Sessions
Confidentiality: We place a very high value on confidentiality. You can be very confident that you will be able to discuss anything knowing that it will not be discussed elsewhere. The narrow exceptions to confidentiality--for example, if you present a danger to yourself or others—will be explained to you in the first session.
Fees: Sessions are 50 minutes long. The fee is $120 per session payable by etransfer before the session.
*Check with your health care provider, many plans cover “Social Work” (with a Doctor’s note) and our counselling services will be covered. Receipts will be provided.
Cancellation Policy: At least 24 hours notice is required if you are unable to make a scheduled appointment. Your therapist has set the appointment time aside to see you. That time is not available for other clients or purposes when it is booked for a client and we ask that you attend appointments as scheduled.
Individual
Individual counselling can help you through a variety of issues while promoting self-awareness, growth and healing in your life. Counselling can help clients who are facing issues such as depression (including postpartum depression), anxiety, chronic fatigue, lack of motivation, fears and phobias, panic disorders, family-of-origin issues, communication issues, workplace issues, stress management, substance abuse recovery, loss, isolation, loneliness, low self-confidence or self-esteem, forgiveness issues, grieving, emotional issues, trauma, sexual assault, abuse, effects of family violence, life transition issues, anger management, coping, and more.
Couples
Dr. John Gottman, a leader in couples therapy, notes that several studies have shown that to make a relationship last, couples must become better friends, learn to manage conflict, and create ways to support each other's hopes for the future. (http://www.gottman.com/54756/About-Gottman-Method-Couples-Therapy.html)
Couples counselling can be an option for people who have not been able to effectively resolve conflicts on their own. It provides a safe environment for couples to sit down and openly discuss their thoughts and feelings. The counsellor serves as a trained, non-judgemental and objective third party, who will listen to both partners and help them clarify their problems and concerns. The aim of couples counselling is to increase communication skills, decide what changes the couple needs or wants to make, and then work to achieve these goals.
Gottman’s Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (1999):
1. Know each other. Learn all about each other’s likes, dislikes, wishes, hopes, dreams, etc.
2. Focus on each other’s positive qualities, positive feelings for each other, and the good times you have shared with each other.
3. Interact frequently, tell each other about your day, your thoughts, and your experiences. Romance is fueled not by candlelight dinners, but by interacting with your partner in numerous little ways.
4. “Let your partner influence you.” Translation: share power.
5. “Solve your solvable problems.” Translation: Communicate respectfully, use “I” statements, criticize behavior without criticizing your partner, take a break when you’re getting too upset, and compromise.
6. “Overcome gridlock.” Translation: understand your partner’s underlying feelings which are preventing resolution of the conflict.
7. “Create shared meaning.” Translation: share values, attitudes, interests, traditions.