Common Questions
Q: How long is an appointment and how frequently will I see you?
Each appointment is typically 50 minutes, once a week. If you desire to come more often, or for a longer period of time, this can be arranged. It has been proven that clients who attend therapy at least once a week for the first month or so tend to reach their goals quicker than those who space out their sessions. This allows us to keep adding to your progress each week rather than leaving too much time between sessions for old habits to become prominent once again.
Q: I have an extended health plan or Employee Assistance Plan (EAP). Are you able to provide services under these plans?
I provide invoices that include my Registered Clinical Counsellor number. Each extended health plan dictates the qualifications of the person you may see, as well as the amount of coverage they provide. You will need to check to see if your plan accepts Registered Clinical Counsellors as your service provider.
Q: Do you do evening or weekend appointments?
Counselling hours are Monday to Thursday evenings. I typically do not book weekends.
Q: What are your fees?
Fees are $130.00 per 50 minute session. Because I hold the belief that everyone should feel able to receive the counselling services they need, a sliding scale is available for low-income families and university students.
Q: Do you provide email or phone counselling?
Counselling in person is the most preferred method for a variety of reasons, one being the ability to be truly present with one another face to face during difficult conversations. However, it is understandable that sometimes work schedules and geographical locations clash and seeing a counsellor in person is almost impossible. Therapy through phone, Skype, FaceTime, and/or email are available for these special circumstances.
Q: I have never been to see a counsellor before, can you tell me what to expect during my first visit?
We will spend the first session getting to know one another. I will explain how confidentiality works and you (parent for minors under 18) will sign an agreement form. I will likely want to learn about your past and present to get a better picture of who you are and where you come from. This will not only help break the ice, but also provide me with valuable information that will be crucial to the counselling process. You are free to ask me any questions regarding my qualifications, methods used, etc. It is very important you feel your counsellor is the right fit for you. If you decide at any point that we are not meshing as well as you'd like, I will be more than happy to refer you to someone who meets the temperament and skill set you are looking for.
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Q: What do you expect of me?
Starting the process of counselling with a therapist can elicit many feelings. I appreciate that you are reaching out and understand that you and/or your family may be in a very tough place right now. I do, however, expect a serious commitment from you in our work together. If you are approaching counselling with the mindset that you can barely set aside one hour a week to meet your therapist, it is unlikely we will get much accomplished. Lasting growth takes a lot of effort not only in the counselling room but even more so on a day to day basis. I encourage you to be open to hearing feedback, vocal with things you disagree with, and willing to learn new things. I also expect you to be open to being uncomfortable, because it is in these moments of discomfort that change can happen and we will have the best chance of meeting your goals!