As is the answer with so much in counselling, each person is unique- so it will depend. People seek counselling for a wide variety of reasons. Some clients come for only one or two sessions, while others benefit from long-term therapy that addresses deeply embedded problems, habits, major life transitions, etc. The number of counselling sessions you have also depends on the goals you set and how much work you do outside of sessions. Often, the answer to this question is a collaborative one that is developed over the course of counselling.

I like to think of a counsellor as someone on your team that you can tap into as the challenges of life eb and flow. It is not uncommon for clients to come for a block of sessions, then go into the world and practice their skills for a time, returning to counselling for another block of sessions when they require some additional support in the future. Others may benefit from ongoing counselling with maintenance sessions embedded throughout the year.

Depending on the issue you are coming to counselling for, sometimes it makes sense to dive in together. Other times, the challenges feel overwhelming and emotions are running high. In this case, many of the couples I work with find it helpful to balance a combination of individual and couples sessions. This is a benefit for a number of reasons; it provides each partner the opportunity to process their thoughts and emotions from their perspective without judgment or the tension that comes with having both individuals in the room reacting to one another. It is important to note that this combination of individual and couples work includes an understanding that secrets will not be held from either partner, and when information does arise that the other partner does not know about, the individual will be supported to communicate the information with their partner.

All you need is a private space, a web-cam (a laptop or desktop is preferred so you can be hands free), a good internet connection and headphones with a microphone. We also need an alternative phone number we can use to connect if the internet goes down.

A secured online system allows us to meet face to face, similar to Skype or Facetime only more secure. This allows us to connect in a way that is similar to an in-office session. Having a secured connection ensures that our sessions remain confidential and none of your information is stored.

The secured system we use is through Jane. It is a paid platform that uses end to end encryption and password protection to ensure we can meet securely. This is the same system we use to book your appointments.

24 hours is required for a cancellation, otherwise you will be charged the full session cost. I understand that some situations can’t be predicted and encourage you to reach out when/if an emergency occurs and I am certainly willing to work with you to reschedule without penalty.

No, I do not offer direct billing; however, the CCC designation is covered under many extended health benefits plans. If you aren’t sure, please contact your insurance provider and ask. 

Simply put, the information you share with your therapist during a session stays between you and the therapist. 

The exceptions to this are:

• If you disclose imminent risk of harm to yourself or others

• If you disclose risk of harm or neglect to a vulnerable person (child, elderly, dependent adult, etc.)

• If your records were ever subpoenaed by the court.

In these instances, I would need to break confidentiality. I would make every effort to inform you of this break in confidentiality and work collaboratively with you to ensure your wellness and the safety of yourself and others.