Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny ~ C.S. Lewis
Counselling FAQs: Your Questions Answered
OFFICE HOURS
Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. In-person appointments are offered at my home office in Cumberland.
COUNSELLING FEES
My fees are in line with the guidelines set out by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I receive payment by credit card, which is charged at the end of each session, and a receipt is emailed to you immediately following payment.
50 minute session - $175
80 minute session - $280
EXTENDED HEALTH COVERAGE
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) services are covered by many, but not all, extended health benefit plans. Contact your insurance provider to inquire whether your plan provides coverage for this service.
CANCELLATIONS
I have a 48 hour cancellation policy, which means that clients are responsible for the full fee for missed appointments and for sessions cancelled without 48 hours notice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
What can I expect from therapy?
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Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and patterns of behaviour. It is an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, process past experiences, and build healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. Therapy is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It is about developing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and compassion as you navigate your own journey of healing and growth.
How can therapy help me?
Therapy can help you better understand the connection between your past experiences, nervous system responses, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Together, we can explore patterns that may no longer serve you and develop practical tools to support emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and greater self-confidence. The goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself, more present in your life, and better equipped to navigate difficult emotions and experiences.
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What is the connection between the nervous system and emotional well-being?
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Our nervous systems are constantly working to interpret our surroundings and protect us from perceived threats. Sometimes, past experiences or learned patterns can influence how we respond to situations in the present. Understanding these responses can help us recognize when we are reacting from old fears or protective patterns rather than what is happening right now. With greater awareness, we can gradually develop more balanced and supportive ways of responding.
Do I need to be experiencing a crisis to attend therapy?
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Not at all. While therapy can provide support during difficult times, you do not need to be in crisis to benefit from it. You might want to understand yourself better, improve your relationships, work through longstanding patterns, or develop greater emotional awareness. Therapy can also support personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of healthier coping strategies.
How long does therapy take?
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Everyone's journey is different. The length of therapy depends on your individual goals, experiences, needs, and circumstances. Some people seek support for a specific concern, while others choose to engage in longer-term work to explore deeper patterns and support ongoing growth. Your therapeutic journey can be reviewed together over time to ensure that the work continues to meet your needs.
What is the role of self-compassion in healing?
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Self-compassion involves learning to treat yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and patience you would offer someone you care about. Rather than judging yourself for your struggles or mistakes, you learn to recognize your experiences with curiosity and compassion. This creates space for meaningful change without relying on shame or self-criticism.
How do I get started?
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Taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable, and it is normal to have questions or uncertainty. Reaching out is an opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy, ask questions about the process, and explore whether working together feels like a good fit. You deserve a space where you feel respected, supported, and understood as you move toward greater awareness, connection, and well-being.