Where do you work?

Online only. Since Covid I started working online from home and found it works very well for me and my family. For most clients this works just find, but if you would prefer to see someone in-person please click here to peruse the many outstanding therapists at Launchpad Counselling who see clients in-person. Feel free to contact me if you’d like a recommendation for someone to support your unique needs.

How do I get started?

You can begin by clicking the Book an Appointment button to see my schedule and the times I currently have available, or you can begin by contacting me with any questions you may have. Once you book an appointment you will be asked to fill out an intake form. You only need to fill in either the ‘general’ intake form or the ‘caregiver of a child’ intake form. As I am often booked solidly for a number of weeks, you may want to book multiple sessions in advance so that we get in a rhythm together. We can discuss how best to use the sessions once I get to know you and your situation.

What is the cost?

Each one-hour session costs $210 (there is no tax). When you book your first session you will be asked to put a credit card in your Jane App (my booking system) profile. This card will be billed after each session and a receipt in the name of the person the session was booked under will be emailed to you. You can then submit the receipt to any extended health coverage you may have. If needed, my registration number with the BCACC is 2886.

What happens if I have to cancel or change a session?

I understand life happens and plans have to change. If you need to cancel or change a session, please do so 48 hours in advance as this gives someone else an opportunity to use the time. Except in the case of an emergency, sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be billed if I am unable to fill the time.

How does meeting online work?

Really well. The telehealth system on the Jane App is excellent. You will be emailed a link 30-minutes prior to our meeting time, and when you click on it you will be taken into my digital waiting room. I will be with you as soon as I’m able. If possible it is best to find a space that is quiet and private, and if you’re able to silence any phones or other distractions you’ll get the most from our time together.

Can I email you?

Yes, I’m glad to receive brief messages via email or through my website. For longer emails I bill in 15-minute increments, and while I will respond to let you know I’ve received and read your message, please know I am forbidden by my association from giving support in any context other than a scheduled session.

What happens in our first session?

We get to know each other and you begin sharing with me how I can be helpful for you. The goal is to begin forming our relationship into one that will provide the elements you most need for our work together to support the changes you want to make. I will likely ask a bunch of questions each one determined by what you’ve shared with me so far. I don’t do therapy ‘to’ my clients because I wouldn’t want it done ‘to’ me. I say what I’m thinking and I ask what I’m wondering all within a context of unconditional positive regard for you.

How should I prepare for our first session?

I like to think you’ve been preparing for our first session by living your life up until now. However, if you’re looking for a more pragmatic answer you could think or write about how you would most articulately describe the challenges you’re facing, and how best I could support you so that a year from now things are going much better.

How long are sessions and how often should we meet?

Sessions are between 50-60 minutes. The exact time depends on where we are at in our conversation so that the flow of our time together comes to a soft landing. The frequency of our meetings depends on both of our availability and the urgency of your situation. More urgent situations will benefit from weekly meetings for a while. Then once things start to get better we usually begin to space our meetings out more and more. Some clients seek support for a period of time regarding a specific issue, while others prefer regular monthly meetings in order to support their overall mental health. We can figure all this out together.

Is what we talk about confidential?

Yes. Fully and completely… unless you tell me you’re going to hurt yourself or someone else. Then together we’d have to figure out how best to create safety for all involved. You will be sent a confidentiality agreement to read through and agree to before our first session, but please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. This is a very important part of our work together. If I see you out and about I won’t come up to say hi, but if you’d like to approach me I’m always glad to see you.

Do you meet with kids?

Yes. Absolutely. I really enjoy getting to know your kid(s). The younger the child is the more time I tend to spend with the parents talking about what approach and expectations are best to have for your specific child. For older children (13+) I tend to see the child much more or even exclusively. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns regarding my work with your child please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am also available to consult with teachers and school counsellors so we can jointly create the most supportive context for your child.

Don’t you get tired of listening to people’s problems?

If that’s what I did I imagine I would, but that is not what I do. I don’t just listen to problems - I listen to hopes, visions, strengths, identities, pain, humour, thoughts, emotions, and actions. And I don’t just listen - I talk, I wonder, I question, I encourage, I cheer, I laugh, I feel, and I become your biggest fan.