Psychotherapy
counselling services
What Does Therapy Look Like?
We meet. One-on-one. In-person or Online.
“Talk” Therapy: I’ll ask you questions so we can expand our awareness and understanding of your situation. I’ll listen and actively engage in a two-way dialogue with you.
Somatic-Focus: Depending on your comfort level, I will also guide you to notice what your body is communicating to you through your posture, body language, and physical sensations as we dialogue.
Keep scrolling to learn more about what therapy entails.
To reach for support is an act of strength-
Most often we seek therapy because we are suffering in some way, and we need help dealing with it.
It takes quite a lot of courage and energy to decide to seek therapy, go through the process of finding a therapist, give the first session a try, and if it’s a good fit, continue through the process. It is vulnerable to open up to a stranger about what you are struggling with and to allow this stranger to meet with you during what may be one of your lowest points.
I’ve had clients say, “I wish you could see me when I’m at my best”. I completely understand that sentiment. Yet therapy presents us with a paradox: We are often strongest when we feel the weakest. As a therapist, it is truly awe-inspiring to witness someone in the thick of suffering who is courageously allowing themselves to cry, to be in pain, to do the messy healing work. It is an honour to bear witness to the amazing capacity human beings have in the midst of their darkest moments. There is not one weak thing about it. So you may not be feeling your best, but I assure you, I will never discount the strength it takes to walk through my door. Whether you are reading this as part of your search for the right therapist or you decide to work with me, just know that I honour you and what it takes to be here.
What does therapy entail?
Therapy is about meeting with you one-on-one to support you in dealing with your concern(s). The therapeutic process can look different depending on what you need. Generally, therapy involves exploring your concern(s), yourself, your relationships, your life through dialogue to deepen our understanding and identify what it is that you need. This may include identifying resources and helping equip you with techniques or tools you need to deal with your situation. We may help you come to and enact a decision or support you in holding the tension when a situation is not easily changeable.
The following are some of the areas where my work has been focused. They are listed in categories for an easier read, but by no means does that mean these areas are singular and that our work needs to only stay within the domain of one of these areas. In fact, most often our concerns lie at the intersections of many areas of life coming together. You may come to therapy with a specific concern or focus you want us to explore, but it is not uncommon for this to expand to other areas as your life unfolds and our work progresses.
Areas of Focus-
What happens in session?
Exploring
I’ll be asking you lots of questions about yourself with the aim of understanding who you are, your relationships, what you value, how your mind and body processes your experiences, what you are struggling with, and more.
listening
I’ll be listening to what you are saying, what you are really saying, and what you are not saying–if you get my drift. My aim is to fully understand your experience and what you’re describing. My personal style is that there isn’t a clipboard and a notepad–just me! I’m fully focused on you in session.
attuning
Attunement is listening in an embodied way. I’ll be attuning to what you say, as well as how you say it: your body language, posture, tone of voice, facial expressions and other cues that communicate your emotional experience. Attunement allows us to set the pace and direction of therapy so that the process is in alignment with you.
Dialoguing
Although listening is anything but passive, it can sometimes feel that way to clients. At times I take a more receptive stance in session, but often I’ll be actively participating in the dialogue: asking questions, sharing my impressions, offering information, and challenging ways of thinking/being so we can expand your understanding of yourself.
Educating
I will provide information, research, and resources that may be helpful to enhance your understanding of yourself and your suffering and that would provide support for your healing and recovery. I will also teach helpful techniques and tools to use outside of session.
The Details-
| Clientele | Adults (18+), Individual therapy | |
| Format | In-person and/or online | |
| Length | 50 minutes | |
| Fee | $235 | |
| Payment | Credit card, e-transfer, direct billing to insurance |
Do I need to do anything to prepare for session?
Before upcoming sessions, it is helpful to set an intention by thinking about what you’d like us to focus on. This helps to ensure you are getting the most of your session. Some clients like to take notes during session and will bring notebooks/journals.
It can also be helpful to schedule/factor in time to rest and decompress after your session.
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
Therapy isn’t always the most accessible, especially if you don’t have coverage. I do offer some sliding scale options in special circumstances. If you cannot afford the full fee, I encourage you to inquire about this during the intake call and we can discuss possible options further.
How do I know if you can help me?
Once you submit an inquiry, I’ll set up a time with you to have a phone consultation so we can assess whether we are a good fit. Before you submit an inquiry, I recommend reading through the about pages to learn more about me and my approach.
How long/how often do people usually go to therapy for?
There is no set amount of sessions you have to attend, and everyone is different in terms of what they need. This is the same for frequency – you get to decide how often you would like to come. You also have no obligation to continue coming for therapy and you can stop at any time.
Are there specific areas of focus or types of approaches you do not work with or specialize in?
Yes – if the following concern(s) are your main concern that you want to focus on, then I recommend seeking a therapist who specializes in these areas:
- OCD
- Psychosis and related conditions
- BPD (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is most often recommended)
- Eating disorders (active)
- Addiction
Approaches I don’t specialize in: - Child & adolescent therapy
- Couples & family counselling
- EMDR
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)