FAQs

During our first few sessions, we will take time to get to know each other and begin building a foundation for our work together. We will review your intake forms, explore what brings you to counselling, and talk about your experiences, current challenges, support systems, and what you hope to gain from therapy.

An important part of this process is understanding what helps you feel safe and comfortable in the counselling space. We can talk about what is helpful for you, including anything you would like me to do — or avoid doing — as we build our therapeutic relationship.

You are always in control of what you choose to share. There is no need to tell your whole story all at once. Together, we will create a plan that reflects your needs, values, and goals for counselling.

Each session will look a little different depending on what you are bringing in and what feels most important in that moment. Together, we may explore ways to better understand and navigate emotions, identify the needs and experiences beneath them, and build greater confidence in the choices you make.

We may also explore the connection between your thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviours — noticing the patterns that shape how you experience yourself and the world around you.

At times, our work may involve slowing down and paying attention to what is happening in your body and nervous system. While understanding our experiences through thought and reflection can be valuable, we cannot always think our way through the things that hurt us. Healing often involves reconnecting with our emotions, noticing what our bodies are communicating, and developing a deeper sense of safety and connection within ourselves.

Regular counselling sessions are 50 minutes long. I also offer extended 80-minute sessions for those who would appreciate additional time and space to explore what they are bringing to counselling.

The frequency of sessions is something we will explore together and adjust based on your needs, goals, and what feels sustainable for you. Many clients begin with weekly or biweekly sessions, depending on what feels most supportive during that season of life.

It often takes several sessions to begin building a strong therapeutic relationship and to explore what brings you to counselling. From there, we can allow the work to unfold at a pace that honours your needs, experiences, and goals.

I understand that life happens and that sometimes plans need to change. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice whenever possible.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, will be charged at the full session rate. If an unexpected emergency comes up, please reach out and we can discuss the circumstances together.

Many extended health insurance plans provide coverage for counselling services. Coverage varies between plans, so I encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly to understand what is included in your policy, including any requirements around eligible providers or professional designations.

I currently do not offer direct billing. After each session payment, I will provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement, if your plan includes counselling coverage.

I believe that counselling should be as accessible as possible, and I recognize that cost can be a barrier when seeking support. I offer a limited number of reduced-cost spaces for clients who may not be able to access my standard session rate.

A sliding scale means that the session fee is adjusted based on your financial circumstances and what feels manageable for you. These spaces are limited and availability may vary. If you are interested in discussing whether a reduced-fee option is available, please reach out and we can explore what may be possible.

Choosing how we meet is an important part of creating a counselling experience that feels comfortable and supportive. Some people appreciate the familiarity and privacy of meeting virtually, while others find that being outdoors and moving through nature helps them feel more grounded and open to reflection.

There is no one approach that works best for everyone. During our work together, we can explore what feels most supportive for you, taking into account your needs, preferences, accessibility, and what you hope to gain from counselling.

If you are unsure which option may be the best fit, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the different session options, and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you.

Walk-and-talk counselling offers an opportunity to step outside of the traditional therapy setting and explore your experiences while moving through an outdoor space. These sessions create space for reflection, movement, and conversation while staying connected to the natural world. Sessions are 50 minutes long and take place in an outdoor location near you (limited to Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam).

Yes, I offer virtual counselling sessions for clients who prefer the comfort, flexibility, and accessibility of meeting from their own space. Virtual sessions allow us to connect wherever you feel most comfortable while still creating a space for reflection, conversation, and meaningful therapeutic work.

I use Doxy.me, a secure video platform that is PIPA and PIPEDA compliant. The platform does not store client information, and video calls use an encrypted peer-to-peer connection, meaning information is exchanged directly between you and me rather than being stored or routed through a server.

To support privacy and presence during virtual sessions, I encourage you to join from a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly.