Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need to prepare anything for a free 20-minute conversation. Once you book a full session with me online, you will be asked to answer some questions before the meeting.

Yes, I offer online sessions via Zoom or directly through the JaneApp platform. You must have a stable and reliable internet connection that can handle video and audio sessions. In addition, you must have a safe, quiet, confidential space where you can participate in the session without interruption. I am also happy to do phone sessions for clients who live remotely or cannot otherwise meet in person and cannot or do not like to do video sessions.

Click here and you will be taken to my JaneApp booking platform. You can book a free 20-minute conversation or coaching or counselling session there.

If you’re considering coaching or counselling, the best way to know if we’re a good fit is to schedule a free 20-minute session. You can share your goals during this meeting and ask questions about my approach and services.

Sessions are tailored to your unique needs, beginning with an initial consultation where we discuss your goals, concerns, and how I can support you. Sessions typically last 55 minutes, though other options may be available based on your preferences.

You can always expect a session to be a welcoming, nonjudgemental, confidential, compassionate, safe space to explore whatever is happening in your world. My attention will be wholly focused on you. Together, we will help you gain insights about yourself that help you shift thought and behaviour patterns to focus on your strengths and to help you make meaningful, lasting change.

The mechanics of each session depend on the energy and circumstances of the moment. For example, suppose you are in a crisis and are experiencing debilitating anxiety and depression. In that case, we will likely focus on helping you navigate that and find firm footing. If you are in a good place, we will likely spend more time exploring more profound questions, reviewing goals, setting new ones, and helping you turn insights into action.

In counselling, we explore emotional realms, life history, familial and other relationships and dynamics, and traumatic experiences. We also discuss biological, psychological, and social components of your life so you can see how these intersecting dimensions inform who you are.

In coaching, we will explore the dimensions of thinking and behavioural behaviour and focus on setting and achieving goals. We will be action-oriented and explore thoughts and behaviours that sabotage your efforts and impede progress toward your goals.

I recommend counselling clients in crisis come weekly or biweekly. Anything beyond that makes it difficult to create continuity and momentum. I recommend coaching clients come biweekly. We can meet less frequently if we have established a productive relationship and you need ongoing maintenance support.

Some people find it helpful to bring a notebook or to use their phone to take notes of things we discuss.

I understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change. I aim to support you with flexibility while ensuring that your time is respected.

• 48-Hour Notice: Clients may cancel or reschedule sessions up to 48 hours before their appointment at no cost. You can do this directly through my booking platform
• Late Cancellations: Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will be charged the full session rate, as it may not be possible to fill the slot on short notice.
• Emergencies and Unexpected Situations: I recognize that emergencies and unforeseen circumstances happen. In such cases, please reach out as soon as possible, and I will make every effort to accommodate your situation with understanding.
• This policy helps ensure availability for clients who need support while also honouring my time and commitment to your growth. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

All of your information is securely stored in my JaneApp account. Jane is the industry leader in mental health account management and provides rigorous safety mechanisms to store your personal information securely.

Confidentiality is an essential cornerstone of ethical counselling practice, but there are specific situations where I’m legally required to break it to protect you or others:

• Risk of Harm: If there’s a clear, immediate risk that you may seriously harm yourself or someone else, I may need to notify appropriate parties for safety.
• Child Protection: I’m required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or risk to children (under 19) to the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
• Court Orders: If a court orders me to release information, I’m legally obligated to comply, though I’ll discuss this with you first whenever possible.
• Criminal Activity or Vulnerable Adults: If there’s an immediate risk to public safety due to serious criminal intent, or if I believe a vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, I may need to report it.
• These exceptions align with BC laws to protect clients and the community, and I will always prioritize confidentiality whenever possible.

• I offer a sliding scale for coaching and counselling to help accommodate as many people as possible.
• Insurance does not cover coaching sessions. As I have not yet completed my master’s degree in counselling psychology, insurance does not cover my services. Once I complete my degree and acquire the necessary certification or licensure from BC, my counselling services will qualify for reimbursement, depending on the specifics of your insurance coverage. I recommend checking with your provider for any updates on their coverage policies.

i offer one sliding scale for counselling and coaching

$100 – $150 per hour

I accept cash, Visa, Mastercard and eTransfer

I wish I could answer you, but everyone and every situation is unique. Generally, my clients begin to feel some clarity and relief right away. We will collaborate to specify what results you hope to achieve and how you will get there. Clients who are motivated to change see the best results. For coaching to be effective, I recommend 6 to 12 sessions. I recommend a minimum of 12 sessions for counselling to see measurable progress and change.

A biopsychosocial approach to mental health and personal growth helps you understand how the biological, psychological, and social components of your life intersect and interact. Our mental and physical health is shaped by this complex web of influences—our body, mind, relationships, and societal structures we live within. By exploring these interconnections, I help you develop a holistic understanding of your well-being and how these factors can impact your emotional and physical health.

Simply put, coaching helps individuals move from a place of functionality to high performance and fulfillment, focusing on goals and the future. Counselling often deals with emotional healing and addresses past or present difficulties, helping individuals achieve or return to a place of emotional balance and well-being.

Different aspects of life need different strategies. Sometimes, counselling is necessary to address emotional content, trauma, and deeply rooted parts of ourselves. Sometimes, coaching is a better fit when looking for accountability, breaking habits, and achieving specific goals. We can work with whichever modality you prefer or blend the two if that will serve you best.

Combining coaching and counselling creates a synergistic effect beyond the benefits of focusing on just one approach. Together, they empower you to cultivate deep self-awareness, uncover the underlying causes of behavioural patterns and habits that hinder your daily life, and unlock your full potential. This integrated approach provides the tools for forward-looking goal achievement and the emotional insight needed for lasting change.

The significant difference is that psychotherapy is often more long-term than counselling and emphasizes severe emotional and behavioural disorders and difficulties. Counselling, on the other hand, is usually more targeted toward helping clients with situational problems. Currently, as I am not yet a licensed psychotherapist, I offer counselling. If, in our time working together, it becomes clear that you are dealing with more severe emotional and behavioural challenges, I will refer you to a more experienced, licensed psychotherapist.

Yes. I am certified as a Co-Active coach through the Co-Active Training Institute. They were one of the first organizations to offer coaching training certification and are recognized as leaders in the field.

No, I am not currently a licensed psychotherapist. I am completing my master’s degree in counselling psychology and will pursue professional designation or licensure based on British Columbia’s regulations once I complete my degree. I expect to complete my coursework by July 2025.

I offer individual counselling and coaching services online and in person. Beginning in May 2025, I will expand my practice to include couples counselling. Sessions are 55 minutes long.