Q: What is therapy and how does it work?

A: Therapy looks different to different people, overall, it involves an individual meeting with a trained professional to discuss and work through a variety of personal and emotional issues. My goal is to help you gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and provide tools and strategies to improve your overall well-being.

Q: How do I know if I need therapy?

A: Therapy can be beneficial for anyone who is struggling with emotional or mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship problems. If you are experiencing symptoms that are impacting your daily life, such as difficulty sleeping, low mood, or difficulty coping with stress, therapy may be helpful. That said, not everyone benefits from therapy. If you’re not sure, I offer a free 15-minute virtual consultation where we discuss your concerns and see if we would be a good fit in working together.

Q: What should I expect during my first therapy session?

A: During your first appointment, we will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, medical and mental health history, current symptoms and functioning, and come up with a preliminary plan together. We will also talk about the process of therapy and confidentiality and its limits.

Q: How often do I need to go to therapy?

A: The frequency of therapy depends on individual(s) needs and goals. Some people may benefit from weekly sessions, while others may only need to meet once a month. We can discuss this in our first appointment to determine the best schedule to meet your needs.

Q: Is therapy confidential?

A: Yes, therapy is confidential, however there are limits. These limits include if your therapist has reasonable grounds to believe there is a clear and substantial risk that you will inflict imminent, serious harm on yourself or on others. Your therapist has reasonable grounds to believe that intervention on behalf of a child or vulnerable person is necessary, such as in situations of neglect, abandonment, or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Your therapist is required to do so under federal or provincial law, or by court order.

Q: Do I need a referral?

A: No referral is needed to access services. 

Q: How much does therapy cost?

A: The cost of therapy can vary depending on the therapist's qualifications, location, and the type of therapy offered. My rates follow the 2023 recommended fee schedule set out by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta; they recommend $220 per 50-minute appointment.

Q: Are you covered by insurance/do you direct bill?

A: I do direct bill to many insurance companies such as Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Manulife, etc. If you are covered by a different provider, please reach out and we can look into options. Most health insurance plans cover therapy services, however, in the end it is the client’s responsibility to be aware of their benefits coverage, coverage limits, and they are responsible for any fees remaining outstanding.