Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Better 2SLGBTQIA+, Physician & Diabetic Mental Health & Wellbeing

Virtual therapy is a great resource to make therapy more convenient & accessible.  I offer secure PIPEDA/PIPA-compatible video sessions through JaneApp which meets bank-level security standards.  My clients find it just as effective and enjoy the flexibility.

First visits to counselling are a little different from your regular appointments.  Your first appointment will generally involve me gathering information, completing a few administrative tasks and us deciding together if I'm the right counsellor for you.  Together we'll discuss what counselling is, go over what Confidentiality in counselling means and I'll answer any questions you might have.  I will also ask you some questions to develop a snapshot of how you’re currently doing and what's bringing you in for counselling.

Counselling works best when we get to see each other regularly.  Sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and recommendations about frequency will be based on the nature of what's bringing you to counselling, affordability and what makes most sense for you.  Appointments are 45-50 minutes.

Confidentiality means that whatever gets communicated between counsellor and client in session will not be shared with outside parties.  As your counsellor, I will always take reasonable steps on my end to ensure that your information stays private.  There are times where a counsellor can release information to someone else regarding our work.  I've these outlined below:

a. With the goal of providing you high-quality service, I may at times consult with a fellow counsellor or clinical supervisor who is also bound by the same rules of confidentiality.

b. When you provide explicit written consent to share information with specific parties, for specific purposes and for specific periods of time.

c. When there is imminent risk of you harming or killing yourself or someone else, I am required by law to report to an appropriate legal entity or authority.

d. When there is evidence of a minor or otherwise vulnerable person (i.e. elderly, dependent persons, etc.) being neglected, abused or exploited, I am required by law to report to an appropriate legal entity or authority.

e. When federal or provincial legislation must be followed (ie receiving a court order from a judge to turn over records), I am required to cooperate in accordance with the law.

 If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality in counselling, please don't hesitate to ask.  There are no silly questions.

It’s a busy world out there and sometimes life happens unexpectedly.  I understand, however, a cancelled appointment delays our work.  When you must cancel, please give me at least 24 hours advance notice.  I am rarely able to fill a cancelled session unless I know at least 24 hours ahead of time.  If you cancel & provide less than 24 hours’ notice you will be charged for the full cost of the session.

When we start to reckon with the complexity of our relationships and explore what is bothering us, painful feelings may arise.  This can feel unfamiliar and anxiety-provoking.  This is normal, and even important for moving forward in your growth and healing process.  Part of my job is to help you to feel safe and help walk you through it.

The therapeutic "fit" is important!  Doing counselling work can be hard. Having a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is essential for doing difficult work.  Therefore, my priority is striving to co-create those types of relationships with all of my clients in service of helping them achieve their goals. 

Like in all human relationships, sometimes the "magic" isn’t there.  If you don’t feel like I'm the right match for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know.  I can assist in finding another counsellor who you might work with better.  This is your therapy and there is no penalty for you for changing your mind.

While there may be times where long-term therapy could be beneficial, therapy is a journey and where that journey takes you is up to you.  We will go at your pace.  We will move towards the goals that are important to you.  You can stop, pause and re-start your journey at anytime you decide.