FAQ
What can I expect during the free consultation?
The free 20-minute consultation is an opportunity for us to briefly connect before booking a full counselling session. I’ll invite you to share a little about what is bringing you to counselling and what you hope to receive support with. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions about my approach, experience, fees, or what the counselling process may look like.
The consultation is not a therapy session, and you do not need to share your full history. Its purpose is simply to help us determine whether working together feels like an appropriate next step. There is no obligation to book afterward.
How do I know if we’re a good fit?
A good therapeutic fit often involves feeling respected, understood, and reasonably comfortable being yourself—even if opening up takes time. It may also be helpful to consider whether my experience, approach, availability, and areas of practice align with what you are looking for.
The free consultation can give us an initial sense of fit, but you may need a full session or two to know how the relationship feels. I welcome questions and honest conversations about what is or is not feeling helpful. If I don’t believe I am the right person to support your needs, I will be transparent and, where possible, suggest other resources or types of support.
What happens during the first session?
The first session gives us more time to explore what is bringing you to counselling, what you would like to be different, and any relevant experiences or circumstances that may help me understand your situation.
We will also review important aspects of the counselling process, including confidentiality, consent, communication, and what you can expect from our work together. You are not expected to tell your entire story in one appointment. We can move at a pace that feels manageable and gradually develop goals and a direction for counselling together.
What kinds of concerns do you work with?
I work primarily with adults and couples experiencing life transitions, relationship difficulties, identity questions, anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, self-esteem concerns, grief, and challenges with communication or emotional connection.
I also have a particular interest in supporting athletes and active adults with performance pressure, perfectionism, injury, motivation, body image, burnout, and changes in athletic identity.
You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or a clearly defined goal. If you know that something feels difficult, disconnected, or no longer sustainable, we can begin by exploring that together.
Do you work with athletes at all levels?
Yes! I work with recreational, competitive, collegiate, and former athletes, as well as active adults whose relationship with movement is an important part of their lives. You do not need to compete at an elite level to benefit from this type of counselling.
Our work might address performance anxiety, perfectionism, motivation, injury, burnout, body image, balancing sport with other responsibilities, or the identity changes that can happen when your participation in sport shifts. Counselling can also focus on concerns unrelated to sport while still recognizing the role that movement and athletic identity play in your life.
Can I attend individual counselling about a relationship?
Absolutely. You do not need to attend with a partner to explore relationship concerns. Individual counselling can help you better understand your emotions, needs, boundaries, communication patterns, and the ways past experiences may be influencing your current relationships.
It can also provide space to process conflict, separation, dating experiences, family relationships, or uncertainty about what you want. The focus remains on supporting your understanding and choices rather than assessing or treating someone who is not present.
How does couples counselling begin?
Couples counselling begins by learning about what has brought you in, what each of you hopes will change, and the strengths and challenges within your relationship. We will discuss the patterns that tend to emerge between you and begin identifying the emotions, needs, and experiences beneath them.
The first session also includes a review of confidentiality, consent, communication between sessions, and other expectations that are specific to couples counselling. Early sessions focus on developing a shared understanding of your concerns and creating goals that reflect the needs of both partners. You do not need to arrive in agreement about everything—we can begin with each person’s perspective.
Where are the counselling sessions located?
I offer both virtual sessions from the comfort of your own home and in-person sessions located in my office at A-1834 Oak Bay Avenue in Victoria BC. The door is located on the right side of the building. Proceed up the stairs to the first door on your left, and I will meet you in the waiting room. If you have any accessibility concerns, please email me to discuss a better option.
I have extended health benefits. Do you offer direct billing?
I do not offer direct billing. Many insurance providers offer coverage for counselling services, but please reach out to your provider to ensure these services are covered. You will receive an invoice after each session for you to submit to your provider using my Registered Clinical Counsellor number (#22825).
How do I pay for my counselling session?
All payments are processed through Jane App. When you book an appointment, you will be prompted to fill out a credit card authorization for the card you wish to use. I also accept e-transfers if needed. Please see the cancellation policy below for payments resulting from a missed appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
24 hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If the appointment is canceled or rescheduled within this time period, 50% of the session cost will be charged. In the event of a no-show, 100% of the session cost will be charged. If there are extenuating circumstances that prohibit you from canceling outside of this timeframe, please email me as soon as possible.
For any other questions, please contact me.