Counselling can be a rewarding and enriching experience that can enhance self-knowledge, mood and coping skills, and improve overall well-being. Coming to counselling, especially for the first time, can sometimes cause feelings of nervousness. My office is a comfortable place where people can explore their problems, and work toward solutions in a non-judgemental atmosphere. I provide individual counselling for people of all ages, including children, for a variety of issues and mental health concerns such as: anxiety, depression, stress, grief, burn-out, low self-worth, relationship issues, crisis and trauma, addictions, disordered eating, ADHD, career issues and work stress, as well as coping with various life transitions. How the counselling proceeds depends on the issue, your goals and needs. The approach I take is a general talk-therapy approach within a holistic health and wellness framework. I will ask about your reasons for coming to counselling, and collect some pertinent background and health information as part of the process, usually in the first session. I have flexible office hours, including some evening appointments. Further details about my approach and what to expect from my counselling services are listed in the FAQs below. My combined education and experience in health education and counselling provides me with a comprehensive background for working with clients from a holistic health and wellness philosophy. Current trends in mental health and wellness recognize the importance of the mind-body connection, which supports the holistic approach I use to help people reduce their symptoms and feel better. By holistic, I mean addressing all aspects of an individual’s life such as overall health, lifestyle, work, family and interpersonal relationships. In this way, I work with the whole person, realizing we are affected not only by our physical health, but also by our environments, relationships, and responses to stress.
I help clients address their counselling issues and symptoms, as well as improve health, lifestyle, and coping skills so they are better able to manage life’s challenges. Some of the therapeutic orientations I use include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused Therapy, humanistic approaches, psycho-education, mindfulness and practices such as Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy (TIYT™). TIYT™ promotes improved self-regulation and symptom management for anxiety, trauma/PTSD, depression, addiction issues and more. Stress, trauma and other mental health conditions often live in our bodies as well as our minds, impeding our ability to process difficult experiences. Self-regulation tools taught in TIYT™ help clients manage their symptoms through improved mind-body connection, mindfulness practices and breath work. By calming the body we also calm the mind, enhancing both mental and physical stability.
Information about rates and insurance can be found here. Please contact me for further information on any of my services at 902-394-5826. There is a confidential voicemail if I am with a client and unable to answer. You can also email me at dianne@diannebirt.ca. To follow me on Facebook, check out the Dianne Birt Counselling and Wellness page here.
My hourly rate is $140 (includes 15% HST), and can be paid either by cash, cheque, or E-transfer. If you are paying by E-transfer, please arrange your online banking prior to the appointment so that the transaction can be made at the time of the session. Most insurance plans now reimburse for mental health services provided by Counselling Therapists, but it is best to check with your provider to confirm. I am able to direct-bill through Blue Cross, Greenshield, and Canada Life.
Please give 24 hours’ notice for cancellations and reschedules. Your appointment time is booked for you, and is therefore not available for someone else. A fee of $90.00 will be applied to all late cancellations (with very few exceptions).