FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling
Are you offering in-person counselling?
Currently, I am not doing in-person counselling. All sessions are virtual using a secure web application (JaneApp) or by phone.
Are my sessions confidential?
I respect your right to privacy and confidentiality. Information will not be communicated, directly or indirectly, to a third party without your informed and written consent.
I have legal and ethical obligations, which may limit your right to privacy and confidentiality. These obligations include:
informing Child Protective Services if there is a suspicion of a child being at risk or in need of protection due to neglect, or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
releasing a client’s file if court ordered to do so
informing an appropriate family member, health care professional, or police if necessary of a client’s intention to end his or her own life
informing a potential victim of violence of a client’s intention to harm
If you have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to ask.
How long will I need to be in counselling?
There are multiple factors that will influence this - the degree of your struggles, your willingness to commit to therapy, and financial constraints. We will mutually decide on targets for therapy and estimated treatment time at our first or second session.
How can I pay?
I accept e-transfers and credit card payments.
What is your cancellation policy?
The cancellation policy is 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. If less than 48 hours is given, the appointment fee will be charged in-full.
What will the first session be like?
Most people feel a little nervous before their first counselling or psychotherapy session. These feelings are very normal and I will do my very best to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Modern therapy very rarely consists of lying on a couch, staring at the ceiling while your therapist says very little from behind a giant desk (Unless that’s what you want to do and if that’s the case, you’re more than welcome to make yourself comfortable!).
The first session is designed to help me and you get to know each other a bit better, understand your presenting difficulties and begin to build an effective therapeutic relationship, which is key to successful treatment.
People often ask if they need to do anything before their first appointment. Prior preparation is not necessary but do give some time to reflect on what it is that brings you to therapy. During the session you will be asked what has prompted you to seek counselling or psychotherapy and what you would like to gain from your sessions. I will ask questions to try to understand as best as possible what has lead to your current situation. Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have as well.
You don’t have to rush in and divulge every intimate detail of your life. You can tell me as much as you want about your situation but do it at your pace. I will not rush you or push you to talk about things you aren’t ready to talk about. This is your space so you can take as much time as you need.