Getting Started
Taking the first step toward counselling can feel vulnerable. You might be unsure of what you need, worried about saying the right things, or carrying past experiences where support did not feel safe or helpful. That is completely normal. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen and understood at your own pace.
Reaching Out
You do not have to have everything figured out to begin. You are welcome to reach out with questions or book a session directly. Many people begin with a free 30 minute discovery session where we can talk about your goals and you can get a sense of the space before committing to a full session.
You also do not need to book a discovery call if you feel ready to start. The choice is yours because everything is designed around your comfort and readiness. You will never be pressured to know exactly what you want to work on. We will discover that together as we go.
Understanding The Process
Before your first session, you will receive clear information about confidentiality, risks and benefits, and your rights as a client. We will briefly review this together at the start of our work. It is important to me that you feel confident and informed. Understanding the structure of therapy is part of feeling secure enough to begin exploring what is under the surface.
Your First Session
Your first session is an opportunity to slow down and talk about what brings you here. There is no expectation to share more than you feel comfortable with. Over the first few sessions, I will gently ask about relationships, family, and past experiences that shape who you are. This helps me understand you more deeply and figure out which tools will support your growth most effectively. Think of it as laying a foundation where you can feel safe before we move deeper.
Ongoing Work
Counselling is a partnership. You remain in control of what we focus on and how deeply we go. I integrate different therapy approaches depending on what we are working on and we adjust as your growth unfolds. Questions and feedback are always welcome because your voice is central to this work.
If at any point counselling does not feel like the right fit, we will discuss next steps together. Healing is not linear and sometimes the right support looks different than we expect. My role is to meet you where you are and help you feel more connected to yourself and your life.
Next Step
If you are curious about what this work could look like for you, I offer a free 30 minute consultation to answer questions and see if this feels like a good fit. There is no pressure, just a welcoming space to start.
Common Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if we are a good fit? The most important part of therapy is the relationship between you and your counsellor. It is often helpful to attend at least three sessions to see how it feels and evaluate our compatibility. If it turns out we are not the best match, I am happy to help you find another professional who might better suit your needs.
How do you ensure the quality of your care? I participate in monthly consultations with a qualified supervisor to ensure I am providing the highest standard of support. During these meetings, your identity is always protected and your personal details remain completely confidential.
How long does the process take? The timeline is different for everyone. Some people come for a few months to work on specific tools while others stay longer to work through deeper patterns. We will check in regularly to make sure the work is still moving at a pace that feels helpful to you.
Can I contact you between sessions? You are welcome to email or call for simple things like scheduling or billing questions. If you have complex concerns or emotional topics you want to explore, it is best to save those for our scheduled sessions where we have dedicated time to look at them safely.
What is the cancellation policy? I require 48 hours notice for any cancellations to allow me enough time to offer that opening to someone else. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are generally charged the full session fee, though I am always mindful of sudden illnesses or emergencies.
How does payment and insurance work? Payment is due at the time of your session and I accept valid payment methods kept on file. While I do not offer direct billing, I provide receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please confirm with your provider that your plan covers a counsellor with the Master Practitioner of Clinical Counselling designation.