a paradox to embrace
How much does therapy with you cost?
It's free since I'm still in the process of being registered.
Where will therapy take place?
Therapy will take place online via Zoom.
How do I schedule my appointments?
You can schedule sessions using our online booking system. After our first session, we'll determine frequency of meeting and dates, and then you can book those dates online
What if I cannot make it to a session?
That's completely okay, life happens! Just let me know .
Will there be any written record of what I say? What happens to that record?
I will take and keep notes from our sessions, but they will be kept on our secure system which only I will have access to.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Yes, unless you're planning to harm yourself or others. In those cases, other people may need to get involved.
Some questions you might have ...
What kind of therapy do you do?
I have an eclectic therapeutic style comprised of: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Well-Being Therapy (WBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Narrative Therapy (NT).
This means that we will explore what well-being looks like in your life (WBT), what thoughts (& accompanying emotions/behaviours) interrupt your well-being (CBT), and what story those interruptions tell (NT). Then, from a mindful and compassionate posture (CFT), we will look at what new stories may be available to you and how that can change your thoughts, emotions and behaviors so that you can live more in well-being than outside of it. I also work from a holistic lens that includes faith or spirituality in your healing journey.
How can I tell if a therapist is a good match for me?
You can tell a therapist is a good match for you by gauging how safe you feel with them. Do you trust them enough to share the hard things in your life with them? Do they make you feel seen and valued? Do you enjoy your sessions with them? These are some questions to help you discern.
How long will therapy take?
There is no standardized timeliness because each person is unique. That being said, I would say to expect 10-15 sessions although that number could change depending on what comes up as we work together.
Are mental health and mental illness the same?
Mental health is defined by The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety as “a state of well-being in which a person understands his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
The Mental Health Commission of Canada defines mental Illness as a “range of behaviors, thoughts and emotions that can result in some level of distress or impairment in areas such as school, work, social and family interactions and the ability to live independently … and are often associated with a formal medical diagnosis.”
Can I decide to see a different therapist?
Yes. I want you to flourish and that may not happen best with me as your therapist. That is absolutely okay as long as you're getting the care that you need. I would just ask that you let me know that you want to go with someone else rather than ghosting me.
How can therapy benefit me?
Therapy can be a life-changing process as you navigate poor mental health or mental illness for at least a couple of reasons. First, it can be helpful to have an outside person offer a different perspective on your life. Second, healing often happens through relationships.
What will a session look like?
We will check-in on how you've been. Then we will review any self-therapy given from a previous session and then move to whatever the next stage of the therapeutic process is for you. We will close with reflection and giving more self-therapy activities.
Do I have to be a Christian/Religious to do therapy with you?
Absolutely not. You can believe in anything you want and still have me as your therapist. I am open and welcoming to all and have experience working with people who are not Christian or religious.
Do you give homework?
Yes, although I prefer to refer to it as self-therapy. The reality is for lasting change to occur in your life, what we work on in a therapy session has to go beyond the session into your real life. Your effort is necessary for therapy to help you meet your goals.
How do you incorporate spirituality or faith in sessions?
I incorporate faith as much or as little as you'd like. This can range from no mention of spirituality to praying in sessions and incorporating Bible verses. It's about what you're comfortable with and what serves you best as you heal.