common questions

Reaching out to a counsellor is a major step in your healing journey. I encourage you to take a look around to see if I may be a good fit for you and your needs. Below are some commonly asked questions to support.

  • The first session is really about getting to know each other and seeing if this is the right fit on both sides. I’ll probably want to know a bit about your overall story, goals you have for yourself and what prompted you to come to counselling - if you don’t quite know yet, that’s also ok.

  • Absolutely - within a few legal limits. Confidentiality is the most important aspect of counselling, as it creates safety for you to share your story. The counselling relationship is so unique in that you are able to share things you may have never shared with anyone before to someone completely unbiased in your life. You can be sure that what is said in our sessions, stays in our sessions.

    That being said, there are a few situations when a counsellor is legally bound to break confidentiality:

    (1) if a child is or may be at risk of abuse or neglect

    (2) if you have imminent intent to harm yourself or someone else

    (3) if my clinical records are subpoenaed by a court order.

    If you have questions about these limits to confidentiality, please let me know.

  • Registered Counsellors are recognized by most major insurance providers. However, whether counsellors are actually covered for you depends on the insurance plan your employer has purchased from the insurance provider.

    The best way to confirm your coverage is to log into your provider portal, and check what’s covered under your counselling or mental health benefits.

  • Coaching is a goal-oriented and future-focused practice that helps individuals achieve specific personal or professional objectives. Coaches work collaboratively with their clients to identify their strengths, set realistic goals, and develop actionable plans to reach those goals. Coaching sessions often involve providing support, guidance, and accountability to help clients stay on track and make progress. Unlike counselling and psychotherapy, coaching does not delve deep into a person’s past or emotional issues. Instead, it focuses on empowering individuals to maximize their potential and achieve their desired outcomes.

    Counselling is a therapeutic approach that focuses on resolving personal and emotional difficulties. Counsellors are trained professionals who provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to discuss their concerns, explore their feelings, and gain insights into their problems. Counselling sessions often involve active listening, empathy, and the use of specific therapeutic techniques to help clients gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, and make positive changes in their lives. Counselling typically addresses specific issues or challenges, such as relationship problems, grief, stress, or addiction.

  • I take a person entered approach to therapy, which is focused on a client-centred theory. That being said, I will integrate techniques from the following theories and modalities: Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Parts Work & Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, and Feminist Therapy.

  • Most folks come in once per week or once every two weeks, others have a regular monthly appointment, and still others who may have fluctuating schedules choose to book online around their schedules. We recommend regular appointments and consistency, especially at first, however, we understand and respect that this may not be realistic for everyone.

    How long depends on you and your intention for therapy. If you are looking for short term therapy you can expect approximately 6-12 sessions that focus on practical solutions. With longer term therapy (12 sessions +) you can expect to work at a deeper and more nuanced level to address longstanding patterns and work towards a more whole and fulfilling life.

    Ultimately, it is up to you. You do not need to know now, you are always welcome to change the frequency of your sessions, should our schedules be able to accommodate, or discontinue therapy at any time.

  • Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in our therapists’ day that could have been filled by another client.

    We require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged for the full session.

more questions? let’s chat.