FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is your treatment approach?
Since my training has been integrative, I draw on different models of therapy which allows me to facilitate the most effective treatment for each individual client. For relationship problems I primarily use Psychodynamic Couple Therapy, which means I believe difficulties in the present are likely to have originated in the past. Helping you to understand these links is a necessary step towards achieving changes in perception, awareness and patterns of behaviour in relationships. I may also use practical exercises if appropriate, such as communication tools. Psychosexual therapy incorporates more behavioural or cognitive types of therapy, alongside psychodynamic work. For trauma therapy, I might incorporate the use of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I will often draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). The relationship between therapist and client also forms a large part of the work, this is called transference in therapy terms. Overall, I like to work holistically, which means looking at how a variety of factors may be contributing to the problem.
How do I make an appointment?
The quickest and easiest way to make an appointment is to call the office at Kelowna Professional Group. The friendly admin team will help you find a time that suits both of us. You can also email me via my contact page, but please note that I cannot always reply to emails quickly if I am with clients and that available appointments may be booked by clients calling the office before I can respond to emails.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes, I am able to provide online video counselling for people who may have difficulty leaving their home due to mobility issues, concerns with anxiety, or anyone living in a remote area who cannot make it to an in-person session in Kelowna, BC. Please contact the office for further details.
Will this be covered under my extended health plan?
Every plan is different. You should contact your plan provider before your first session to ensure that your plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors. Please be aware that I am unable to direct bill at this time. I am a registered provider for the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
What is the fee if not covered by my health plan?
Please contact the office to ask about specific fees.
What is the waiting time?
The waiting time varies but I will always do my best to see you for an initial consultation as soon as I can. If I have no availability, I will try to recommend an alternative therapist.
How long is each session?
Sessions are 50 minutes. Occasionally I might recommend longer sessions for couples.
How often do I need to come to see you?
Most often I recommend weekly or bi-weekly therapy, however more or less frequent sessions may be more appropriate for you, we can discuss this together.
How many sessions will I need?
This is a common question but unfortunately it is nearly impossible to answer and depends on the nature of the problem plus many other factors. What I can tell you is that consistency and regularity in therapy are key for a good outcome.
What happens if I cannot make my appointment?
48 hours notice is required for cancellations otherwise the charge is 50% of the cost of the session. No shows are billed at a full session rate. If you are coming as a couple it is not always necessary for both people to attend every session.
How do I know what we discuss will be confidential?
I am a registered member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and an accredited member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and I work to their confidentiality and ethical standards which you can read for the BCACC here and for COSRT here.
Do I have to bring my partner(s)?
Not necessarily, although if you are in a relationship I usually recommend partner(s) attend as this is often a predictor for a successful outcome. However, I am more than happy to see you alone for an initial consultation and we can discuss your feelings about including or not including your partner(s). I am happy to work with individuals who may not currently have a partner(s).
Will I have to take my clothes off?
No, I will never ask you to undress. Any practical exercises I prescribe will be done in the privacy of your own home. I will usually recommend that you see your family doctor to rule out any physical causes of the problem if you have not already.
How do I know if this is the right therapy for me?
Finding the right therapist is the most important part of therapy and it is a very personal decision. You have to be confident that I am the best person to help you and that we are a good fit. The best way to decide is to arrange an initial consultation so we can meet and you can get an idea of what it might be like if we decide to work together. I understand that you might feel your problem is very embarrassing or that no-one else has the problem you do. I can assure you that after so many years working in this field, it would take a lot to surprise me! If you decide I am not the best person to help you, I will do my best to help you find someone who can.