FAQ

During the initial session(s) we will get to know one another and delve into what concerns have brought you to counselling. Once there is understanding and trust between us, subsequent sessions will focus on helping you gain a better understanding of your behaviours and emotional patterns. We then develop problem solving strategies in order to attain your goals.

If you have extended health care benefits, your insurance plan may provide full or partial coverage for psychological services. Psychological services are also considered health services when filing your yearly taxes.
We bill several insurance companies directly! For those companies we are unable to bill directly detailed invoices and receipts are provided so that you may readily seek coverage for your expenses. Families are encouraged to obtain information directly from their insurance companies regarding extent of coverage.

For therapeutic services, sessions are typically 50-minutes long. They can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on the reason for therapy. I like to take a client-centred approach and allow the client to have input in to the service planning. The duration of therapy is based on the individual and many factors should be considered (e.g. presenting issue, expectations, type of work chosen to do).

Prior to starting any therapeutic relationship, we will review confidentiality with our clients.
The law protects the relationship between a client and a therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself
• Minors (under 18 y/o) must be accompanied to their first appointment by a parent in order to provide informed consent for services and to discuss the limitations of confidentiality for the minor, unless they are a mature minor

Medication can be very helpful. It can be the lift you need to feel well enough to start seeking help. However, medication can only treat the symptoms of an issue, where as therapy attempts to address the root cause of the distress and behaviour patterns. It’s my belief that people can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what’s best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action (which is evidence based). With your consent, I am happy to work collaboratively with your physician to discuss treatment planning and best outcomes.

Prior to Your Appointment

If you are feeling unwell, please call our office and move your appointment to Video or Telephone based.

Please do not arrive more than 5 mins early for your session.  If you arrive and there is one person in the reception area we ask that you please wait in the hallway at a safe distance from the doors.

As per City by Law, masks are required in the lobby and elevators.

Upon Arrival at the Office

As per City by Law you must have a mask on until you are seated in a therapy room.

We ask that only the client with the session attend the office. One Guardian may attend with a minor client.

We will ask that you sanitize your hands with our hand sanitizer as you enter the office.

We have blocked off 2 of our chairs in the reception area. All magazines and toys are removed to encourage distancing and discourage high touch items.

We have staggered appointment start times to support distancing.

We have enhanced our cleaning and sanitation protocols everywhere in the office, but especially at high touch areas.

We will no longer be able to offer you water, tea or coffee.

During Session

Bring your own pen if it makes you more comfortable, of course we will have freshly sanitized pens available.

Your Therapist will direct you to a room and advise which section of the couch to sit on.

You may remove your mask once seated. Please sanitize hands before and after touching your mask.

Please place your mask on the table/tray provided. Do not place your mask directly on the furniture.

All rooms are completely sanitized before each patient is seated (this has always been the case)

Our team will meet and exceed all treatment guidelines set out to us by our Government, Alberta Health Services, as well as our respective Colleges. Both you and our team are completely safe.

Checking out After Your Appointment

We will minimize contact as much as is possible, as well as implement distancing protocols

We have set up plexiglass barriers at reception.

We encourage contactless payment. You may e-transfer if you wish, or tap limit is set to our average session rate.

We will ask that you sanitize your hands when leaving the office.