Blog
Making The First Step To a Better You
We're always ready to help. Book your free consultation or contact us whenever you need assistance.
Booking
Making The First Step To a Better You
We're always ready to help. Book your free consultation or contact us whenever you need assistance.
Phone
Office
456 Harbour Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G6
FAQs
Discover answers to your questions about therapy and how to begin your healing journey.
Why do a 15 minute consultation
It is a chance to ask any remaining questions, talk about your preferences for in-person or online sessions, share what you are looking for help with, and learn about my approach, availability, and modalities. It is not a sales pitch but simply an opportunity to see if we are a good fit, and if not, I can suggest other counsellors who may better meet your needs.
Services and Fee
I provide direct funding for clients through the First Nations Health Authority and the Crime Victim Assistance Program. As a registered social worker, most insurance plans can reimburse my services, although I do not offer direct billing except for ICBC and FNHA clients. My rate is $125 for a 50-minute session, and I offer a sliding scale for those who may need financial flexibility.
What is confidentiality?
Confidentiality is the foundation of the counselling process and means that what you share in therapy stays between us. Knowing our conversations are private can make it easier to open up about sensitive topics you may have kept to yourself, and I am committed to protecting that privacy both ethically and legally. There are only three exceptions, which are outlined in the intake form: if I believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others, if you disclose that a child is being harmed, or if I am required to respond to a court subpoena. We will take time in our first session to talk more about confidentiality and answer any questions you may have.
How long does counselling take?
The length of counselling varies for each person and depends on your goals. Some clients make significant progress in as few as eight sessions, while others choose to continue for years. We can talk about your preferred timeline during the initial consultation and shape your therapy to fit your needs. Therapy is an investment in yourself, and many people notice greater confidence and improved coping skills after just a few sessions. Once your goals are met, counselling often comes to a natural close or can be scaled back to less frequent sessions.
Will I feel better right away?
While some people notice positive changes quickly, it is common to feel uncomfortable at first, especially when discussing sensitive or difficult topics. This initial phase can sometimes make things feel heavier before they start to lighten. I encourage you to stick with the process, as many people begin to feel the benefits once they move past those early sessions. It is natural to have doubts about whether therapy will help, but I believe that most challenges can improve over time with patience and commitment.
Cancellation Policy
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel your appointment to avoid a $50 late cancellation fee. I understand that emergencies happen, and in those cases the fee can be waived—just reach out to let me know. Whenever possible, 48 hours’ notice is preferred so I can offer the time to someone else. If you do need to cancel, my schedule is fairly flexible and I can usually find another time to meet with you soon.