How do I get started with therapy?
What's online therapy?
I do not live in Alberta, BC, or Ontario. Can we work together?
How much does therapy cost?
How can I tell if you are a good fit for me?
What is your cancellation policy?
How long does therapy usually last?
What are all these different types of therapy that you mention?
- Send me an email or give me a call with a brief introduction (just a name and contact information is OK) or book a phone consultation online
- I will contact you to set up a time to speak by phone
- We will talk briefly about what you would like help with
- I'll walk you through what to expect in therapy if it's your first time
- In our first few meetings we'll develop a deeper understanding of the challenges you are facing
- We will develop goals and a plan for working towards your goals
What's online therapy?
- I exclusively offer online therapy
- The structure, format, and content of online therapy is the same as in-person therapy
- Online therapy takes place by video call instead of in an office
- You will need your own private space for your session
I do not live in Alberta, BC, or Ontario. Can we work together?
- It depends on the regulations governing psychology practice in the jurisdiction you are in. Please contact me to learn more.
How much does therapy cost?
- My fee is commensurate with the recommended rate of the BC Psychological Association
- Fees are often reimbursed by private insurance plans and may be tax deductible
How can I tell if you are a good fit for me?
- I offer free a 20 minute phone consultation to help you see whether you feel comfortable talking with me and to help us both determine whether I might be the right person to help
- You can book a phone consultation online or by sending me an email
- I offer online therapy only. Online therapy may be contraindicated for individuals with severe mental disorders or those who are at risk of harming themselves or others
- I have experience working with people a broad range of concerns but currently specialize in working with those struggling with concerns related to worry and anxiety, stress, mood, motivation, life direction and/or transitions, relationships, and emotional eating
- If you have questions about whether we would be a good fit please contact me
- 50 minutes
- Longer sessions (e.g., 75, 100 minutes) may be booked upon request
What is your cancellation policy?
- Please avoid cancelling sessions when possible
- The full fee is charged for sessions cancelled within 48 hours of the session start time or sessions that are missed whatever the reason - insurance usually does not cover sessions that were not attended
- If appointments are repeatedly cancelled I may recommend we stop therapy for the time being
- Most of my clients attend every week or every second week
- That said, I am generally flexible about session frequency depending on your situation - please get in touch to discuss!
How long does therapy usually last?
- The "ideal" duration of therapy varies depending on a) the severity and complexity of your difficulties, b) your goals, and c) how much you practice what you learn in therapy outside of therapy
- CBT (one of the shorter types of therapy) is usually a minimum of 5 - 20 sessions
- Other therapies can last 6 months to a year or more
- Although shorter term therapy (e.g., 5 - 10 sessions) might not be ideal in your situation, it might still be helpful because it can:
- Help you understand what maintains your problems
- Help you learn strategies to manage your problems that you can continue to use beyond the end of therapy
- There's not really a simple answer to this question. The best way to figure it out is to call me and ask or come to therapy, discuss your difficulties and your goals, and try a few sessions to get a gauge on your rate of improvement.
What are all these different types of therapy that you mention?
- There are many schools of thought in therapy/types of therapy, much in the same way there are many different schools of thought in philosophy, fitness, nutrition, etc
- Many of these types of therapy share some common core features and ideas (perhaps because many are spin offs of each other)
- You can inform yourself on some of the therapy approaches I mention on my website here:
- AEDP
- CBT
- ACT
- DBT: This therapy is usually described as a skill-based therapy for borderline personality disorder and/or people who engage in self harm or suicidal behaviour. In my opinion this therapy is helpful for a much wider range of issues.
- Mindfulness: There are a number of therapies included under the umbrella term "mindfulness-based therapies." These are heavily based on using mindfulness to help people improve the mental health, health, and well-being. These mindfulness based-therapies include MBSR, MBCT, MiCBT. ACT and DBT are sometimes considered mindfulness-based therapies as they integrate principles of mindfulness to some extent (but to a lesser extent than the other mindfulness based therapies mentioned).
- I can't prescribe medication. If you think you need medication please consult with your GP or a psychiatrist
- For information on the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist see the Canadian Psychological Association website