprecedented times, and not everyone is comfortable or ready to get back to "normal".

What would you say are your favourite resources for LGBTQI2S+ folks in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and across BC?

My favourite resource for LGBT+ people in Vancouver and elsewhere in the province is Health Initiative for Men (HIM). They provide health services, including counselling, for queer men in the Lower Mainland. AIDS Vancouver has great resources too.

If someone wanted to feel better, where should they start?

If customized and traditional methods of feeling better have failed, counselling can help. While counsellors don't provide advice, we do provide guidance, insights, and an overall safe and supportive space for you to explore your concerns and come to resolutions that are right for you.

So tell me: why did you get into counselling?

I always wanted to be in a helping profession. After many starts and stops in different roles and at different agencies, I decided to go on hiatus to reflect on my next career move. I also knew that I would enjoy pursuing a graduate degree program. During my year off, I decided to marry the two interests and become a counsellor.

I primarily deliver CBT, but I also use gestalt, mindfulness, and sandtray therapies. My modalities are all within humanistic and biopsychosocial frameworks.

If I were looking for a counsellor, what should I look for?

Finding a counsellor that is right for you is akin to dating. You may need to do some exploring first before finding one that is a good fit. Getting a sense of safety and comfort when speaking to a potential counsellor is most important. If you feel that they cannot hold, assist in processing, or provide space for your concerns then they may not be right for you. Also, look for a counsellor who has experience or training in the area of your concern. Lastly, look for a counsellor who is an RCC or CCC. Those designations are industry-leading, highly recognized, and set a high standard for counselling professionals to meet.

How would I even know if I have benefits for counselling?

Contact your employer, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), or private medical insurance provider to determine if your benefits covers counselling or psychotherapy.

If you had a magic wand, what would you change about the mental health care system?

I would amend the MSP (Medical Services Plan) to cover the cost of psychotherapy.

And big picture: what’s something you wish more people knew?

We live in a society where instant gratification is paramount. Yet complex and long-standing issues can't be solved overnight. Healing and movement through problems, especially trauma, takes time, patience, and giving yourself grace.

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Ray Hsu (they/him) is co-founder of Phare (https://wearephare.com), which provides pay what feels fair and pay it forward counselling to increase access to mental health support. (photo credit: Joey Armstrong)

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Duncan Kleist is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and provides services for individual adults and couples who need psychosocial support. He works within an integrative and humanistic model to provide care for meaningful and lasting healing.