Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Starting Your Therapy Journey
Finding the right therapist is an important part of the healing process, and having questions is completely natural. Below are answers to some of the questions I hear most often. If you'd like to know more, I'd be happy to connect with you during a complimentary consultation.
Insurance, Fees & Logistics
Information about fees, insurance, cancellation, online therapy, confidentiality and other practical ideas
Getting Started
Answers about how to book, what to expect in your first session, and how to know if counselling is right for you
The Therapy Process
Learn about session length, how therapy works, how long it might take, and what progress can look like
Fees and Logistics
Do you offer in-person counselling or online sessions?
Yes, I offer secure online counselling for clients across British Columbia, as well as in-person in North Vancouver.
Do you accept extended health benefits?
Yes. I'm a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). Please check with your benefits provider to make sure they cover clinical counselling or psychotherapy provided by a CCC. I can provide a receipt at the end of our session that you may submit for reimbursement.
How much does counselling cost?
My fee is $165 for a 55 minute session. You can pay online using the Jane app or e-transfer.
Can you provide direct billing?
I offer direct billing with Sun Life, PBC, and participating insurers through TELUS Health eClaims. Coverage varies by plan, so I recommend confirming that your plan covers counselling with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). With your permission, I may also be able to check your coverage for you.
How do I know if I need counselling?
You don't have to be in crisis or have a diagnosis to benefit from counselling. You might simply know that something doesn't feel right, feel stuck in patterns you can't seem to change, or find yourself struggling with anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, food, body image or a difficult life transition.
You also don't need to know exactly what's wrong or what you want to work on. Sometimes figuring that out is where we begin.
Do you offer a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit?
Yes. Finding the right counsellor is important. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation so we can connect, talk briefly about what you’re looking for, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit.
How do I find the right counsellor for me?
Finding the right counsellor is personal. It’s important to feel comfortable, understood, and able to be yourself. That’s why I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, get a sense of my approach, and see whether working together feels right for you.
Getting Started
I've never been to therapy before. What happens during the first session?
There's no pressure to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. Our first session is focused on getting to know one another. We'll discuss what's bringing you to therapy, explore your goals, and begin understanding what support would feel most helpful for you. You only ever share what feels comfortable and manageable. We move entirely at your pace.
How often should I go to counselling?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Many clients begin with weekly or biweekly sessions, depending on what they’re working through, their goals, availability and budget. As things begin to shift, we may decide together to space sessions further apart. We’ll find a rhythm that works for you.
The Therapy Process
What will we actually do in therapy?
How long will I need to be in counselling?
Therapy with me is collaborative, personalized, and tailored to your unique needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
I integrate evidence-based approaches that support both the mind and nervous system, including:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT)
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As well as somatic and mindfulness tools
Together, we'll identify patterns, build emotional awareness, strengthen coping strategies, process difficult experiences, and move toward meaningful change.
Healing is unique to every individual, so there is no set timeline. Some clients experience significant relief and clarity within a few months, particularly when focusing on a specific concern. Others choose to stay in therapy longer to explore deeper, lifelong patterns. We'll regularly check in and make sure our work together continues to align with your goals.
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share during our sessions is private and protected. I follow strict professional, ethical, and legal standards of confidentiality. Online sessions are conducted through a secure FIPA/PIPEDA-compliant platform.
There are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality including:
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Risk of serious and imminent harm to yourself
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Risk of serious and imminent harm to others
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Suspected abuse or neglect of a child
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Court-ordered disclosure where legally required
What’s the difference between a counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist?
Counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists can all support mental health, but their training and roles differ. I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and provide individual counselling and psychotherapy. Psychologists may also provide therapy and can offer psychological assessments and diagnoses, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication.
If you’re not sure what kind of support you need, I’m happy to talk with you about whether counselling might be a good place to start.
What if I'm in crisis or need urgent support between sessions?
My practice is not an emergency or crisis service, and I am unable to provide urgent same-day support. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please access immediate support:
Call or Text 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada) Available 24/7
Crisis Centre BC 1-800-784-2433
Emergency Services Call 911
When appropriate, we can work together to create a support plan for the time between sessions.