The rate for an individual 60 minute session is $120 (including GST). Longer appointments are available upon request and at an altered rate. Payments are due in full at each session. In Vancouver, payments can be made through e-transfer, cash or cheque. In Maple Ridge, payments can be made with cash, cheque, debit, Visa, or Mastercard. Payments for telephone sessions are made prior to the appointment through e-transfer.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #10976) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I have an extensive educational background, with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Simon Fraser University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I am currently working on a Master of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health from King’s College London. Among other things, I have worked as a Family & Youth Counsellor with Langley Community Services, a Crisis Line Support Worker with Options Community Services, and a Crisis Intervention Worker with the Coquitlam RCMP.

I operate from a client-centred approach infused with elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Family Systems theory. Client-centred therapy is a motivational and empowering approach to counselling, which focuses on the individual client’s needs. I recognize that clients are unique and may require different methods. I often use CBT strategies to target unhealthy thought processes and behaviours that may have developed over time. I also encourage clients to consider the importance of their upbringing and family system, as an understanding of past experiences can enhance their understanding of their current situation. I am open to employing other strategies and tailoring sessions to suit my clients’ interests (i.e. through the use of music, art, books, writing, etc.).

24 hours notice is required for all cancellations. If an appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, the full session fee will be charged.

If you’ve never been to counselling before, the initial sessions may cause you to feel some anxiety.  Often clients worry that they aren’t telling me the right things or giving me enough information.  I can imagine that sharing your experiences and feelings may be difficult, so I try to ask helpful, thought-provoking questions along the way.  It is always your choice as to how much or how little you share.  Overall, I view the counselling sessions as the client’s time and I encourage clients to use sessions to discuss the topics of their choice.  There is no right or wrong way to share your experiences!

Yes. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I am required to maintain your privacy by keeping our discussions confidential unless you give me written permission to disclose information to an outside party. However, there are some exceptions to this rule that you should be aware of:

• If you are describing immediate plans to hurt yourself or someone else
• If you are describing incidents of child abuse or neglect
• If there is a medical emergency during a session
• If your client file is subpoenaed by a court of law.

Clients typically attend weekly sessions. After the initial session, I will offer my professional opinion about how often a client may like to attend sessions. However, the frequency of appointment times is ultimately up to each individual client.

Since counselling is a unique process for each individual, it is difficult to give a definitive timeframe for how long counselling will last. In my experience with clients, I have found that counselling usually requires a minimum of three months (with weekly sessions) before long-lasting growth/change occurs.

At this point in time, I do not do sessions through online platforms. However, I do offer telephone sessions. Counselling sessions over the telephone are very similar to counselling sessions in person – the only difference is that we can’t see each other! Text or email will be used to send any written content or handouts discussed during the session. Having worked for many years as a crisis line call-taker, I feel confident in my abilities to provide the same level of counselling over the phone as I can in person.