Everything you need to know to get started counselling with me.

My Schedule

I work daytime hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10am and 5pm (the last session of the day is 4pm).

The First Session

During the first session, I’ll go over the limits of confidentiality with you and you can ask any questions you have about the paperwork. I will begin by asking you to tell me about what led you to seek counselling at this time. This is a time for you to begin to tell your story, for you to get a sense of what it is like to be with me in person, and for me to learn about you, your struggles, and goals. During the first 2-3 sessions, I ask specific intake questions about your general health, how you spend your time, your history, and other basic details to get an understanding the landscape of who you are. 

Frequency of Therapy Sessions

I generally work with a once every two weeks. Sometimes affordability or other circumstances can prevent this frequency, which we can discuss. 

After a course of regular sessions and when clients start feeling better and more empowered, they typically schedule check-in sessions monthly or as needed. They return to regular sessions when they have a new goal they want to work towards or life circumstances that requires support. 

Are you ready for counselling?

Psychotherapy is a powerful process that has the potential for you to make significant lasting positive changes in your life, but recognize that it does require an investment of time, effort, and money. Counselling is an investment in your future, and you need to decide if you are ready to prioritize growth and change in your life.

(You might find my Therapy Prep Package useful: a free resource I send when you sign up for my newsletter)

Your own, individual state of readiness will have a significant impact on your experience:

• Are you ready to engage with counselling?

• Do you see it as an investment in your future?

• Do you take it seriously?

• Are you able to make, keep, and pay for your appointments?

• Are ready to show up and do the work?

If all these point are true for you, reach out to find out if we might be a good fit. 

Cancellation Policy

Each session has been specifically arranged for you, therefore I require 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you provide less than 48 hours notice or do not show up, you will be charged a full session fee, with no exceptions.

My schedule is always full in order to meet the demand and it is important to me to fill each session time with assisting another person in their struggle to feel better. The full fee for missed appointments or late cancellations will be charged to your credit card on file. I’ll reschedule an appointment for you as soon as possible. 

Payment

Payment is due at each session. I accept credit card payment through my secure online system, Janeapp. (etransfer payment prior our session may be accommodated through special arrangement.)

I require each client to place a credit card on their file for payment purposes. This card is placed in a secure system, and may be removed at anytime. I charge your card at the end of each session, and send you the receipt via email. 

If you are an existing client but have not worked with me in the last 3 months, you will be charged my current fee unless arranged otherwise. 

Insurance

If you have extended health benefits, counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor may be covered. Please contact your insurance provider or HR department for more information. Often an insurer will add this benefit to your coverage upon your request to your HR department. If your plan covers you for counselling or psychotherapy services, you will pay for the cost of the session in full, and then submit your receipt to your extended health care provider for reimbursement. Counsellors do not interact with insurance providers directly. Counselling is not covered by MSP (but it should be!). 

How many sessions do you need?

Counselling is a collaborative process where we work together to engage your potential for change and growth so that you can live your life with more energy, presence, and appreciation. Everyone is unique and come to me with a range of situations and issues, therefore the amount of session you need cannot be predicted accurately. As a broad generalization, most people who come with a specific issue they want to focus on experience significant positive change within ten sessions. Many clients gain such positive benefits from counselling that they integrate it into their lives on an ongoing basis.