Getting Started

Where do I start? How do we begin?

I offer complimentary 20-minute new client consultations in order for us to determine if we are a good fit to work together, which includes scheduling, fees, therapeutic goals and approaches, and more. This is also an opportunity to go through any questions that you may have about me or about the therapeutic process. If you do feel like it’s a good fit, great! We move on to the next step.

When working with children under 13, couples and families I require an 80-minute New Client(s) Intake session. This allows me to go through important background information to ensure that I have the necessary information for us to work together. For children 13+ and individual adults, we usually discuss this in the consultation.

After the New Client(s) Intake Session, we generally set up regularly scheduled appointments and begin our journey together!

How do I know if you’re a good fit for me or my family?

Deciding on a therapist is a tough decision. It is critical that you feel it is a good fit in order for the therapeutic process to be most effective. I encourage you to read my “About Me” page to read about me. This is also why I offer 20-minute complimentary meet and greet appointments to see if it is a good fit for us to work together.

It’s normal for the first session or two to feel a little bit awkward or slightly uncomfortable as we get to know one another, especially if this is your first experience with counselling, however, that is not the case for everyone. After a few sessions, you should know if it is a good fit based on how you feel about our sessions together and your personal comfort level.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Starting in January 2023, I am offering in-person sessions in Summerland, BC, serving the areas of Summerland, Penticton, Peachland, West Kelowna and other communities throughout the South Okanagan.

I will continue to offer virtual sessions over the secure Jane platform to have video sessions with those that prefer video, or those that are far away. Video sessions are convenient for families with busy schedules, those that have difficulty coordinating childcare to come to an appointment, when displaying cold/flu symptoms, and when the weather isn’t optimal for driving!

What is Play Therapy? How does counselling work for young kids?

Yes! Play therapy can be done both online and in person. Anything can be a toy, and your child does not need to be in a playroom for our sessions to have therapeutic value. If they have access to a few of their own toys and art supplies, that is more than sufficient. If there is a specific activity that we will be working on that requires certain materials, I will let you know in advance.

I offer shorter virtual sessions (25-minutes) for kids that need it, and generally recommend this option for children under 10. In those 25 minutes, we engage in play, art, story telling, role playing, occasional worksheets, or any other interventions that will support your child’s goals. We can adjust sessions as needed to find the maximum benefit for your child. Parent check-ins are also an important part of working with young children, so that you are informed about themes occurring in sessions and are able to support your child at home and help advocate for them at school if necessary.

How long will I (or my child) have to be in therapy for? How long does this take?

Every individual and every family is unique, and therefore the amount of time needed to work on goals will be different as well. Therapy is a process and there are also other factors that can lead to the therapeutic process taking a longer or shorter amount of time. It’s not possible to say exactly how long the process will take, but in general it is at least a minimum of a 3-6 months of regular, consistent sessions. Being actively dedicated towards working on goals outside of sessions can support you or your family towards healing.

Are your services covered by my government health insurance?

At this time, Registered Clinical Counsellors are not covered through British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). Hopefully this may change in the future.

Are your services covered through my benefits?

Each employer selects a plan with your extended health benefits company. That means all plans are different even if they are under the same insurance (i.e. Manulife, Sunlife, etc.). I suggest checking with your extended health benefits company directly and ensuring that they cover “Registered Clinical Counsellors.” It may also be helpful to see if your insurance requires a referral from a physician in order for counselling services to be covered, and if there is a monetary maximum, or maximum number of sessions in your 12 month period to be aware of.

Do you offer direct billing to my insurance?

Unfortunately Registered Clinical Counsellors in British Columbia are not able to provide direct billing. We ask that you provide payment upfront and we provide you with a detailed receipt that you are able to use to claim your service with your specific insurance provider.

Do you offer sliding scale sessions?

I do offer sliding scale or reduced rate sessions for a select number of clients at a time. Generally this ranges from $60-120 per session and is based on needs. Inquire today for more information.