Why should I attend individual counselling?
People seek counselling for many reasons. At minimum, counselling offers the opportunity to be listened to...really listened to, without agenda or bias. Some people proactively schedule regular sessions as part of regular self-care, like a check-up with a doctor, even though nothing serious may be wrong. Others reach out in times of distress. Your role as the client is to bring up whatever is on your mind. It does not have to fit together before you say it. My role is to help you do that exploring. You may discover things about yourself that you did not know before. As we talk, your emotions and perspectives may shift, allowing you to see new solutions to old and current problems. For many, counselling is a powerful process for finding clarity and connection.
What can I expect my session to look like?
An initial assessment appointment is generally informational in nature, an opportunity to express your needs, to ask questions, and create some comfort with your therapist. Together, you may set a goal for therapy and decide how best to achieve that goal. Depending on your unique needs, strengths, and other variables, we might embark on a treatment plan rooted in EMDR, mindful practice, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, yoga therapy or some combination of these or other approaches. There are over 400 therapeutic models, but the therapeutic gains are predominantly impacted by the relationship between you and your therapist. Regardless of the path we take, you will be informed of the rationale, and invited (not forced) to participate.
How long does individual counselling take?
Individual sessions are approximately 50 minutes, but can be adjusted on request. Depending on your reason(s) for seeking counselling, you may achieve your goals in as few as 1-3 sessions. In the case of complex, comorbid, or long-term issues, 6-10 sessions may be a more fitting duration. As your therapist, I will help you set clear goals and assist you in measuring your progress towards them throughout the process. You can stop therapy at any time, for any reason. Please provide 24 hours notice of cancelled sessions whenever possible.
Is what we talk about confidential?
Yes. Everything you share in therapy will remain completely confidential, and cannot be released without your written consent.
There are three exceptions/limits to confidentiality:
1) Suspected child or elder abuse
2) An imminent risk of suicide or homicide
3) A court order has been made to subpoena your files
There are three exceptions/limits to confidentiality:
1) Suspected child or elder abuse
2) An imminent risk of suicide or homicide
3) A court order has been made to subpoena your files
Are there any risks?
Counselling is a process that evokes change. This may mean facing difficult, even painful, thoughts and feelings in and beyond session. Attempts at new behaviors or ways of being can be frustrating or awkward at first. Sometimes others might resist the changes we attempt to make, and relationships can be affected. With all that said, many people find their process to be freeing from the beginning. With the support of a truly caring therapist, the pains of change are generally manageable and very much worth it in the long-run.
