Questions You May Have

How do I know Counselling is right for me?

Counselling can offer a safe container for you to explore behaviours, relationships, feelings, thoughts, and sensations which may be causing difficulties in your life. Counselling can also be a legitimate source of support during a time of crisis. It can bring deeper personal insight and awareness, new ways of understanding and coping, and strengthen relationships. Counselling varies from practitioner to practitioner, my approach is one that takes an on-going collaborative and relational approach. That means, together we will work to determine what it is you’re looking for and whether individual counselling is something you’d like to try. If I assess that I am not a good fit for your needs, a referral to another practitioner or alternative service can be provided.

What are the risks and benefits?

Risks: Counselling can sometimes involve you examining vulnerable topics or moments in your life. This could result in experiencing stronger than usual emotions or memories. It could also result in a different way of relating to others in your life. In addition, engaging in counselling services online or over the phone cannot guarantee the same level of confidentiality as an in-person session. Although my online platform works in accordance to the BC privacy laws, there are still minor risks with any virtual service provided.

Benefits: Counselling can also lead to positive changes in your life, including a better understanding of yourself and your emotions, improved relationships, new problem solving and coping skills, and changed unwanted behaviours. These benefits typically take a bit of time and require consistent and persistent effort from both the client and the counsellor.

What does confidentiality cover?

Your sessions with me and the topics we discuss are kept between you and I. No personal or identifying information will be shared with anyone without your expressed written permission. This confidentiality continues even after our counselling relationship ends. There are however, three instances where confidentiality may need to be broken under regulation and law. These instances are: (1) if you or another person are at an immediate risk, (2) if a minor (anyone under the age of 19) is or may be at risk of abuse or neglect, or (3) if my notes or I am subpoenaed by a judge. In addition, I may occasionally disclose information about our sessions for the purpose of a professional consultation. In this case, your identity will remain confidential.

What is the purpose of a consultation?

A consultation is an opportunity for us to meet each other! There may be additional questions you have about me, my practice, or the process of counselling that were not sufficiently answered on this page, or maybe even some things you’d like me to know before we start our work together. I believe it is of utmost importance that you enjoy being with the counsellor you work with, that you feel safe and comfortable enough to be vulnerable and share your inner world. This will take a bit of time with anyone new, but sometimes two people just don’t click - and that’s okay! I encourage all my clients to “counsellor shop” and meet with as many practitioners as they’d like before making a decision on who is the best fit for them and their individual needs.

What are the fees?

I charge $135.00 (with tax already included) per 50 minute session, in order to attend you must have a valid credit card on file. I also have some sliding scale options available, which I am happy to discuss with you either in our consultation or first session :)

Will this be covered by insurance?

If your insurance covers counselling by an RCC, then probably! At the end of our session, you will automatically be sent an invoice that you are able to submit to your account. Unfortunately, I am unable to offer direct billing at this time. If you are unsure, it may be helpful to reach out to your provider ahead of time.