Frequently Asked Questions:
I need help right now, what should I do?
I do not provide crisis support. If you are experiencing a crisis please call 9-1-1 or reach out to one of the following excellent resources for immediate support. There are people available to help you - you do not have to suffer alone.
BC Crisis Centre (1-800-784-2433)
If you are in the Sea to Sky corridor and identify as female or gender diverse, PearlSpace Support Services (formerly Howe Sound Women’s Centre) offers a crisis line and safe housing: 1-877-890-5711 or 604-892-5711
Kuu-Us Crisis Response Services: (1-800-588-8717) serves Indigenous Community Members
310-Mental Health: (310-6789) - no area code required, serves BC
How long do I stay “in Therapy”?
This is a great question, with a very annoying answer - it depends! Some folks come to therapy wanting to work on a very specific issue (i.e. I want to learn how to be kinder to myself) or for support during a short and intense period of life (i.e. following a separation/divorce). In these instances 6-10 sessions is often sufficient to gain traction and make progress towards therapeutic goals. In other cases clients want to form lasting and longer term relationships with their therapist, and can stay “in therapy” for years. As a client-centered therapist I support both. What is important to me is that we continually check in together regarding your goals for therapy and if our work together feels fruitful and effective for you.
What is expected of me, as a client, in therapy?
I strive to foster an environment where you can express your needs in therapy. This includes telling me what is working and not working for you. Your input regarding the process is both necessary and valuable in ensuring positive outcomes in the therapeutic process. You can terminate our sessions anytime, and that will be supported - I expect that you will communicate this to me, rather than “ghosting” me. I expect as much notice as possible in communications regarding cancelling and rescheduling your appointments, and that you will make your payments on time (prior to the commencement of our sessions). I expect that you respect me the same way that I respect you. I will not tolerate abuse of any form. This does not mean intense feelings and emotions cannot be processed in therapy but if I am ever in a position where my safety is threatened I will take every measure available to me to insure I am protected and safe.
What is your Primary Goal as a therapist?
Your well-being, and maintaining an ethical practice in which I do no harm.
Do you use a specific modality?
No. Each person has unique needs. I use an eclectic approach (to see a list of evidence-based therapeutic modalities that I draw from please click here) in which I collaborate with my clients to determine which approach(es) will lead to the most fruitful therapeutic growth. Person-centred therapy is at the core of all the work that I do: holding the conditions of therapeutic growth (unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy, authenticity, and embodied listening).
is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Since the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a lot of new research on this topic. Most of it shows that virtual therapy is as effective as in-person therapy. I believe it’s a personal choice. Some people love the convenience of receiving therapy in the comfort of their own homes, and find it easier to feel safe and relaxed. Online therapy reduces barriers to care for many people (i.e. single parents, folks with disabilities, etc.). Other people prefer to meet in-person. The choice is yours, and I am available for both.
Do you offer a Sliding Scale?
Yes. Please inquire. I am also a registered mental health provider for several benefits programs that you may be eligible for, including the First Nations Health Authority, Crime Victim Assistance Program and Pearlspace Counselling Assistance Program. For existing clients, I offer a compassionate fee policy for times of financial uncertainty or crisis.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
People often express this fear to me. “I want to get help - I want to talk to a therapist - but I don’t know what to say, or how to talk about what’s going on for me”. I want to normalize this experience! It can sometimes feel scary or overwhelming to have someone’s undivided, caring attention. It’s often awkward and there is silence that we are not used to. Together we will navigate these experiences and use them as diving off points to inquire about what the experience is like for you. So, please come as you are. You can prepare talking points, or not! However you show up in therapy on any given day is where we will start. All of you is welcome in the space.
