FAQ
How much will it cost?
Individual sessions are $200/50 minutes and $300/75 minutes. I offer convenient booking times including evenings and weekends.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy, meaning that I require at least 24-hours notice if you need to cancel/reschedule your appointment. Cancellations within the 24-hour window will be charged $50. No-show appointments, with no notice, are billed at the full rate. Extenuating circumstances will be considered.
Why would I want to talk to a counsellor?
There are many reasons you may want to see a counsellor. However, many individuals will seek out counselling services when they are seeking clarity, alternative perspectives, or collaborative problem-solving. A counsellor can support you in sharing your story and understanding what you need to positively move forward armed with strategies and tools to navigate your path.
How can I find a counsellor?
A quick google search will help you find a counsellor in your area. Often referrals come from family and friends, school referrals, workplace mental health supports, and healthcare providers.
What should I be looking for?
I have often compared finding the right therapist to finding a comfortable pair of shoes. They have to fit and make you comfortable or you will not go back to them. You may have to try a few before you find the right fit.
Each counsellor is as unique as the individuals they work with. Not every personality style and therapeutic approach will mesh with the client. That is ok! If you feel as though I am not a fit for you, I can support you in finding a provider that may suit your needs. If I feel that we are not meshing, I will have a conversation with you to see if we can navigate barriers or if a referral to another provider would be best. The most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship which is built on trust, safety, and collaboration and that can be difficult when a counsellor is not a good fit for you.
What happens in a therapy session?
Gone are the days of lying on a couch! Most often, you will be in a comfortable space (or online these days) and you will have a collaborative conversation with the counsellor. You will steer the ship. The counsellor is there to help you navigate the sometimes stormy waters. If we head to a place you do not want to go, we will change directions.
I like to maintain some structure, asking goals and setting an agenda with you. This is an important tool to guide our sessions. If we veer off our path, I may gently bring you back or ask if you want to go in a new direction. Counselling is not always comfortable and can bring up uncomfortable feelings. We will work together to navigate this.
How long will I be in therapy? Do I have to go forever?
As I mentioned above, you get to steer the ship on your journey. That also dictates determining the number of sessions we have together. Ideally, I will safely help you arrive at a space that you are ready to explore with the new tools and skills you have learned during our time together and you are able to navigate on your own.
Some individuals like to come to counselling every once in a while after they have completed regular sessions to refresh their skills or work through new difficulties. Sometimes they come preventatively.
How does confidentiality work?
What you say in therapy, stays in therapy. However, there are times when a therapist is legally obligated to break confidentiality. This happens if:
The therapist believes that you are in imminent danger of hurting yourself or someone else. A family member, police, or ambulance will be called to ensure safety.
There are indications in our conversations that give me a reason to believe a child under the age of 16 or a vulnerable adult is at risk of harm and/or neglect. In these cases, Family and Children’s Services or the police will be called.
Your files are subpoenaed by the court.
A client experiences a health emergency during a session, medical staff would be provided with only necessary information. No information about counselling and why the client is there will be shared.
If I see a client in the community, I will not say hello. I don’t want to put anyone in a situation where they have to explain how they know me. I will of course speak with you outside of counselling if you initiate a conversation. I will not, however, discuss any concerns that will be or have been previously discussed in our session. Counselling stays in the counselling session.
What do my benefits cover?
Various insurance providers have unique policies that outline what is and is not covered. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance carrier to determine if my services are covered. Currently, I am a registered social worker (BSW, RSW) and will soon have my Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation and Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) designation. I can direct bill a few companies and/or policies and will provide you with a receipt for our session that you can submit if direct billing is not an option. Many healthcare spending accounts will cover my services.
How do I pay?
I currently accept email transfer, Visa/Mastercard, and limited direct billing due at the beginning of our session.
Counselling can be scary. It takes courage to be vulnerable. You are taking the first step.