FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS COUNSELLING?

It is a collaborative relationship between a qualified therapist and client. First, we work to establish a goal and an individualized treatment plan, and then we work towards the goal together. I believe that the client is the expert of their life and I use my knowledge of mental health and healing to approach the client's problems in a respectful and strengths-based way. I firmly believe that seeking therapy doesn't mean there's something wrong with you - it means you're ready for change and open to new possibilities!

WHICH SESSION FORMATS DO YOU OFFER?

I want mental health services to be as accessible as possible, so I offer in-person, phone, and video sessions. The virtual sessions I offer are in compliance with Canadian privacy requirements, which are some of the most stringent in the world. Virtual counselling requires that you have either a phone or a stable internet connection. Get in touch for more details.

HOW ACCESSIBLE IS YOUR OFFICE?

I offer in-person sessions at my View Royal office. My office has one step up onto the porch at the entrance, then one small step over the threshold into the space, and the door is 90cm wide. It is scent-free with a big couch, and there is a client washroom on the same floor (door to washroom is 70cm wide). I provide hand sanitizer and the office is large enough to maintain two meters of distance during sessions. There is parking available in my driveway and street parking, and the office is located a 5-minute walk from a main bus route.

WHAT KINDS OF COUNSELLING DO YOU OFFER?

There are many different approaches to counselling. I use trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and attachment-based therapeutic methods. I incorporate a number of therapeutic approaches which include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotion-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and the Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS). Please ask me any questions you have about which type of counselling might be right for you.

CAN I GET A DIAGNOSIS FROM YOU?

No - if you require a mental health-related or learning-related diagnosis, I recommend speaking to your GP or a medical doctor at a walk-in clinic as a first step. With your permission, I can collaborate as needed with other health professionals in your circle of care.

WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD COUNSELLING?

I have a limited number of reduced-rate short-term slots available for those who have fallen on hard times. Ask me for more information during your free 20 minute consultation and if I don't have space, I can suggest other affordable and free mental health resources, or put you on my waiting list.

CAN I GET COVERAGE FROM MY BENEFITS PLAN FOR COUNSELLING?

Yes! However, this can depend on your extended health plan and the therapist qualifications it covers. Most counsellors are covered by the major health plans; I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), so please check with your provider to confirm coverage for that designation. I do not offer direct billing, so if you have coverage, you will use the receipt I provide you with to get reimbursed by your benefits provider.

DO YOU OFFER COUNSELLING IN OTHER LANGUAGES?

I am trained to provide counselling in English. However, I enjoy working with all cultural identities and I welcome those whose first language is not English.