Frequently Asked Questions

Both. Some people to come in person, others find it more convenient to have a session in the comfort of their own home. Either is fine and equally effective.

Yes, I can direct bill all major insurance companies through your extended health plan – no need to pay anything up front.

Unfortunately, no. Currently, private counselling is not covered under MSP. There are some programs available in the community, and I would be happy to discuss these with you if you are in need.

Most sessions are one hour long. However, we can book longer appointments if we feel it would be helpful.

In the beginning, regularity is important to build momentum and trust in the process. Weekly or biweekly sessions tend to work best for most people. You’ll have a sense of what feels right for you, and we can also explore that together as we go. As healing unfolds and integration deepens, sessions naturally become more spaced out — shifting to what best supports your continued growth and balance.

I ask for 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule without charge.

Sessions that start late will still end at the scheduled time. Missed sessions without notice are billed at the full rate.

Feeling comfortable with your counsellor is one of the most important parts of therapy. You don’t need to know right away—sometimes it takes a session or two to get a sense of how it feels to work together. I encourage clients to notice whether they feel heard, respected, and at ease. You don’t have to share everything at once; it’s perfectly fine to start slowly. If at any point you sense that my style isn’t the right match, I’ll fully support you in finding someone who is. My goal is always that you receive the support that feels right for you.

That’s completely okay. For some people, counselling is the first time they’ve ever spoken about painful experiences, and finding words for it can be deeply healing. But for others, the very idea of having to talk about what happened can feel overwhelming — and may even keep them from seeking help. The good news is that healing doesn’t always require telling or reliving the story. Modern therapies like EMDR and IFS can bring about profound transformation without you needing to describe the events in detail. Instead, we use present-moment sensations in the body as a doorway to healing, allowing your system to resolve trauma safely and gently — without re-traumatization.

That’s completely okay — many people feel uncertain before beginning. It’s normal to wonder what counselling will be like, or whether you’re truly ready to open up. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start; curiosity and a willingness to explore are enough. In fact, the very act of checking out this website is often a sign that a part of you is ready for support. Our first session is simply a conversation to see how it feels and whether it’s the right time and fit for you. Sometimes just taking that first small step can bring unexpected clarity and relief.

Our first session is mostly about getting to know each other. You can share what brings you here and what you hope for, at whatever pace feels comfortable. I’ll ask a few gentle questions to help me get a sense of what kind of support might be most helpful. We’ll also talk about how therapy works, what approaches I use, and what you can expect from me. There’s no need to prepare or have everything figured out — this first meeting is simply a chance to see how it feels to work together and whether it’s a good fit.

Therapy doesn’t always bring instant change, but over time you may start to notice subtle shifts — feeling calmer, lighter, or more compassionate toward yourself. You might respond differently in situations that used to trigger you, or you may find you recover more quickly after stress. Sometimes others notice changes before you do. Healing tends to unfold gradually and gently, and I’ll check in with you regularly so we can sense together how things are moving and adjust the pace or focus as needed.

That’s more common than people realize. Sometimes a particular approach, timing, or therapist just isn’t the right fit — and that’s okay. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it can take a few tries to find what truly resonates. Many of the newer trauma-informed approaches, like IFS and EMDR, work at a deeper level than traditional talk therapy and can reach places that words alone can’t. If you’re open to exploring, we can go gently, at your pace, and see whether this way of working feels different for you.

Absolutely. You are always in charge of your own process. You can pause, stop, or take a break from counselling whenever you need to. There’s no obligation or pressure to continue beyond what feels right for you. My role is to support your healing — and that includes trusting your sense of timing and readiness.