What to expect

The most important element of counselling is the relationship and connection we build together.  As safety and trust is built, you will be able to curiously investigate your feelings and emotions on a deeper level.

Consultation

I prefer to meet with potential clients first to discuss our expectations, preferences and other logistics. Email me for a consultation time, as I do not make my booking schedule available till after we have met.

During our initial consultation (free, 20 min) I will ask what you are looking for in a counsellor, what has worked and not worked in the past. This is your chance to interview me to determine if I am the right fit. I will then tell you a bit about my practice, approach and scheduling.

First session

In the first session I spend at least the first half of our time together getting to know you outside of the problem that has brought you to counselling. I want to first learn about the relationships, connections and areas of your life that you find are healthy and supportive. We will then talk about some lighter parts of the problem or issue.

Building the therapeutic relationship

I want us to build safety and trust with each other, so that when we start talking about the harder parts of your experiences, there is some comfort in place. This is different from a medicalized approach where you dive into the problem quickly in order to get a solution.

Confidentiality

Everything you tell me is completely confidential, unless there are any concerns for your safety or other ethical considerations. I work with my own clinical supervisor for support and feedback about my work, however I never provide revealing information about your identity. 

What results can you expect?

Change can take time, and is not a linear process. I will talk with you about what your goals are, and how to break them down into smaller more manageable expectations. Depending on your time and resources, and level of support needed, you can decide how often you need to see your counsellor. Some people come weekly or every two weeks initially, and then taper off to monthly. Others come whenever they are needing to check in and obtain some support. I will help you determine what seems to make the most sense for you, if you are not sure how often to make appointments.

Practice Approaches

Narrative Therapy

Mindfulness

Arts based approaches