MAKING THE CONNECTION
I recognize that the decision to seek therapy is never an easy one. I want to make the process as straight forward and comfortable as possible. It is essential to find a therapist that you feel able to connect with in order to reap the benefits of therapy. There are several different styles and therapy models that are used and no two therapists are the same. For this reason, a free telephone consultation is offered prior to the purchase of any counselling sessions.
FREE CONSULTATION
During the consultation, we will meet over the phone to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy. Additionally, we will spend some time getting to know one another and we will decide together if we are a good fit to move forward. The consultation is not a counselling session but rather an introduction to the process and an initial opportunity to meet. Please know that there is no obligation to proceed with counselling after the consultation and the decision to look elsewhere will be fully respected.
BEGINNING STAGES
If you decide to begin counselling sessions, I will send an initial intake package for you to review and complete before our first session. This package will help to further answer questions about the process. It will also provide details on all policies and procedures including cancellations and payment options. You will be required to fill out and return general information forms prior to your first session.
ONLINE COUNSELLING
As technology continues to grow, many therapists are now offering online counselling options for their clients. Many clients enjoy the convenience of online therapy, however it is not for everyone. Prior to beginning, I will walk you through the setup process of the online forum that will be used for our counselling sessions. Please know that this method meets the requirements of the privacy act and that only secure platforms are used to protect your confidentiality. It is necessary for you to have access to a stable internet connection. This is a relatively new modality for everybody so please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
THERAPY FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
A great deal of my education and experience specializes in working with children and I am extremely passionate about supporting this population. These counselling sessions are adapted to meet children at their developmental stage by using a range of techniques including play, creativity and role-playing. Children are therefore not expected to engage in an hour long conversation but rather participate in interactive activities that will build support and coping strategies. Children and youth will also learn new techniques and skills to help them cope outside of therapy. At times, parents may be asked to join a session to better understand the work that their child has completed in therapy.
THE FIRST SESSIONS
The first few sessions of counselling may feel slow or different from what you expected. This is because it is necessary to spend some time getting to know you, your situation, challenges, and successes. As with any form of treatment, please remember that it is a process and while you should notice positive changes relatively quickly, they may not come overnight. Feedback at anytime throughout the sessions is encouraged and I will check in regularly to best suit your needs.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This question tends to come up regularly with new clients. While it is a good one, it is very difficult to answer. The number of sessions needed to benefit from therapy is not universal. It is dependent on your situation, progress, available supports, as well as many other factors. We can discuss a tentative plan for you on an individual basis but I always recommend taking it one step at a time as your current state is the best indicator.
THE FINAL SESSIONS
Some people will attend counselling sessions regularly, much like going to the gym on a weekly basis to maintain physical health. While this is wonderful, it is not always possible or necessary for everyone. If you reach a point where you feel you no longer require regular counselling sessions, we will work together to discuss a termination plan. There is no obligation to continue counselling at any time. Irregular check-in sessions are available and you may begin regular appointments again at anytime.
I recognize that the decision to seek therapy is never an easy one. I want to make the process as straight forward and comfortable as possible. It is essential to find a therapist that you feel able to connect with in order to reap the benefits of therapy. There are several different styles and therapy models that are used and no two therapists are the same. For this reason, a free telephone consultation is offered prior to the purchase of any counselling sessions.
FREE CONSULTATION
During the consultation, we will meet over the phone to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy. Additionally, we will spend some time getting to know one another and we will decide together if we are a good fit to move forward. The consultation is not a counselling session but rather an introduction to the process and an initial opportunity to meet. Please know that there is no obligation to proceed with counselling after the consultation and the decision to look elsewhere will be fully respected.
BEGINNING STAGES
If you decide to begin counselling sessions, I will send an initial intake package for you to review and complete before our first session. This package will help to further answer questions about the process. It will also provide details on all policies and procedures including cancellations and payment options. You will be required to fill out and return general information forms prior to your first session.
ONLINE COUNSELLING
As technology continues to grow, many therapists are now offering online counselling options for their clients. Many clients enjoy the convenience of online therapy, however it is not for everyone. Prior to beginning, I will walk you through the setup process of the online forum that will be used for our counselling sessions. Please know that this method meets the requirements of the privacy act and that only secure platforms are used to protect your confidentiality. It is necessary for you to have access to a stable internet connection. This is a relatively new modality for everybody so please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
THERAPY FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
A great deal of my education and experience specializes in working with children and I am extremely passionate about supporting this population. These counselling sessions are adapted to meet children at their developmental stage by using a range of techniques including play, creativity and role-playing. Children are therefore not expected to engage in an hour long conversation but rather participate in interactive activities that will build support and coping strategies. Children and youth will also learn new techniques and skills to help them cope outside of therapy. At times, parents may be asked to join a session to better understand the work that their child has completed in therapy.
THE FIRST SESSIONS
The first few sessions of counselling may feel slow or different from what you expected. This is because it is necessary to spend some time getting to know you, your situation, challenges, and successes. As with any form of treatment, please remember that it is a process and while you should notice positive changes relatively quickly, they may not come overnight. Feedback at anytime throughout the sessions is encouraged and I will check in regularly to best suit your needs.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This question tends to come up regularly with new clients. While it is a good one, it is very difficult to answer. The number of sessions needed to benefit from therapy is not universal. It is dependent on your situation, progress, available supports, as well as many other factors. We can discuss a tentative plan for you on an individual basis but I always recommend taking it one step at a time as your current state is the best indicator.
THE FINAL SESSIONS
Some people will attend counselling sessions regularly, much like going to the gym on a weekly basis to maintain physical health. While this is wonderful, it is not always possible or necessary for everyone. If you reach a point where you feel you no longer require regular counselling sessions, we will work together to discuss a termination plan. There is no obligation to continue counselling at any time. Irregular check-in sessions are available and you may begin regular appointments again at anytime.