Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the free consultation?
Counselling is about relationship. At the free consultation, we have a chance to meet each other and you can see if we are a good fit to continue to work together. We can talk about what you are looking for in a counsellor and ways that we can work together to help you. Free consultations are 30 mins.
I’ve never been to counselling before, what can I expect?
You can expect a safe, comfortable, and confidential space to access support. During your first session, we will spend some time getting to know each other and start to explore what brought you to counselling at your own pace. My approach is client-centred, which means I follow your lead in how fast or slow you need the pace of our work together to be.
How long is a session?
Sessions are 60mins long. If this feels too long for you, we can make a plan to find the right length of session. Some youth prefer shorter, 45min sessions.
Are services confidential?
Yes, all counselling services are completely confidential. Talking about challenges can be difficult and it is important that your counselling services are a safe and confidential space where you can be open and honest about what is going on for you.
As a registered clinical counsellor, I am bound my professional code of ethics and can only share information about you if I am concerned that you are going to hurt yourself, hurt someone else, or if a child has been/is at risk of being harmed. In the case that I need to contact additional services to support you, I will let you know ahead of time.
What is the accessibility of your office?
My office is located in a shared building with no stairs. The office is accessed through a non-automated gate and short outdoor, paved path and through a non-automated door. I can assist with opening the gate and door upon arrival if needed.
There is a small (2 feet wide), single stall, gender neutral washroom. The washroom is, unfortunately, likely not large enough to comfortably accommodate most wheelchairs.
The office has a wood floor and area rug. The seating available are armchairs and a couch. There is natural light from one window, with curtains, and lamp lighting.
If the office space is not accessible for you, we can plan to do video sessions or I am also happy to arrange to meet in a community location.
Do you work with young children?
Currently, I am not working with young children 12 and under. Please contact me via email with any questions about young clients.
My child doesn’t want to come to counselling but I think it would be helpful for them, what should I do?
Sometimes the idea of counselling can feel intimidating or overwhelming for young people. It is important for young people to want to come to counselling in order for the work to be helpful and meaningful. For youth that are feeling hesitant, I recommend trying 1-2 sessions so that they can decide if counselling is something that feels right for them without having to commit to regular sessions right away.
Pressuring young people to come to counselling or using counselling as a punishment for behaviours that you do not agree with is not helpful and can make accessing supports in the future more difficult.
Will my session be covered by my insurance?
Many insurance plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), make sure to check with your insurance provider before booking your session.
At this time, I do not offer direct billing to insurance providers.
I am also registered with the First Nations Health Authority and can direct bill if you are covered under FNHA.
Are you registered with the Crime Victim Assistance Program?
Yes. I am a registered service provider with the Crime Victim Assistance Program. Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) offers financial support for accessing counselling services for victims and witnesses of crime and family members of those impacted by crime. CVAP can be directly billed.
For more information about the program eligibility visit the CVAP website at:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits
How do I pay for sessions?
I’m currently using e-transfers for all payments. We can discuss payment options at your first session.
Do you offer sliding scale or low-cost options?
I offer a limited number of sliding-scale/ lower cost spots based on need. If the cost of counselling is a barrier for you any time during our work together, we can talk about options to make it feel more manageable. Sliding-scale clients decide a rate that feels manageable for them which is typically between $80-$130 per session.