Frequently Asked Questions
- When your life struggles have gotten too big to handle on your own, you may consider talking to a therapist. Talk therapy can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, regain balance after a loss and can help provide perspective.
- I believe that just like everyone benefits from having a good family doctor, a dentist and a mechanic, they would certainly benefit from talking to a therapist from time to time.
- A therapist is a neutral third party, who can provide valuable insight.
- If you are suffering from physical symptoms that aren’t easing with other treatments (stomach or headaches, muscle tension and fatigue), you may need to see a therapist
- There is no referral needed to book with me! Simply click on the book an appointment tab or contact me directly if you have any questions.
- The first session, or intake, is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and why you are seeking therapy. We talk a little about your personal history as well as your current situation. Generally, a first session consists of your therapist asking you questions about you.
- What to bring
- You may want to prepare questions for your therapist, or a list of topics you really want to discuss
- Your signed consent and confidentiality form (emailed to you upon booking)
- This depends on what you are currently experiencing and the treatment plan we come up with together.
- This is your therapy and you get to choose what works best for you and your lifestyle. If you are in crisis then we might need to plan weekly therapy sessions. Once you feel your symptoms are more stable, then you may want to move to biweekly sessions.
- I understand that life happens and sometimes you can’t make it to your appointment. I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. As long as you reschedule your appointment before that time frame, you won’t be charged anything. The charge is 100% of your session if you miss your appointment without notice, or cancel within the 24-hour period.
- I practice from a perspective that one size does not fit all. Therefore, I may use a mix of modalities depending on your needs. I often utilize Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as the tools offered in these disciplines work well with a variety of issues. However, I cater the session to my clients’ specific needs, using various other methods when necessary including, but not limited to, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), art therapy, mindfulness, person centered and somatic techniques.
- The generally rule is: what happens in therapy stays in therapy. However, there a few instances when my confidentiality is limited by the law.
- Harm to self or others- if a therapist feels that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or others, they are obligated to either report that to the police or call an ambulance or a family member.
- A minor child or vulnerable person is in danger- when disclosure of this nature is made, therapists will notify Child and Family Services.
- Your files are subpoenaed
- Confidentiality is carried out into the general community as well. If I see you outside of session (at the mall or a restaurant), I don’t want to put you in a situation where you have to explain to someone how you know me, and so I will always wait for a client to make first contact. I will never be offended if you don’t want to say hello!
- Please also be cognizant that we are generally communicating over video conferencing. I ensure you that I will always be in a space where you cannot be heard by others, just as I would be if you were to come into my office for a face to face appointment. I also ask that you be in a similar space where you are not heard or seen by others so that we can maintain confidentiality.
