Frequent Questions |
My Approach |
Cost and Scheduling |
Frequent Questions
What can you expect from your counselling experience?
Counselling sessions, whether in-person or virtual, provide a safe space to be seen and heard while exploring personal and emotional issues. Counselling can help process trauma, change unhealthy behaviour patterns, develop healthy relationships, and address mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
How do sessions usually go?
Your first several sessions with a new therapist are your opportunity to share the issues you wish to address and your goals for counselling. In my experience it often takes 2-3 sessions to clarify issues and goals. Subsequent sessions will usually begin with the therapist asking you (1) if there is anything specifically you with to address in that session or (2) if you would like to pickup where you left off last session or perhaps (3) return to a specific goal. Remember, this is your therapy so you set the direction of each session.
Why am I doing all the talking and the therapist is just listening?
Counselling is mostly about giving you the floor to externalize your thoughts and feelings, to say things out loud that you may never have said out loud before. The therapist is actively listening to you and will ask questions to help you reflect and explore. When appropriate the therapist may share educational materials (worksheets, strategies, tools) and discuss them with you.
How many times do I need to go to counselling?
The answer to this question varies from as few as 3 sessions to as many 12-15 or more. Sometimes 2 or 3 sessions will help you clarify the issues you wish to work on and to develop a plan to address them that you can work through on your own or with, for example, monthly check-ins. Other times the issues you are looking at have developed over time and require time to untangle and address.
How frequently should I schedule my counselling?
Often the first few sessions are weekly as you explore issues and begin to develop a plan with your therapist. Part of that plan may include subsequent weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedules depending. You may wish schedule weekly sessions when you begin therapy and as you feel more comfortable move to bi-weekly sessions. An important element to consider is how much work you are able to do between sessions (reflections, worksheets, actions).
How do I know which approach is best for me?
During the first several counselling sessions you and your therapist may discuss different therapeutic approaches. For example, an approach such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may be appropriate when your thoughts seem to have a mind of their own often taking you to places you don’t want to go. However, issues such as life-transitions may benefit from narrative therapy to re-establish ones’ identity. Many therapists integrate several therapeutic approaches in their work with clients.
How do I select a counsellor?
The answer to this is two-fold: (1) based on approach and (2) based on fit between you and the counsellor.
1) Counsellors provide support for a range of mental-health issues but may specialize in specific areas (couples counselling, involuntary retirement, etc.). This can help you narrow your search by reviewing counselling websites and profiles.
2) Counsellors also come in all shapes and sizes. A good fit between you and your counsellor, someone you feel comfortable and safe with, can make it up to 1/3 more likely that your counselling with be successful.
My Approach
I am curious and have learned to really listen to what you have to say. I find that given a safe space, people find relief in sharing things they may never have shared with anyone else before. I use a narrative approach where I may ask you to tell your story using both cognitive and emotional lenses (the notorious ‘how did that make you feel’ lens).
I believe in an integrative therapeutic model that includes:
|
|
I serve a number of areas of concern including, but not limited to,
|
|
Cost and Scheduling
How much do you charge and how do I schedule an appointment with you?
My rates can be found here: Counselling Rates
I am using Janeapp to help with scheduling. To schedule an appointment, please click on the button below: