30 minute Phone or Online Consultation: FREE Online Counselling/EMDR: 50-minute session: $160 80-minute session: $240 In-Person Counselling/EMDR: 50-minute session: $175 80-minute session: $260

As a therapist, I partner directly with the Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP) and Métis Counselling Connection Program (MCCP) and bill them directly for services for their programs. For other insurance providers, I provide clients with a receipt to submit to their insurance provider. It's important for clients to check with their insurance to verify their eligibility and the reimbursement amount. I recommend clients ask their insurance company these questions: Does my insurance plan include mental health benefits? Does my insurance plan cover sessions to see a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)? Does my plan limit how many sessions I have per year? If yes, what is the limit? Do I need written approval from my doctor in order for therapy to be covered by my benefits? It's important to understand your insurance coverage before starting therapy to avoid any unexpected costs. If you have any questions about insurance or billing, feel free to reach out to me for clarification.

Counselling therapy can be incredibly helpful in improving one's mental health and wellbeing. As a therapist, I have witnessed many people benefit from therapy and make positive changes in their lives. It's important to note that therapy is not a quick fix, and progress may take time and effort. However, the benefits of therapy can be significant and long-lasting. One of the unique aspects of therapy is having a trained professional who can listen to you without judgement, and without feeling the need to immediately "fix" or "make better" your feelings. This can be very different from the support you may receive from friends or family, who may unintentionally minimize your feelings or try to "cheer you up." In therapy, we work to help you sit with your difficult emotions in a safe and supportive environment, allowing you to process and move through them. True healing doesn't come from ignoring or denying our struggles, but from accepting them and learning how to cope with them in a healthy way. A good therapist can help guide you through this process and provide you with the tools and skills you need to move forward in a positive direction.

Finding the right therapist is essential for a successful therapy experience. One of the most important factors is the connection you have with your therapist. If you don't feel a rapport within the first couple of sessions, it's okay to look for another therapist. To help you assess whether a therapist is right for you, consider asking yourself the following questions: Do I feel comfortable opening up to this therapist? Does the therapist seem present and engaged during our sessions? Can the therapist help me make sense of my experiences and emotions? Am I able to discuss difficult or embarrassing topics without feeling judged or condemned? Does the therapist want to work collaboratively with me to achieve my therapy goals? Does the therapist have experience treating the specific symptoms or issues I'm struggling with? Take the time to find a therapist who you feel comfortable working with and who has the expertise to help you achieve your therapy goals. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right therapist is the first step towards a successful journey towards healing and growth.

During the first session, it's common to feel like you're unloading a lot of information on your therapist. It can be overwhelming to share your story, and some clients apologize or worry that they've shared too much. The first session usually lasts around 50 minutes, and it's understandable to feel like it flies by as you try to give context and convey a lifetime of experiences. However, this intensity typically subsides after the first couple of sessions, and you can begin to focus on processing and exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in more depth. Your therapist will also take time before the session to cover important information such as informed consent, cancellation policies, and billing options. Overall, the first session is an opportunity to establish rapport and begin the therapeutic process.

I offer one-on-one conversations with my clients. During our sessions, you can discuss whatever you feel comfortable sharing and explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that brought you to counselling. Typically, our sessions last around 50 minutes, and we can schedule them weekly or bi-weekly depending on your needs and availability. In our first session, I will likely ask you some questions to get to know you better and understand your goals for counselling. This may include discussing your personal history, current struggles, and any relevant relationships or life events. From there, we will develop a personalized plan for therapy, which may include techniques from a range of modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or EMDR. In subsequent sessions, we will continue to work together to implement this plan and explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in more depth. I may also assign you "homework" in the form of exercises or activities to complete between sessions, which can help you practice the skills you're learning in counselling. Ultimately, the goal of our sessions is to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences, and to develop new skills and strategies to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

I am not available for after hours care, so if you require this, it may not be the best fit. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. Here are some resources to consider: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you're experiencing a non-life-threatening crisis, you can call the BC Crisis Centre at 1-800-784-2433. They provide 24/7 support for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. If you're a post-secondary student, most schools have counselling services available to students. Check with your school to see what resources are available to you. Some communities in BC have local crisis lines that you can call for support. Check with your local health authority or community centre to see what resources are available in your area. Remember, it's important to seek help if you're experiencing a mental health crisis. There are resources available to you, even outside of regular counselling hours. Don't hesitate to reach out for support.

Scheduling an appointment reserves time exclusively for you, whether it's an online or phone session. I understand that unexpected circumstances may arise. To allow me to accommodate other clients and make the best use of our time, I kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, whether it's an online or phone session. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged the full fee for the scheduled service. I understand that unforeseeable situations can happen, and I strive to be as flexible as possible. If you are unable to attend an online or phone session, we can explore the possibility of rescheduling for a different time. Please note that late arrivals will not receive an extension of their scheduled appointment time. I aim to provide the best possible experience for all clients, and respecting appointment schedules is an important part of that. The original reservation fee will be charged for appointments that begin late due to client tardiness, whether it's an online or phone session.