What can I expect during my first session?

A first session is an opportunity for you to connect with your counsellor and begin building a therapeutic relationship. It’s a space for you to share what has brought you to counselling, while your counsellor takes the time to learn more about you and your life. During this session, you’ll be asked about various aspects of your world—your social life, family, career, medical history, relationships, overall health, and more. There will also be time for your counsellor to explain their approach, and together, you’ll collaborate on how the work will look moving forward.

There’s no “right” way to approach counselling, priority is placed on ensuring you feel safe and well-informed about the work you are doing together.

What is your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is grounded in a relational and existential framework. I believe healing happens through authentic connection and curiosity about what it means to live fully and meaningfully.

I draw from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help you navigate emotional roadmaps and understand the different parts of yourself that have developed to keep you safe. These approaches support awareness, integration, and self-compassion — helping you reconnect with your sense of aliveness, agency, and belonging.

To be known, accepted and cherished for who you are is an essential human need and it is a great privilege to be a trusted witness to my clients.

Are counselling costs covered by my extended health benefits?

Usually, but it depends on your provider. I do not bill directly, however many extended benefits packages cover counselling by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) or Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC). This means, you will pay upfront for sessions and I will provide a receipt with my license number following your appointment so you can submit to your benefits.

I recommend contacting your benefits provider or HR team at work to understand your coverage.

If you are working with a student counsellor, your sessions will likely not be covered by any extended benefits package, however these sessions are offered at a low-cost/on a sliding scale. If cost is a concern or a barrier to accessing care, please reach out to explore available options.

How do we meet? What is the referral process?

You can self-refer – no doctor’s referral or diagnosis is necessary. Registered Clinical Counsellors cannot diagnose, but we can, if appropriate, refer you to Psychologists and other specialists who do.

I have recently moved my practice from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island and I am only offering virtual sessions at this time. You can expect in-person availability in Victoria, BC., in the fall of 2026.