Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
-
No. Counselling is not only for moments of crisis or when something has gone wrong.
Some people begin counselling because they are feeling overwhelmed, grieving, navigating change, or caught in patterns that have become difficult to manage. Others use counselling as an ongoing form of reflection and emotional wellbeing - similar to making time to check in with your physical health before a concern becomes more serious.
You may want space to understand yourself more deeply, strengthen relationships, maintain healthier boundaries, process experiences as they arise, or stay connected to what matters to you.
You do not need to be “serious enough” to deserve support.
-
The free consultation is a brief opportunity for us to meet, discuss what you are looking for, and consider whether working together may feel like a good fit.
You are welcome to ask questions about my approach, online sessions, fees, or anything else that may help you decide. You do not need to share your full story during this call.
The consultation is not a counselling session and does not require you to commit to booking further appointments.
-
The first session gives us more time to understand what brings you to counselling, what has been affecting you, and what you hope may feel different.
I may ask about your current circumstances, important relationships, relevant history, coping strategies, strengths, and the kinds of support you already have.
You will not be expected to share everything at once. We can begin with what feels most important and manageable to you.
-
Many clients begin with weekly or biweekly sessions, depending on their needs, availability, and financial circumstances.
We can discuss a frequency that feels appropriate and review it as counselling progresses. There is no requirement to continue at the same frequency indefinitely.
-
There is no set length that is right for everyone.
Some people seek short-term support around a specific concern, while others choose to work more gradually with longstanding emotional, relational, or life patterns.
We will regularly consider what feels helpful, what may need to change, and whether continuing counselling remains supportive of your goals.
Working Together
-
I work with adults across BC from a wide range of identities, backgrounds, body sizes, and lived experiences.
Our work makes room for how your culture, race, gender, sexuality, disability, chronic illness, body size, language, family, and access may shape your experiences, without assuming that any one part of you defines who you are or what matters most.
When you share, I will approach them with respect, cultural humility, and curiosity rather than assumptions.
-
My work is person-centred, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and integrative.
Depending on your needs and goals, I may draw from cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, emotion-focused interventions, mindfulness, self-compassion, and parts-informed approaches.
Rather than applying the same method to everyone, we will work collaboratively to identify what feels relevant, manageable, and useful for you.
-
Finding the right counsellor can take time, and building trust rarely happens all at once.
It can feel unfamiliar to speak with someone new, especially about experiences you may have carried quietly or found difficult to put into words. You do not need to know after one conversation whether the relationship feels completely right. The free consultation and early sessions can simply offer us some time to get to know one another and allow trust to develop gradually.
There is room for uncertainty, hesitation, and honest conversation along the way. We can talk together about what helps you feel understood and whether anything may need to be approached differently.
If you decide not to continue, it does not mean that you have failed at counselling.
Online Counselling
-
You will need a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking.
Headphones may provide additional privacy.
-
Counselling is available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
You are welcome to use the language that feels most natural to you or move between languages during a session.
-
I welcome conversations about access needs.
You are encouraged to let me know about communication, pacing, fatigue, sensory, mobility, cognitive, or other access needs that may affect your participation. Where possible, we can adapt the format or structure of sessions together.
Fees, Payment, and Insurance
-
Individual counselling is $150 for a 50-minute session and $225 for a 90-minute extended session.
Fees for groups and workshops vary depending on their format, length, and level of support. You can check out our group page for prices.
A limited number of reduced-fee spaces may be available. Please contact us for an inquiry.
-
A detailed receipt including my Registered Clinical Counsellor credentials will be provided after payment.
Many extended health benefit plans include counselling with an RCC, but coverage varies by provider and plan. Please confirm your eligibility, annual limit, and reimbursement requirements directly with your insurer.
Direct billing is not currently available. I am in the process of applying to become a direct-billing provider and will update this page if this option becomes available.
-
I currently accept e-transfer and credit or debit card payments. After booking an appointment, you will receive payment instructions along with information about the cancellation policy.
Following each session, you will receive a detailed receipt that includes my RCC credentials. You may submit this receipt to your extended health benefits provider for possible reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so please confirm your eligibility directly with your insurer.
Direct billing is not currently available. I am in the process of applying to become a direct-billing provider and will update this page if this option becomes available.