Each session typically starts with “How are you? How are you doing?” This is an opportunity for you to take a deep breath and authentically answer how you are really doing. Clients will often reflect on their weeks and recount the good moments and the challenging moments. If a client is unsure of what to discuss, I often simply ask, “what do you want to chat about today?” It often progresses naturally from there.

The first session is called an intake session. At that time I gather basic information such as numbers, email address and method of payment.

You will be asked to sign an informed consent form which explains the process of counselling, what information is confidential and the benefits/risks of counselling.

Then a lot of questions are asked around your story, how you arrived at this point in life and where you would like to be in the future. Together we create goals for your counselling process.

With all counselling sessions, we move at your pace. If you do not yet feel comfortable sharing information about your life, that is fully acceptable.

The average person will attend counselling for 5 to 7 sessions. Occasionally further sessions are desired or clients sometimes like to have a “checkup” session in a few months after the initial counselling is completed. Counselling occurs at your pace which means you can come every week, every other week or once a month depending on your preferences.

Although counselling services are not covered under the Medical Services Plan of BC, you may be eligible for funding from your Extended Health Benefits. You may be able to submit your receipt for partial reimbursement. When checking with your provider, ask about a “Registered Clinical Counsellor” as some benefits only reimburse for a psychologist or psychiatrist.