The first session often includes a general discussion about your reasons for seeking counselling. We will spend time discussing your personal goals and check in regularly throughout our time together to make sure you feel you are making progress toward them.
We may also discuss some of your personal background and history, to get a sense of when your current problem(s) may have started and/or what has prompted them. If you are not comfortable answering questions that are asked as part of this intake process, you always have the right to say “no” or to pass on any question or topic at any time.
It's not uncommon to feel anxious when you start counselling. I will do everything I can to make sure you feel safe and comfortable before exploring your personal concerns in any great depth. Please feel free to let me know if there is anything that would help to increase your sense of safety and comfort prior to your first session.
Counselling can be difficult and personally challenging at times. You may find that it brings about painful emotions, unfamiliar sensations, and/or recollection of unpleasant events or memories. You might be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone, which can be uncomfortable. This discomfort is usually temporary and tends to subside as you develop new coping strategies and/or different ways of thinking.
On the one hand, you may leave sessions feeling tired, annoyed, or upset; on the other, you might feel relieved, motivated or energized. These experiences are all normal. If you have any reactions that concern or scare you, please discuss them with me so we can explore ways to help you cope with them.
Over time, I hope you will discover the many benefits of counselling, which can include improved coping skills, enhanced relationships, increased sense of self-awareness and/or self-control, and achievement of your personal goals.
Session fees are $200 per 50-minute session, as per the recommended fee schedule set by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta. Payment is due at the time of each session and may be covered in whole or part by your employer benefits or other health insurance plan. Receipts that are not submitted to insurance may be tax-deductible on your income tax return.
Accepted payment methods are cash, cheque, electronic bank transfer, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Visa Debit, and Debit MasterCard.
I offer direct-billing for most insurance companies*, including:
*Some individual plans may not allow for direct billing. Please check with your provider to see if there are any restrictions on your plan prior to your session if you are unsure.
It's easy! Just send me a message or give me a call at 780-908-2376 to set up your first session. If you still have questions, we can also arrange a free 30-minute telephone consultation to make sure we'll be a good fit.
We'll work together to determine how this looks for you. Begin with a free 30 minute phone consultation.