Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about starting your therapy journey...
Finding the right therapist is important, and having questions is part of the process. Below are answers to some of the questions I hear most often. If you'd like to know more, I'd be happy to chat during a free consultation.
Insurance, Fees, & Logistics
Do you offer in-person counselling or online sessions?
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I offer both options to best fit your lifestyle and comfort levels:
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In-Person Counselling: My practice is located right here in North Vancouver, serving clients across the North Shore and West Vancouver.
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Online Therapy: Secure virtual sessions are available via a confidential, PHIPA/PIPEDA-compliant telehealth platform for adults located anywhere throughout British Columbia.
What are your rates and session lengths?
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Initial Consultation: Free (15 minutes via phone or secure video). This is a no-pressure space to see if we are a good fit.
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Individual Counselling Session: $165 per 55-minute session
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Payment is due at the time of your session and can be made via e-transfer or credit card.
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Longer sessions are available upon request, especially for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Can I claim your counselling services under my extended health benefits?
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Many extended health insurance plans in British Columbia cover sessions with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). Because every insurance provider and specific policy is different, I highly recommend contacting your insurance provider before our first session. You can ask them: "Does my plan cover services provided by a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)?" I will provide you with an official receipt after each session that you can submit for reimbursement.
Do you offer direct billing?
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Yes! To make accessing mental health support as seamless as possible, I can offer direct billing for many major extended health insurance companies. This means I can submit the claim on your behalf at the end of our session, reducing or completely eliminating your out-of-pocket expenses on the spot.
What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Life happens, and I understand. I ask for 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less notice, or missed sessions, are charged $50 as the time is reserved specifically for you.
Do I need a doctor's referral to book a session?
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No, you do not need a referral from a family doctor or general practitioner to work with me. You can reach out and book an initial appointment or a free consultation directly through my website at any time.
Getting Started
I've never been to therapy before. What happens during the first session?
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Please take a deep breath—there is no pressure to have everything figured out or to know exactly what to say. Our first session is entirely about creating safety and getting to know each other. We will review confidentiality, talk a little bit about what brings you to therapy, and discuss what you hope to experience or change. We will move entirely at your pace, and you only ever share what you feel ready to share.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. What you share in our sessions is private and protected. I follow strict professional and legal confidentiality standards, and my online sessions run on a secure, PHIPA/PIPEDA-compliant platform. There are a few legal exceptions I'm required to explain in our first session — such as risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else, or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.
How do I know if we are a good fit?
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A strong, safe therapeutic relationship is the most important ingredient for healing. This is why I offer a free 15-minute consultation. It gives us a chance to speak briefly, allows you to share what you're struggling with, and lets you get a sense of my tone and presence. If it feels right to you, we can move forward. If it doesn't, or if you need a different style of therapy, I am happy to help connect you with other trusted professionals on the North Shore.
What will we actually do in therapy?
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My practice is collaborative and highly personalized. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, I integrate evidence-based frameworks that heal both the mind and the nervous system. I draw heavily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma, and The Change Triangle® tool for navigating anxiety and core emotions. Please reach out for a 15 minute consultation to get an idea of what therapy is like.
Are you a psychologist? Can you prescribe medication?
I'm a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) registered with the CCPA, not a psychologist or physician, so I don't diagnose or prescribe medication. If medication is something you'd like to explore, I'm happy to work alongside your family doctor or a psychiatrist as part of your care.
How long will I need to be in counselling?
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Because healing is entirely unique to the individual, there is no set timeline. Some clients find that focusing on a specific tool (like ART for a traumatic memory or The Change Triangle for acute anxiety) brings significant relief and clarity in just a few months. Other clients choose to stay in therapy longer to process deeper, lifelong patterns around self-esteem, body image, and emotional overwhelm. We will check in regularly to make sure our work together continues to serve your goals.
What if I'm in crisis or need urgent support between sessions?
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My practice isn't an emergency or crisis service, so I'm not able to provide urgent same-day support. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline, available across Canada, 24/7), call the Crisis Centre BC line at 1-800-784-2433, or call 911 in an emergency. We can make sure we have a support plan in place for the time between our sessions.