Counselling

I believe in equal rights and offer a safe environment for all clients.

It’s okay if you don’t know where to begin. Many clients struggle with this very thing. To get things started, I can ask you some questions about you, your life, and what has brought you to counselling. I take a client-centred approach and involve the client in creating goals for their therapy, and a plan for how to reach them. We will discuss current stressors, current and past coping skills, strengths, barriers to progress, and we may cover some past life struggles as well. My counselling style is eclectic and combines several approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-focused and Narrative therapies, and elements of Humanistic/client-centred theories. Psychological education to teach relaxation and coping skills is also incorporated. I try to work with each client according to his or her needs and issues.

Since much of the benefit of counselling comes from the client’s work in between sessions, I also suggest homework, and sometimes provide hand-outs, recommend books, and send links to helpful websites in order to expedite the client’s progress. Engaging clients in the process to create small goals and strategies for maintenance is important for both self-efficacy, and expediting the client’s progress towards healthier ways of being.

Counsellors have an ethical responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of clients, and client information; no information can be disclosed without written permission of the client with the following exceptions:

1. Imminent danger to self: If a counsellor believes the client may seriously harm him/herself, or commit suicide, measures will be taken to ensure their safety, with or without the client’s cooperation.
2. Imminent danger another person or persons: If the client indicates to the counsellor that he or she may seriously harm another person, the counsellor must inform local law enforcement (RCMP or police).
3. Suspected child abuse or neglect: If a client discloses to the counsellor that he or she is aware of or suspects child abuse or neglect (i.e., a neighbour), the counsellor is required by law to report this information to the appropriate authorities.
4. Court Order: When a counsellor receives a subpoena, or court order, to release information (i.e. if the client is involved in a court case).
5. When a client files a complaint against the counsellor or claims professional liability in a lawsuit.

Confidentiality and children: Parents and guardians do not have absolute rights regarding their child's counselling. I am generally very open with parents regarding their child’s progress and often one or both parents are in attendance, depending on the circumstances and age of the child. I am very respectful of the child’s privacy and discuss with him or her information I will be sharing with their parents, including what I may have to share (i.e. child abuse, the exceptions to confidentiality as listed above). Depending on age and maturity of the child, the parent's right to know details of their child’s counselling will decrease and may end when the child reaches the ability to give informed consent (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, 2015. Standards of Practice for Counsellors: Online).

The benefits of counselling are many. Often, clients find relief simply by talking - releasing thoughts and feelings that have been suppressed for some time. Through the talk therapy process, clients may discover wisdom and strength they never knew they had. Other possible benefits may include increased awareness of unhealthy patterns and coping styles, improvements in self-care, communication and interpersonal relationships, as well as enhanced self-esteem and self-compassion. Through the use of healthier coping skills, clients may also notice a reduction in symptoms of stress, and take a more balanced approach to life. Each counselling session is dedicated to you. It’s your time for you, so let’s work together to make the most of it.

How many sessions you need depends on what your mental health concern is, severity, level of support and commitment to feeling better, and whether or not you have coverage. For most mild to moderate mental health concerns, clients typically feel better after a few sessions due to improved self-care and coping skills. If you are not feeling better after a few sessions, or the issue is worsening, I usually recommend you see your family doctor, and may also assist you to find more advanced services in the community (i.e. a psychologist, or your family doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist if she/he deems it necessary or appropriate).

My rate is $140 per session. If your employer has an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) through workplace health benefits, you may be covered as I am a provider for a few EAP companies. Please contact your Human Resources department or check your health benefits plan to determine your coverage. You may also have coverage through your work or private health insurance plan. It's best to check with your insurer to confirm that counselling is covered. I will issue you a receipt which, in most cases, can be submitted to your insurance plan for reimbusement. I accept e-tranfers, as well as cash or cheque for payment.

Sessions typically last approximately one hour.

The approach and activities used in working with children depends on the age and maturity of the child. I have toys, games, books, a small indoor sand play box, drawing and colouring supplies, and cards. I also use talk therapy with kids, as well as elements of yoga and relaxation techniques. Often, parents are in session with their child, especially for younger children (approximately age 7/8-11 or so). There is a waiting room right outside my office where parents can also wait for the session to finish. I use age-appropriate talk therapy and coping skills when working with teens.

I believe in equal rights and offer a safe environment for all clients.