Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right counsellor to work with your family is an incredibly personal and important decision. As you look around for a counsellor who may be the right fit, it's common to have questions come up. I've outlined some of them below. As I am trained to offer play and family therapy, I often hear from families who are looking for those services. If you have a question that you don't see answered or wish to get a better sense of who I am, please get in touch with me. 

How will I know you are the right counsellor for me and my family?

A free 30 minute consultation offers you a chance to share some of your story and concerns with me, while getting to know me better. This also offers us an opportunity to decide if my services will best fit your needs. I am happy to refer you to other services should we determine counselling with me is not the best fit for you and your family. If you are looking for a child counsellor or family counsellor in calgary, you are on the right path by contacting me.



What happens in a first session?

Generally the first session is an opportunity for me to meet with parents, without children, to learn about concerns and hopes for counselling. Paperwork, fees, confidentiality, and your rights will also be discussed.



Do I bring my child to the first session?

Please do not bring your child to the first session unless otherwise stated. I work with parents first to gather all necessary informaiton without having to tip toe around converation due to a child being present in the room.



Is my child's information confidential?

Any one on one meetings I have with children and adults remain confidential with the exception of specific limitations that will be explained in your first session. Parent check-in sessions will be scheduled and offer an opportunity for your to hear about your child's engagement in counselling and my assessment, as well as suggestions without voiding their confidentiality.



How do I explain counselling to my child?

Children need to know:

  • That their caregiver has met me
  • The reasons for attending counselling (ex. tricky feelings)
  • What we hope counselling can do for them and the family (ex. reduced tricky feelings)
  • That the information they share with me (given certain limitations) will remain private and that families will respect their privacy
I will walk you through this conversation in the first meeting and support you in how to best explain counselling to your child.



Are the fee's negotiable?

There are a limited number of spots for those needing a subsidized counselling rate. Please connect with me and I'd be happy to discuss this with you. If these spots happen to be full, I will provide you with the name of other counselling agencies in the city that may be able to meet your needs.



Will my insurance cover the cost of counselling?

Please call your insurer and ask if they will cover counselling offered by a Clinical Counselling Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work. I am a registered provider with Blue Cross and Green Sheild. You may read more about fees here.



When do I pay?

Payment is taken at the end of each session. You can pay using cash, credit, and e-transfer.



What if I need to cancel?

Please contact me as soon as is possible in the event you need to cancel. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be charged the full session amount as a cancellation fee.



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