Do we have to meet in your office?

No. I also provide online counseling sessions. I can be very flexible and meet some people in the community, we can go for a walk if you feel okay to be seen with me. Counseling is very flexible depending on what your needs are.

How often should we meet?

This all depends on you. Most people start with weekly sessions and then move to every other week or month, finally the session ends when you feel you are okay to move on without it. You can always get back in touch for extra sessions if you need them.

How much does it cost?

Rates are currently set at $150 per session. If there is extra reporting/paperwork required there may an extra fee to cover this administration cost. Many people get this fee covered through insurance.

How do I pay you?

E-Transfer is the preferred method due to low fees. I also accept Credit Cards but there is a $5 Credit Card processing fee.

Does Insurance cover your sessions?

You will have to check with your insurance provider. I do not direct bill, you need to pay me directly and I send you a receipt which you then send to your insurance company. If you are unsure of coverage, call your provider and ask them if they cover Registered Clinical Social Workers.

I have Native Status, is it free?

FNHA currently has a program which covers everyone with a Status number. I will do all the paperwork for this, just call me to setup sessions and we can go from there.

What happens if I miss a session?

Industry standard is to charge a full session rate of $150 if you cancel within 24hrs of session time, or don’t show up. I store a credit card with Square and bill that card. My tip is to cancel outside of 24hrs if you can.

Will you see my partner, I think they need counseling?

For counseling to be effective you have to want to come and be open to change. The aim of counseling is to change ourselves and not others. If you are struggling with a partner or family member, maybe counseling can help you.

What’s the difference between a Counselor and a Therapist?

If we start a conversation on this, we could be here forever, the important thing to remember is that counselors and therapists both use counseling skills and therapy skills. These terms are used interchangeably. Always check your therapist/counselor is registered and qualified, after this it comes down to rapport and relationship fit.

Whats the difference between a Clinical Social Worker and a Social Worker?

In order to register as a Clinical Social Worker, you must complete a clinical examination and have completed supervised hours of Counseling. The British Columbia College of Social Work states “A registrant in the Clinical class may use the title Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) and practice social work in British Columbia. In addition, an RCSW may assess, diagnose and treat mental disorders based on the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).”

How long does counseling last?

Sessions are 50 minutes long. The amount of sessions you chose to have are based on your needs and resources.

Can you just teach me some skills, I don’t want to talk about my history?

No. If this is what you want then I am not your counselor. We can work on skills over and over again but we must address the underlying issue for a more sustained solution. There are counselors out there that can do this though.

Can you diagnose me?

Yes. But I won’t. We will talk about diagnostic criteria and how that can be useful but also limiting.

Can you give me advice on medication?

No. What I can do though is talk about how you can attain more information on medication and help connect you with a doctor or nurse.

I am not adverse to medication, it can play a very important role in people’s mental health. I always try and include medication and medical treatment into the care as a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to care.

If we are not a good fit, what happens then?

You can just stop turning up if you like, I would prefer some feedback if you feel safe in providing some. I can always refer you to another therapist, I do this all the time and it’s not awkward at all.

Where is your office?

38044 - 5th Ave, Squamish BC, V8B0A9