Question 1

How do I know if you're the right counsellor for me?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is about feeling safe and comfortable with the person you're sitting across from. Most research shows that the biggest indicator of change in counselling is the therapeutic relationship between a counsellor and client. Building that relationship is at the core of what I do.

If you feel safe and comfortable talking to me about the biggest challenges in your life, then you're in the right place.

Question 2

What type of clients do you usually work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with a wide range of different clients but the primary concerns that come up tend to be anxiety, depression, ADHD and relationship challenges. I work with teenagers, adults and couples.

Question 3

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends completely on what your concerns are and where you are in your journey to make change in your life. As an example, some clients struggling with anxiety find that after 6-8 appointments they feel much more comfortable managing their anxiety. The important piece to this is that you are willing to take time outside of our appointments to implement the tools or exercises we've talked about.

Question 4

How often should I come to counselling?

Accepted Answer

At first, I find that weekly appointments is helpful for us to get to know each other, build rapport and gain some momentum towards your goals. However, it's important for you to have time between each appointment to work on or reflect on the things we've talked about in our sessions. For that reason, some clients find that bi-weekly or monthly is a better pace. Any longer than a month in between sessions becomes challenging because there is often so much to catch up on from the previous session that there isn't enough time to get through everything.

Question 5

Is counselling confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, counselling is confidential, but there are some limitations to that, for example: if you are going to harm yourself or someone else, it's my responsibility to break confidentiality to protect you or the person in harm's way; if a child or vulnerable adult in your care is a risk of abuse or neglect, it's my responsibility to break confidentiality to protect that child or vulnerable adult; if your records are subpoenaed by a court of law, I'm required to submit something based on my notes; and lastly, if we ever were to see each other in-person, I would not acknowledge you, to protect your confidentiality.

I take your confidentiality seriously.

Question 6

What type of training do you have?

Accepted Answer

I have a Master's Degree in Counselling, Gottman Level 1 and 2 training for couples counselling, nature-based therapy training through Human Nature Counselling, Narrative Therapy training through the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy, and Competent and Affirming LGBTQ2IA+ Couples and Partners Therapy training through Our Landing Place. I've also taken courses on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is a modality I am investing most of my study time into these days.

Question 7

What is your approach to counselling?

Accepted Answer

At my core, I'm a solution-focused therapist who focuses on developing a strong relationship with clients in order to help you process difficult emotions and navigate life's challenges. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all solution and so I hold each approach lightly, aware each one might not connect with every client.

Some counselling modalities I use in my work include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Relational Psychotherapy. My approach is also informed by attachment theory - fostering corrective emotional experiences through our therapeutic relationship.

Question 8

How much does counselling cost?

Accepted Answer

My rates are $157 for individual counselling (50 minutes) and $225 for couples counselling (80 minutes). These rates are in-line with what the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors recommends. The individual session rate is based on the rate that ICBC compensates counsellors.

Question 9

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

My cancellation policy is 48 hours. If you wish to cancel within that time-frame you will need to contact me directly. If we are able to reschedule within the same week, that's great, but if not you will be charged the full fee.

You're welcome to make any changes you need to your appointments as long as it is more than 48 hours in advance.

Question 10

Do you do direct billing?

Accepted Answer

No, I don't do direct billing, but I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, so assuming your insurance plan covers counselling, our sessions can be covered, but you will have to submit the invoices yourself.

Question 11

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I have three offices: in Kitsilano on West 4th Avenue, in Mount Pleasant near Cambie and West Broadway, and in East Vancouver on Commercial Drive.

Question 12

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Click on this link, select which office you would like to visit and what kind of an appointment you would like. Then you'll be shown what is available in my schedule.

Frequently asked questions