Can people find out that I am seeing a mental health therapist? I maintain strict confidentiality with all conversations and materials from our sessions. All information about you is held in the strictest privacy and security. You have the right to control access to any information that I maintain about you. Without your signed permission, no information is released about our work together. I adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the Code of Ethics of the Candian Association for Music Therapists. My practice follows the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP). In our first meeting, we'll talk about my commitments to provide you with professional and confidential therapeutic services.

How do I pay for sessions? I offer a variety of therapeutic services. Fees are based on the service offered and session length. Payment types accepted: Interac® Debit, Interac e-Transfer®, Visa®, Mastercard®, and cash are accepted for payment of fees. Fees are payable at each session. I'm a registered provider with the following third-party insurance insurance companies: ​ Medavie Blue Cross (direct billing available) Green Shield Canada (direct billing available) Great West Life Manulife Direct billing Direct billing for some Medavie Blue Cross and Green Shield Canada policies is available. For providers and policies I'm unable to direct bill, I provide receipts you need to be reimbursed by your insurance company. ​ If you'll be using insurance for session fees, please check with your insurance company or human resources department to confirm that "Counselling Therapy" services provided by a "Registered Counselling Therapist" or "Canadian Certified Counsellor" are covered by your plan. Federal tax returns Counselling fees are an eligible medical expense you can claim on your CRA tax return. To be eligible, you require a prescription from a physician for counselling. ​

How often do I come to counselling and for how long? Counselling can be a very effective and powerful way to work through concerns or issues that are currently a part of your life. People take different lengths of time to reach the outcomes they desire. Some issues will see us working together in short-term sessions. More complex concerns and long-standing patterns may take more time to resolve. In either case, we'll work together to monitor progress toward outcomes important to you. Some people find counselling to be an important part of their commitment to self-growth and well-being. They maintain an ongoing therapeutic relationship with a counselling therapist. Most people start with one session per week for a few weeks. I typically suggest meeting every week for several sessions and then gradually spacing appointments further apart. We'll come up with a plan for how often we work together that is sensitive to your schedule and needs.

What types of issue can I deal with in counselling? People come into therapy seeking relief from pressures, concerns, or issues that are currently a part of their lives. Finding the right therapist is essential. We can explore if my skills are a good fit with what is bringing you into therapy. I have experience in several areas of counselling, including: Abuse (Emotional, Mental, Physical, Sexual) Addictions (Alcohol, Drugs, Exercise, Gambling, Shopping, Smoking, Sex, Work) Anger management/Emotional regulation Bereavement and loss Depression Low self-esteem and confidence Relationships (Couple’s counselling, divorce counselling, issues around sex/intimacy, infidelity) Stress (Money, health, relationships, work) Trauma (Experiencing/witnessing accidents, attacks, abuse, violence, wars, natural disasters etc) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What can I expect in my sessions? During your sessions, you can expect to talk about the issue that is bringing you into therapy. Early in our work together, we'll explore how the issue is effecting you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Therapeutic conversations help you gain greater awareness of yourself, identify strengths you have to help with the issue, and identifying challenges to creating the outcomes you desire. A part of our work together might give you practical skills that help you gain greater clarity, heal old wounds, alleviate suffering, feel better about yourself, and strengthen your relationships. We'll regularly assess our work together and I'll invite your feedback as you move toward greater self-awareness, self-empowerment, and well-being. ​

Why do people seek therapy? People come into therapy for many reasons: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship troubles, childhood trauma, bereavement, work conflicts, stress management, grief and loss, substance abuse, and many more. It's important to remember that coming into therapy doesn't mean you're weak or that you've somehow failed. Seeking help says you have the courage to talk with someone about issues important to you. Therapy is an active, engaged way to work with pressures, concerns, or issues that are currently a part of your life. For many people, therapy provides an on-going path toward greater self-awareness, self-empowerment, and well-being. ​

How will I know if you're the right counsellor for me? Sometimes you'll know instantly and instinctively. More often, choosing someone to work with in therapy can take time. Working with the right therapist, one who can provide support for issues you are facing, can be a transformative experience and provide you with the relief you are seeking. The fit between you and me—our therapeutic alliance—is a critical factor in our work together. It can take time to develop a strong alliance. I am committed to building a therapeutic connection that is trusting, non-judgemental, and provides you with opportunities to explore what has brought you into therapy.