Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does this work?

We work together during 1-hour appointments, which are generally weekly or bi-weekly at first. Specific goals are set at the initial stages of therapy and clients are expected to practice the strategies designed to assist them achieve their goals or help them develop better relationships.

Length of therapy. The premise is that we'll work together for only as many sessions you may need to establish what is necessary to work through the issues you are dealing with, to learn the skills to manage them, and to establish a plan of action for you to be on track with where you want to be.

Do I make my own appointments? Yes. Whether your family doctor, your Employee Assistance Program counsellor or a friend refers you, simply call 604-729-4129 to book an appointment.

You may also first decide to have a check-up with your family doctor to determine whether the problem you are experiencing has an underlying medical cause.

What are your fees?

My current hourly fee is $110.

Cancellation/missed appointments:

A minimum of 24 hours notice for canceling appointments is required. 48 hours notification is appreciated and is usual. Appointments which are missed or cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time and which are not due to unusual circumstances, may be charged for the full appointment time.

Is my visit covered by my provincial health plan?

While the B.C. health plan does not cover counselling services, your extended health insurance plan through your work place may provide some coverage.

Insurance: I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Many insurance providers and extended health benefit plans cover the costs of Registered Clinical Counsellors for a period of time (for example, Pacific Blue Cross and Great Western Life accept RCC providers). It is best and easier for you to first confirm with your insurer what services they cover, by which professionals, and for how long. Where it is covered, the process is that you pay for the session and I will issue you a receipt that you can use to seek reimbursement.

All communication between a counselor and a client is confidential. I will not disclose any information about a client to anyone unless the client has signed a release of information form.

And there are limits to confidentiality as prescribed by law: If the client is under 19 and discloses abuse by a specific person or if the client is over 19 and discloses abuse by a specific person who has access to people under the age of 19, this must be reported to the Ministry.

If there is a serious possibility that a client may harm him/herself or another, preventive action must be taken such as reporting to the appropriate authorities. In certain circumstances I may be required to disclose personal information where there is a court order, subpoena or when required by law. I do not do any medical or legal reports.

Languages

I offer services in English and French.