Treatment goals are collaboratively determined along with frequency of sessions. Individual psychotherapy and couple therapy generally occurs about once a week and lasts one hour.
The relationship developed in counselling is one of trust. Counselling issues may resolve: early life patterns, trauma, current events, making decisions, coping with crisis, personal growth and development, improving relationships with others.
What to Expect from Counselling
Counselling is a collaborative process. Together, we’ll decide on your treatment goals and how often we meet. Most individual and couples counselling sessions happen once a week or bi-weekly and last about one hour.
The counselling relationship is built on trust, safety, and respect. People come to therapy for many different reasons, including:
- Early life experiences and patterns
- Trauma and difficult past events
- Current stressors or life changes
- Decision-making and clarity
- Coping with crisis
- Personal growth and self-awareness
- Improving relationships
There’s no “right” reason to come to therapy — if something is affecting your quality of life, it matters.
Your First Counselling Session
In your first session, we’ll spend time getting to know each other and clarifying what you want from counselling.
You’re always in control of the pace and depth of therapy. You decide how much you want to share and what feels safe to explore.
After your first session, you may notice:
- A clearer understanding of what’s been bothering you
- A better sense of direction and goals
- Some relief knowing you’re not dealing with things alone
- Reduced stress simply from reaching out for support
- A mix of hope, nervousness, or uncertainty about the process
Feeling hesitant at first is completely normal. Many people worry about retelling their story or have had mixed experiences with counselling in the past. Sharing those experiences helps us shape a therapy approach that actually works for you.
How Often Will We Meet
I typically recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions at the beginning, until things feel more stable and your main goals are taking shape. As therapy progresses, we’ll regularly check in and adjust session frequency based on your needs and comfort level.
My Background & What Inspires My Work
My personal healing and growth journey began in the late 1990s. Over the years, I’ve studied and trained in both clinical psychotherapy and holistic, body-centred approaches.
From 2001–2006, I trained with Indigenous Elders and explored teachings in spirituality, shamanism, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, yoga, Chinese medicine, meditation, reiki, and energy healing.
My formal education includes:
- BA in Human Relations and Spirituality – Saint Paul University
- MA in Conflict Resolution & Insight Mediation
- MA in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality
I’m continually inspired by the people I work with — their courage, curiosity, resilience, and willingness to grow. Their journeys remind me daily why this work matters.
Clinical Training & Internships
My professional experience includes internships with:
- Elizabeth Bruyère Hospital – spiritual care counselling with stroke, cancer, and geriatric patients
- Rideauwood Addiction & Family Services – group recovery work
- Centre for Treatment of Sexual Abuse & Childhood Trauma – one year
These experiences shaped my strengths in trauma recovery, grief and bereavement, and holistic healing.
Trauma Therapy & Specialized Training
I continue to deepen my training in trauma-informed, body-mind therapies and neuroscience. My ongoing learning is influenced by leaders in the field, including:
- EMDR Therapy (Francine Shapiro)
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy – ART (Laney Rosenzweig)
- Clinical Hypnosis (Karen Day)
- Trauma and neuroscience research (Bessel van der Kolk)
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Pat Ogden)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (Sue Johnson)
- Psychobiological couples therapy (Stan Tatkin)
- Ritual, Ceremony & Teachings with Indigenous Elders of Ojibwe, Cree and Délı̨nę First Nations
- Shamanic Ritual within the Wise Woman Tradition
These approaches help support healing that goes beyond talk therapy alone.
Fees & Reinbursement for Counselling
Counselling fees are offered at competitive rates. I also reserve three sliding-scale or reduced-fee spots in my practice.
- Standard counselling services: $160–$200 per hour, depending on the service
- Fees for medical letters, reports, and forms vary based on time required
Please ask if you have questions about fees — transparency matters.
Insurance Coverage in Canada
Counselling services are covered by many Canadian insurance providers, including:
- Canada Life
- Sun Life
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Equitable Life
- Green Shield
- Others may be covered - check your Insurer
Coverage varies by plan, so it’s important to contact your insurer directly to confirm what’s included.
Tax Deductions & Health Spending Accounts
If your counselling services aren’t fully reimbursed, you may be able to use medical receipts for income tax deductions, depending on your situation.
You may also be able to use a Health Spending Account (HSA) if you have one through work.
Registered Psychotherapists & Insurance Coverage
Since 2015, Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) have been regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). While more insurers now recognize RPs, some plans still need updating.
If you have private insurance, you can ask your provider about adding RP coverage. Advocacy efforts continue through the Registered Psychotherapy Insurance Committee.