Frequently Asked Questions
A little more clarity before getting started.
Beginning counselling can come with a lot of questions. I’ve answered some of the most common ones below to help you understand what to expect and where to begin.
Getting Started
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I believe everyone can benefit from therapy, much like we can all benefit from regular check-ups for our physical health. You don't have to be in crisis to start counselling. If something is affecting your relationships, parenting, work, mood, confidence, or day-to-day life, it may be worth exploring. You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from yourself, or simply wanting a non-judgmental space to talk things through. Therapy can provide support, insight, and tools to help you navigate life's challenges and work toward meaningful change.
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Yes. I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can discuss what brings you to therapy, review my approach and experience, and determine whether it feels like a good fit for both of us.
I understand how important it is to find the right therapist, and I welcome any questions you may have during the consultation.
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That's completely okay. Finding the right therapist is important.
I encourage you to book a consultation, ask questions, and trust your instincts. Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy outcomes. The right fit matters.
Scheduling & Length of Therapy
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This depends on your goals, concerns, schedule, financial circumstances, and insurance coverage. Many clients begin with biweekly sessions and adjust the frequency over time. We'll regularly check in about your progress and whether the current schedule continues to meet your needs.
We can discuss your options together and adjust the schedule as your needs change.
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There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people attend a handful of sessions to address a specific concern, while others engage in longer-term therapy for deeper self-exploration and ongoing support. The length of therapy depends on your goals, the concerns you're addressing, and what you hope to gain from the process.
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Finding the right therapist is important, and not every therapist will be the right fit for every person.
If you ever feel like our work together isn't meeting your needs, I encourage you to bring it up. Honest conversations about what's working, what's not, and what you need more or less of can be an important part of therapy.
Similarly, if you decide to end therapy, I ask that you let me know rather than simply disappearing. This gives us an opportunity to reflect on the work we've done, discuss next steps, and ensure you feel supported moving forward.
If we determine that I may not be the best fit for your needs, I'm happy to discuss other options and help connect you with additional resources or referrals when appropriate.
Fees, Insurance & Policies
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Session fees currently range from $135-$165 per 50-minute session, depending on whether services are provided through Cedar Mountain Counselling or Red River North Counselling and Therapy Services.
If you have questions about fees, insurance coverage, appointment options, or which service may be the best fit for your needs, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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I am unable to offer direct billing at this time. However, I will provide you with a receipt after each session that you can submit to your benefits provider for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company to confirm your specific coverage for Registered Social Workers.
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Life happens, and I understand that unexpected situations can arise.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, I ask that you provide at least 48 hours' notice whenever possible. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice at Red River North or 48 hours’ at Cedar Mountain Counselling are subject to the full session fee.
If there are extenuating circumstances, please reach out. Emergencies and unforeseen situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Therapy Process
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Therapy is a collaborative process, and there isn't one "right" way to do it.
We'll begin by getting to know you, understanding what brought you to therapy, and exploring what you'd like to be different in your life. Together, we'll make sense of what you're experiencing and identify goals that feel meaningful to you.
Depending on your needs, sessions may involve learning practical coping skills, exploring emotions, understanding patterns, processing past experiences, improving relationships, or developing new ways of responding to life's challenges.
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The first session is a 50-minute intake appointment and looks a little different than ongoing sessions. We'll review informed consent, discuss confidentiality, and talk about what brings you to therapy. I'll ask more questions than usual so I can better understand your concerns, history, strengths, supports, and goals. The first session is also an opportunity for us to get to know each other and determine whether working together feels like a good fit.
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Not at all. Some people come to therapy knowing exactly what they want to work on, while others simply know that something doesn't feel quite right. Together, we can identify goals, explore what's important to you, and determine where you'd like to focus our work.
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That's okay. It happens more often than you might think. Sometimes the most important conversations begin with, "I don't even know where to start." Part of my role is helping guide the process and exploring what feels most relevant in the moment.
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Crying is a natural response to talking about difficult, meaningful, or emotional experiences. You never need to apologize for your emotions in therapy. I actually encourage it!
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Probably not in the way you might expect.
My role isn't to tell you what decisions to make. Instead, I help you better understand yourself, explore your options, identify what matters most to you, and develop the skills and confidence to make decisions that align with your values.
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Yes. Confidentiality is an important part of creating a safe therapeutic relationship. Information shared during counselling is kept private within the limits of applicable legislation, professional standards, and ethical guidelines. There are some exceptions to confidentiality, which will be reviewed with you during the informed consent process before therapy begins.
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Yes!!! I understand the realities of parenthood, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Babies are absolutely welcome in session.
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I understand that leaving the house with a newborn can feel overwhelming.
I offer virtual therapy sessions, allowing you to access support from the comfort of your home. Depending on your location and availability, home visits may also be an option. Please contact me directly to discuss your needs and any associated fees.
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Absolutely. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you've never been before or have had a negative experience in the past. Many people feel nervous during their first appointment. We can move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and there is no expectation that you need to share everything right away.
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You're not alone. Many people come to therapy after experiences where they felt unheard, judged, or simply didn't connect with their therapist.
I welcome conversations about what did and didn't work for you in the past. Understanding your previous experiences can help us create a therapeutic relationship that feels safer, more supportive, and better aligned with your needs.
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Not unless you want to.
Sometimes exploring past experiences can help us understand current thoughts, emotions, relationships, or patterns. Other times, clients prefer to focus on present-day concerns and practical strategies. Together, we'll decide what feels most helpful and relevant to your goals.
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As a Registered Social Worker, my focus is on assessment and psychotherapy. If diagnosis is needed or appropriate, I can discuss options and referrals with you.
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Parent or caregiver involvement depends on the child’s age, needs and reason for attending counselling. In some situations, working together as a family is an important part of the process.
I’ll explain what involvement may look like while also respecting the young person’s privacy and creating space for them to feel safe and heard.
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I do not provide emergency or crisis services, and emails or messages may not be monitored immediately.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For suicide crisis support anywhere in Canada, call or text 988.
You can also visit my Resources page for additional crisis lines and mental health services.
Other Questions
Still Have Questions?
Let’s find the right place to begin.
Visit my contact page to find the clinic and contact information that best match the support you’re looking for.