Sessions

Individual sessions last an hour, and couples and family sessions last an hour and a half. My approach is person-centred and attachment-based.

Normal costs for sessions run about $140 per hour. Some companies that use SunLife insurance will cover psychotherapy; ask your provider (I believe the coverage is 80%). Since I am now a Counselling Therapist, you could possibly get coverage for my services under Blue Cross (Medavie.) Again, please check your particular insurer (see also my Rates page).

My office has been described by others as “homey.” I have a scent-free policy to allow those with chemical sensitivities to access my services. I suffer from those sensitivities myself, so please refrain from using scented products (deodorants, hair sprays, perfumes, etc.)

I take great pains to ensure people feel welcome and safe in my office space.

I also offer sessions by telephone and by video. I use a video platform that is totally secure, that meets national privacy protection standards. And there is nothing that you need to download for that; just click on the link I send you when we make an appointment.

I like to find out some more about you if you are serious about becoming my client. So I can get you to fill out my “long” intake form here: https://www.jotform.com/form/211225904325245 which (when you click “Submit”) will send an automatic email to me.

I hope to hear from you!

Specialties

My background and training gives me unique insight into such issues as:

• childhood abuse, families / spouses of addicted persons

• boundaries, people-pleasing, abandonment issues, hoarding

• communication between couples, emotionally-focused therapy (you can also visit my free video at YouTube : https://youtu.be/toiqFd_ZbJw )

• PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder

• Veterans’ issues, coping mechanisms, grounding techniques, mindfulness

• self-esteem, self-compassion, inner child work

• chronic pain and how it affects the mind and emotions

• parenting, dealing with children who have ADHD

• working with systems (medical, mental health, school) to help you

Types of therapy

My main focus is person-centred therapy. That means that you, the client, are at the centre of your healing process, and you are the expert on your own life. I listen, empathize, and accept your past and present.

I operate with an attachment base. That means that I believe that people are wired for connection, and that many of the difficulties we experience have to do with injuries we have sustained (emotional ones) in our previous relationships, either with parents, a caregiver, teacher, or someone in authority, or a partner. The way to heal from these injuries is to repair the emotions associated with them.

My experience tells me that trauma plays a big part in many of the troubles that people have. Whether that trauma is from abuse, neglect, or abandonment, it is just as real and just as in need of healing. Therefore, I use the following ways / types of therapy to help people:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy

• Mindfulness-based stress reduction

• Internal Family Systems

• Narrative Therapy

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The kind of therapy I use depends on your needs as my client. I don’t do cookie-cutter therapy. Each person receives a unique blend of techniques that are tailored to that individual.

My rates

Individual counselling (1 hour) - - - - - - - - - - - - - $140

Family or Couples therapy (90 minutes) - - - - - - - $210

Group therapy (minimum 3 participants) - - - - - - $100 per person (90 minutes)

A sliding scale may apply to those who live below the poverty line or who have no health care insurance. Please ask me about your options. I negotiate rates for uninsured clients on a case-by-case basis.

To fill out my intake form, go to https://www.jotform.com/form/211225904325245

For couples, please go to https://form.jotform.com/231813901091247