Virtuous Circle Counselling vs Emotions Therapy Calgary: Which Clinic Fits Your Mental Health Needs?
Rod Mitchell, MSc, MC, Registered Psychologist
Finding the Right Counselling Fit in Calgary
When you're ready to start therapy, choosing a counselling clinic in Calgary can feel overwhelming. Both Virtuous Circle Counselling and Emotions Therapy Calgary offer professional mental health services, but their approaches differ in significant ways.
This article examines what each clinic offers, who they serve best, and the practical details that matter when you're ready to start therapy. We'll look at team size, specializations, insurance billing, wait times, and treatment approaches.
For those still exploring Calgary counselling options, you may also find our companion articles helpful:
Virtuous Circle Counselling Alternatives: 9 Best Calgary Clinics Reviewed & Compared
Virtuous Circle Counselling Reviews: The Good, The Bad, and What to Expect
Table of Contents Hide
The Teams: Large Network vs Specialized Expertise
Larger teams offer choice. Smaller teams offer consistency. Understanding each clinic's team structure helps you decide what matters most for your therapy experience.
| Team Aspect | Virtuous Circle Counselling | Emotions Therapy Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Therapists | 30+ practitioners | 3 specialists |
| Team Selection | Various backgrounds and experience levels | Hand-picked by founder for emotion expertise |
| Specialization | Broad range (assessments, sports psychology, general counselling) | Emotions only (anger, anxiety, grief, trauma) |
| Training Focus | Varies by practitioner | All trained in trauma, somatic, and neuroscience approaches |
| If First Therapist Isn't a Fit | 29+ other options in-house | 2 other specialists available |
What This Means for You
At Virtuous Circle Counselling, you can likely find a therapist who matches your preferred style, schedule, and even budget (they offer intern sessions at reduced rates). If you're dealing specifically with overwhelming emotions - anger that damages relationships, anxiety that controls your life, or unresolved trauma - Emotions Therapy Calgary's focused expertise might serve you better.
Consider your priority: Do you want options and flexibility, or specialized expertise in emotional challenges?
Treatment Approach: Broad Services vs Deep Specialization
Both clinics use evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR. The difference lies in breadth versus depth.
| Service Area | Virtuous Circle Counselling | Emotions Therapy Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | General mental health and wellness | Emotional dysregulation specifically |
| Services Offered | Individual, couples, family therapy Child & adolescent counselling Sports & occupational therapy Psychological assessments |
Individual and couples counselling Focus: emotional challenges only |
| Assessment Services | Psychoeducational, ADHD, gifted assessments | Personalized emotional pattern assessment |
| Unique Methods | Walk & talk therapy, supervised practicum sessions | Somatic therapy, polyvagal theory, Flash Technique |
Who Each Approach Serves Best
Virtuous Circle Counselling works well when you need:
Formal psychological or learning assessments
Child or adolescent therapy
Sports psychology or occupational therapy
Budget-friendly options through practicum therapists
Emotions Therapy Calgary excels when you're experiencing:
Anger that damages relationships or career
Anxiety or panic that controls daily decisions
Trauma stored in your body (tension, numbness, hypervigilance)
Emotions so intense they override logical thinking
When Specialization Matters Most
Virtuous Circle Counselling's diverse team means you can find therapists with various backgrounds and approaches. This works well for general support or when you're not sure what you need.
Emotions Therapy Calgary's entire team trains specifically in emotional regulation and trauma. Every therapist understands how emotions hijack the nervous system and knows multiple ways to address it.
Specialization matters most when traditional therapy hasn't worked, when emotions feel uncontrollable, or when you want therapists who work with emotional challenges every single day. Both approaches can be effective—it depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Practical Details: Accessibility & Convenience
The logistics of therapy matter. Small differences in convenience can determine whether you stick with treatment or give up.
| Practical Aspect | Virtuous Circle Counselling | Emotions Therapy Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | 3 Calgary locations | 1 location |
| Parking | Varies by location | Free street parking |
| Wait Times | Varies by therapist | No waitlist |
| Session Fees | $235/session (sliding scale available) | $235/session (sliding scale available) |
| Insurance Billing | Submit receipts yourself | Direct billing available |
| Free Consultation | Yes | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes, plus phone counselling | Yes, video sessions |
Key Differences That Matter
Insurance billing creates the biggest practical difference. With Emotions Therapy Calgary's direct billing, you pay only your portion at each session. At Virtuous Circle Counselling, you pay the full $235 upfront and wait for reimbursement.
For weekly therapy, this means floating $940 per month while waiting for insurance processing. Both clinics charge the same base rate and offer sliding scales for those who need them.
Emotions Therapy Calgary has no waitlist - you can start immediately. Virtuous Circle Counselling's wait times vary by therapist, with popular practitioners often booked weeks ahead.
Client Experience & Clinic Culture
Each clinic has developed its own approach to client care. Understanding these differences helps you choose where you'll feel most comfortable.
| Experience Factor | Virtuous Circle Counselling | Emotions Therapy Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Practice Size | Large practice, 3000+ clients served since 2020 | Small practice, 3 psychologists |
| Recognition | 2022 People's Choice Award, #33 Canada's Top Growing Companies | Top-rated by Best in Calgary, Clever Canadian |
| Intake Process | Free consultation to match with therapist | Free consultation with personalized emotional assessment |
| Practice Model | Multi-location with expansion focus | Single location, founder-led |
What These Differences Mean
Virtuous Circle Counselling's larger scale means more scheduling flexibility and therapist options. Their business awards and rapid growth (1250% in three years) reflect strong community demand.
Emotions Therapy Calgary's smaller size allows for a different approach. With only three therapists, they maintain specific expertise in emotional regulation across the entire team.
Some clients prefer the resources and variety of a larger practice. Others value the consistency of working with a small, specialized team. Neither approach is inherently better - it depends on what feels right for you.
Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Consider
The right choice depends on your specific situation. Consider these key factors before deciding.
Critical Questions
What's your primary concern? Overwhelming emotions specifically, or broader mental health needs?
Can you float therapy costs while waiting for insurance reimbursement?
Do you need specialized services (child therapy, formal assessments, sports psychology)?
Has traditional therapy helped you before, or do you need a different approach?
Quick Decision Guide
| If This Describes You... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Need child/teen therapy or psychological assessments | Virtuous Circle Counselling |
| Emotions are disrupting your daily life | Emotions Therapy Calgary |
| Want walk & talk therapy or sports psychology | Virtuous Circle Counselling |
| Traditional therapy hasn't helped your anxiety/anger/trauma | Emotions Therapy Calgary |
| Budget is tight, need lowest possible fees | Virtuous Circle Counselling (practicum rates) |
| Want to start immediately with direct insurance billing | Emotions Therapy Calgary |
The Bottom Line
Both clinics employ registered professionals using evidence-based methods. Virtuous Circle Counselling offers breadth and variety. Emotions Therapy Calgary provides specialized expertise in emotional challenges.
The best choice is the one that matches your specific needs, timeline, and preferences. Either clinic can help—the key is starting somewhere.
Taking the Next Step
Both clinics employ registered professionals using evidence-based methods. Your choice depends on matching their strengths to your specific needs. Remember that starting therapy takes courage, regardless of which clinic you choose. Both offer sliding scale fees if cost is a concern.
The consultation calls that both clinics offer are free and without obligation. Use them to ask about wait times, confirm insurance coverage, and see if you feel comfortable with their approach.
The best therapy is the one you actually attend. Choose based on your needs, practical considerations, and where you feel you'll be understood.
