Getting Started with Counselling

When you’re facing challenges in life, making the decision to seek counselling with a psychologist is an important step.

You might have uncertainties and wonder if a psychologist can really make a difference. In order to help you feel prepared and more at ease, I’ve outlined what you can expect from therapy sessions with me.

Getting started

How do I book an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment online from my website using Jane App. You are always welcome to text or email me to arrange an appointment.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

I strive to see new clients within three business days of their initial contact. If my practice is currently full, which can happen, you may choose to be placed on a waitlist.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes, I offer free consultations. Please text or email me to schedule a 15-minute appointment. You are also welcome to phone me to chat without an appointment.

What happens during the first session?

Our first meeting will be structured to allow me to learn about your personal history and your goals for therapy. It will also allow you to discover how my psychology services can benefit you.

We will take a few minutes to discuss some of my policies and procedures, including confidentiality and informed consent.

I will invite you to tell me about yourself and what brought you to therapy. I will encourage you to discuss your background, current circumstances, and the issues you are facing.

My goal is to ensure that I have a good understanding of your situation so I will be best able to help you. We will talk about any expectations you have of counselling, and of me as your psychologist.

I will offer some thoughts on your situation and we will discuss how our therapy sessions can help you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have.

Upon the closing of our first session, I anticipate you will feel that you have talked to someone who listens and will support you. My goal is for you to leave our first session believing that we will work well together and that you will be able to reach your goals and improve your life.

Scheduling and location

How often will we meet?

To benefit most from your sessions, it is usually best if you initially attend on a regular basis. After a period of weekly appointments, booking every 2–3 weeks until our work concludes may be appropriate. This regularity of sessions will allow us to build a relationship as we get to know one another, and work together to overcome the challenges that you are facing.

Can I return for additional sessions?

After you have met your goals in therapy, I will invite you to contact me in the future whenever the need arises, so that you can address issues before they become too large. I encourage people to consult me in the same way they consult their family physicians, coming in for a session whenever an issue arises. Since we will have already established a trusting relationship, you will be able to rely on me as a resource whenever you need to.

Where is your office located?

My office is located in the inner city, 10 minutes from the downtown core up Edmonton Trail NE. The address is 443 25 Avenue NE.

Do you offer in-person sessions and online sessions?

Yes, I offer both in-person sessions and secure online sessions.

What are your office hours?

I see clients between 8:45 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Sessions and fees

How long is each session?

Sessions are typically 60 minutes, although some clients prefer to meet for 75 minutes or 90 minutes.

What are your fees?

My fee is $355 for a 60-minute session.

Do you take insurance?

My clinical fee may be covered in whole, or in part, by an extended benefits plan. Please check your policy to see what coverage you have in place.

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask all my clients to give me two full business days’ advance notice if they need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Are sessions confidential?

Yes, all sessions are confidential. However, psychologists are required to intervene in four instances. These include (1) when a client is suicidal, (2) when a client is homicidal, (3) when there is ongoing abuse of a child, and (4) when there is ongoing abuse of someone who cannot protect themselves, such as an adult with dementia. In these situations, a psychologist is required to break confidentiality. Psychologists must also release their chart notes when subpoenaed by a court of law.

What concerns do you help clients address?

I help clients with a range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, burnout, career challenges, relationship difficulties, distressing experiences, depression, troubling behaviours, and mental health challenges.

I have expertise working with gifted adults.

What are your qualifications and credentials?

I hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Arizona State University. I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. I started seeing clients in 2002 and have been in private practice since 2009.