It can feel like a big step to seek help especially if it is the first time. It is a courageous step and an acknowledgement that you want to heal, change or just seek support. Everyone is different that is why therapy may look different for each individual.
The first step is assessment and understanding you as a person using a “whole person” or holistic approach. This means that we look at the complete picture of who you are: your feelings, emotions, body signals, background history, medical history, environment and lifestyle, in order to understand the best way to help you meet your counselling goals. This will be based on the information from your intake form. We will take time together to understand the concerns you are facing.
The therapy process involves the following stages, however, it depends on the individual and goals for counselling and therapy.
- Assessment-1-3 sessions.
- Intervention – the length usually depends on the goals and needs you would like to address in therapy
- Ongoing progress evaluation
- Phasing out – strengthening of the tools and skills learned in therapy
- Outcome evaluation – 3-4 follow up sessions with a 6 month interval to decrease the chances of relapse into previous, unhelpful patterns
- Termination
The session length is usually 50-minutes – to 1hour and the cost is $150. In some cases it may be agreed that an hour and half would be beneficial. The cost of an hour and a half session is $210. For payment, I accept cash, cheque or e-transfer. Payment is due at time of therapy.
I am qualified to be covered by 3rd party insurance companies that specify coverage for counsellors, therapists, or clinical therapists. I am not covered under the category of a psychologist or a social worker. Please check with your insurance in advance. I recommend calling them to clarify the information. In many cases the collaboration and agreement can be reached better on the phone in spite of the existing insurance limitations.
