FAQ
Q: How much are session fees?
A: Fees are $80 a session for individual or couple's sessions. I am a provider for Manitoba Blue Cross. Depending on your insurance and the criteria for eligible services, my services may be covered as well.
Q: Where do you meet with people?
A: I have office space in MacGregor, Portage la Prairie and can also meet with people remotely by video or phone.
Q: What can I expect from my counsellor in my first session?
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A: After a little bit of paperwork I will ask some basic questions to help us get to know each other a little bit before my questions will move towards what brings you to counselling. I’ll ask you what information might be helpful for me to know about you and your circumstances and we’ll take things at a comfortable enough pace. I don’t have a big agenda or formula that I’m trying to work through. My concern is listening well and forming a good working relationship as a foundation.
Q: What can I expect from myself during my first session?
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A: The first session often has a significant amount of anticipation that has been built up which can make it a little difficult at the start. You’ve researched which counsellor to try, reached out to some of them, made the first appointment and now you’re finally meeting me! There’s typically some nervousness usually mixed with some relief and hope that you’re going to have your challenges addressed. Having tears is very normal and expected regardless of what you’re attending your first session for because it’s often a relief to finally get the process started.
Q: What are typical challenges people go to counselling for?
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A: The short answer is, everything! There is no rule for how big or small a topic needs to be. What matters is that is feels significant to you. Some challenges that I have helped people address:
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Anxiety and anxiety disorders
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Depression
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Anger problems
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Recovery from abuse (emotional, physical, spiritual, sexual)
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Leaving toxic faith communities
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Life transitions
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Sexuality and identity questions
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Decision making
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Phobias
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Parenting concerns
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Relationship concerns
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Marriage problems
Q: How often should I be going to see a counsellor?
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A: There’s no rule in spacing sessions but I often recommend that for the first 2 or three sessions to come every second or third week in order to get some momentum. Then clients typically let how they’re feeling suggest the rhythm after that. Some clients find they want to see me weekly for the first month while otherwise start with monthly sessions. We can determine the frequency together, and like so many parts counselling, there are no hard and fast rules.
Counselling Approaches
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Like almost every counsellor I integrate a number of different models depending on the person and circumstance. In general I am person centred (meaning the focus and pace of the work comes from the client), informed by attachment and maturation theories (Gordon Neufeld’s work), interpersonal neurobiology, somatic modalities (this would include Brainspotting) and my work with couples is informed by Emotional Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method (Level 1 & 2).