What is counselling?
- Clinical counselling (therapy/psychotherapy) supports mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
- It helps strengthen your relationship with yourself, others, and your community.
- A trusting, comfortable relationship with your counsellor is essential, especially when discussing difficult topics.
- You are always welcome to ask questions about the counselling process.
What are the benefits of counselling?
- Gaining new insight into challenges and patterns.
- Learning new coping strategies and problem solving skills.
- Developing healthier behaviours and communication.
- Increasing self understanding and awareness of others.
- Feeling more grounded, supported, and equipped to navigate life.
Are there risks to counselling?
- Therapy may bring up strong emotions or difficult memories.
- You may feel worse before you feel better, especially when processing trauma.
- Changes in awareness can shift how you see yourself and your relationships.
- You can discuss concerns or discomfort with me at any time.
What is my role as the client?
- Counselling works best when both client and counsellor are actively engaged.
- You set the pace; I act as a guide and sounding board.
- You can ask questions, decline interventions, or withdraw consent at any time.
- While many people experience reduced distress and improved relationships, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
How long are appointments?
- Standard sessions are 60 minutes.
- Frequency depends on your needs, goals, and availability.
- Longer or shorter sessions can be arranged by mutual agreement.
Are sessions online or in person?
- Sessions are available in person or online.
- In person locations are the Downtown Vancouver Clinic at 808 Nelson Street and the Broadway / Fairview Clinic at 750 West Broadway. Please visit the Locations page for complete details.
- Online sessions: Require a stable internet connection, updated browser, microphone, and camera. A secure video link is provided in your appointment confirmation email.
How do I schedule an appointment?
- Before we begin to work together, I offer a complimentary introductory phone call for new clients.
- Online booking lets you either pay in advance or skip payment; after your session, an invoice with payment details will be emailed to you.
- After the initial consult, if you decide to work with me, you can request an appointment by email or through the online scheduling link.
What is your policy for late arrivals, cancellations, or missed appointments?
- Please give 24 hours’ notice by email or phone if you need to cancel or reschedule.
- Missed sessions or late cancellations are charged the full session fee, unless circumstances were truly beyond your control.
- Insurance providers generally do not reimburse missed or late cancelled sessions.
- I’ll try to find another time to meet when possible.
- If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time.
What if I feel sick on the day of my inperson appointment?
- If you have cold or flu symptoms—or anything noted in the BC Thrive Health Assessment—please do not attend in person. Email or call me, and we can reschedule or switch to virtual counselling.
- The usual 24hour cancellation policy is waived in these situations.
What are your counselling fees?
- A 60 minute individual session is $150 CAD.
- Longer sessions are prorated and agreed upon at booking.
How can I pay for my session?
- Payment is due on the day of your appointment. You may pay by: cash, Interac e-transfer, or credit card online.
- Online booking lets you either pay in advance or skip payment; after your session, an invoice with payment details will be emailed to you.
- Receipts are provided for insurance or reimbursement purposes.
Does insurance cover counselling?
- Counselling is not covered by MSP, but many extended health plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs). Coverage varies—please check with your provider or financial advisor.