FAQ

What is your approach to counselling?

The quality of my relationship with my clients is at the heart of my approach to counselling. You can count on me to bring warmth, care, listening, authenticity, and non-judgement to each session. From that foundation, I use a variety of approaches, depending on your personality, needs, and goals.  We will collaborate to determine how we can most effectively get what you want out of your sessions. Generally, I work from a holistic approach, integrating mind, body, emotions, and spirituality. Some of the evidence-based approaches I draw from include existential, emotion focused, person-centered, mindfulness-based, solutions focused, and cognitive behavioral approaches.

How can you help me?

I can help you identify and remove the obstacles in the way of you living your best life, as well as provide the practical tools you need to make lasting change in your life.  I will support and encourage you to take the action steps required for lasting change.

How long is a counselling session?

I always offer a free, 20-minute consultation which will give you the opportunity to discuss your situation, ask any questions you may have, and determine whether you working with me will be a good fit. We can meet in person, speak on the phone or communicate with video technology for this consult.

Sessions are 60 minutes long each. I offer sessions in person, over the phone, or Zoom video.  How many sessions we meet for will largely depend on your goals.

What can I expect from the first session?

If we are meeting in person, please enter through the side door. Hang up your jacket if you’d like, and help yourself to a hot or cold drink—coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, coconut water, and an assortment of natural juices are available.  To see my office, click here.

In order to get to know you and your situation better, I will be asking you some questions. During this time, we will discuss your expectations and goals for the session(s), and collaborate on a plan as to how to effectively and efficiently meet those goals. You will leave the first session with a couple of action steps designed specifically for you.

Here is a sampling of the issues I can help you with:

-stress & burnout

-living with cancer (patients and families at any stage in this experience)

-grief & loss

-adjusting to life transitions

- relationship difficulties

-anxiety & depression

-personal wellness (feeling your best physically, mentally, and emotionally)

-emotional eating and binge eating

-perfectionism, self-confidence, self-criticism, self-esteem, body image

-relaxation & stress management

-existential & spiritual issues

-addiction

-family of origin issues

Is the information I share with you confidential?

Protecting the privacy of your personal information is an ethical obligation that I take very seriously. This includes all verbal and written communication and documentation. I will not disclose any information about you or your family without written permission, except in a limited number of circumstances:

  • If a child is being harmed or is at risk of harm, reporting to the appropriate authorities is mandatory.
  • If you reveal information that indicates danger or harm to yourself or others, confidentiality may be broken.
  • If a judge orders me to provide information, records, or reports, I must comply.

To improve the quality of counselling, I may share non-identifying information with a professional colleague.  All shared information is kept confidential.

Do you have evening & weekend appointments available?

I do not work evenings and weekends.  My last appointment of the day is at 5:00pm.

 

Ready to get the most out of life?

A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors