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FAQ

  • What can I expect from your approach?
    I utilize an integrative model in my work, meaning I blend various therapeutic styles based on the needs of the person receiving counselling support. Trauma-informed care is at the core of what I do, and I actively work to reflect on my biases so that I may more effectively approach counselling from a non-pathologizing lens. Please visit my individual bio here for more information.
  • What do you mean when you refer to a non-pathologizing approach?
    A pathologizing framework tends to view certain patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that fall outside the societal “norm” as abnormal, requiring specific treatment to address and reduce symptoms. In opposition to this, a non-pathologizing approach recognizes that many common life issues have been reduced down to a mental disorder, or in other words have been “pathologized.” A non-pathologizing approach aims to not reduce symptoms to a label, and recognizes that the symptoms we experience, or challenges we face are less about individual infirmities and more about normal, human adaptations to significant societal, systemic influences. My approach puts less of a focus on treating and reducing symptoms as the overall goal, as compared to some conventional approaches. I aim for less of a deficit-based approach and more of a strengths-focused approach.
  • What does “transpersonal” mean?
    Some describe transpersonal as beyond the personal. Cortwright, B. (1997) states “transpersonal psychology can be understood as the melding of the wisdom of the world’s spiritual traditions with the learning of modern psychology.” In other words, transpersonal is the space where psychology and spirit meet. A transpersonal experience is the transcendence of what is considered the “norm” in typical everyday reality. Some of the basic assumptions of transpersonal theory as outlined by Cortwright, B. (1997) include: Our essential nature is spiritual Consciousness is multidimensional Human beings have valid urges toward spiritual seeking, expressed as a search for wholeness through deepening individual, social and transcendent awareness. Contacting a deeper source of wisdom and guidance within is both possible and helpful to growth. Altered states of consciousness are one way of accessing transpersonal experiences and can be an aid to healing and growth. Our life and actions are meaningful. The transpersonal context shapes how the person/client is viewed.
  • What does C.C.C. stand for?
    C.C.C. stands for Canadian Certified Counsellor. There are specific standards and competencies that must be demonstrated in order to be granted this title. Only counsellors who successfully complete this approval process are able to become recognized as certified members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and are therefore allowed to use the trademarked title of Canadian Certified Counsellor.
  • How does C.C.C. compare with R.C.C.?
    C.C.C. and R.C.C. are very similar. The main difference is that C.C.C. is recognized Canada-wide, whereas R.C.C. is specific to British Columbia. R.C.C.'s and C.C.C.'s are now in partnership, advocating for province-wide regulation of the counselling profession.
  • Do you offer in-person visits?
    Unfortunately I am unable to offer in-person sessions at this time. All counselling sessions are conducted via video chat with Jane Online Appointments.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    To avoid being billed for the cost of a full 50-minute appointment, we kindly ask that you please provide a MINIMUM of 24 hours' notice to cancel or re-schedule. Emergency exceptions may apply. Thank you for your understanding.
  • Why do I need to book a consultation before booking a full session?
    A consultation is an opportunity to determine if it feels like a good fit. I believe this is an important first step for all involved prior to committing to a full session. This offering is at no cost to you.
  • What can I expect from a consultation?
    The consultation is approximately 15 minutes in length, and is an opportunity for both counsellor and client to ask questions and/or clarify any curiosities. This can help all involved determine if it feels like a "good fit" to proceed together. I encourage you to come prepared with any questions ahead of time in order to make the best use of the time.
  • What if I decide I am no longer interested after the consultation?
    Not a problem! You are under no obligation to continue if you don’t want to. You will not hurt your counsellor's feelings if you decide not to continue with your counsellor post-consultation. The consult is an opportunity for both counselor and client to see if the connection feels like an energetic "fit" or feels resonant. This is exactly why I have this offering in place. Additionally, I determine it does not feel like a good fit, they can provide you with counsellor directories to assist you in seeking out another provider.
  • What can I expect from participating in counselling?
    As you explore various aspects of your inner and outer world, is normal to experience a range of emotions, feelings and sensations during and/or after a session. As a result of counselling, you may experience changes in your relationships, or changes in your beliefs or ways of thinking. Your counsellor may suggest specific types of exercises or techniques in counselling (i.e., self-awareness exercises, guided imagery, etc.) and you are encouraged to ask about these processes if you have any questions. You may decline any therapeutic suggestions or invitations if you do not wish to participate in them. Our counselling services are voluntary, and you may discontinue with counselling at any time.
  • What topics will we discuss in counselling?
    Your counselling sessions are about you and for you. Ultimately, the topics explored during your sessions are in your hands, and I will be there to meet you. That said, there may be certain things that you wish to delve deeper into that might fall outside of our scope of practice. My hope is that you get a clear sense during your consultation call if your main reasons for seeking counselling align with what your counsellor can offer.
  • How should I prepare for my video counselling session?
    Once you have booked a session in Jane, a booking confirmation email should be automatically sent out to the email associated with your Jane account. This email will indicate that the session is an online video appointment. There will be a "test my device" button. We strongly encourage you to test your device ahead of time, so that you can get the most out of your scheduled appointment time. 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment, you will receive an email with a link to join the video call. Within this email, you should see some recommendations for the best user experience. You will also see "Begin Your Online Appointment." Please click this and wait for your appointment to start.
  • What do you recommend to get the most out of a session?
    In order to get the most out of your session time, and to minimize distractions / interruptions, I have laid out a few recommendations below. These are merely suggestions. Please take what works, and leave what doesn’t. Unless you are expecting an important call, or need to be available in case of emergencies, we invite you to turn your cell phone to silent mode before your session starts. Let family members, roommates, or anyone else you live with know that you’ll be unavailable for the next hour. Arrange childcare plans as needed. Settle into a private, quiet space prior to your session time. Dedicate 5-10 minutes before your session to breathe, ground, stretch, and/or consider what you would like to focus on during your session. Between sessions, if you think of something you’d like to focus on, write it down as soon as you think of it so you don’t forget. When your next session time arrives, please let the counsellor know at the beginning of the session.
  • What are your counselling session fees?
    A 50 minute counselling session fee is $140.00. *Please note: as of January 1, 2025, my rate will increase to $145.00 plus GST.
  • How do I provide payment for my session?
    JaneApp will prompt you to put a credit card on file when booking a 50-minute appointment. You will be billed after each session. I kindly ask that you provide a MINIMUM of 24 hours' notice to cancel or re-schedule an appointment to avoid being billed in full for the missed appointment. Emergency exceptions may apply. Thank you for your understanding.
  • Can I get reimbursed for the cost of my counselling sessions?
    Some, but not all insurance companies will cover session fees for providers who hold the C.C.C. designation. Coverage is not consistent across all insurance companies, so it is up to you to check with your own specific insurance company to determine if your sessions are eligible for reimbursement.
  • Can I use your receipt (Canadian Certified Counsellor) to receive a deduction on taxes?
    Taken directly from the CCPA website: “Clients may be able to use any medical receipts that have not been reimbursed by health plans to receive deductions on their taxes. Typically, the medical expenses must add up to 3% of their income in order to have an effect.”
  • Where are you located?
    I currently reside on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Coast Salish peoples.
  • Can I work with you if I live outside of Canada?
    I provide counselling support within Canada only.
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