FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
COVID-19 INFORMATION
*We are continuing to offer online (Zoom) video conferencing and phone appointments if preferred.
*We are still following the Covid-19 sanitization and social distancing requirements guidelines from Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP).
DO I REALLY NEED COUNSELLING?
Oftentimes, we are hesitant to seek help. We may think that things aren’t that bad, that we are handling it okay on our own, or we may worry what others would think if they knew we were getting therapy. However, sometimes some brief help, early intervention from a trained professional can help get us back on track and offset future difficulties. Just like how we service and “tune up” our cars and regularly check in with our doctor, it is important to “tune up” our personal coping strategies (especially if we have a family history and genetic risk for challenges with anxiety, depression, etc.). Otherwise, we wait until our car has broken down and then we definitely do need help. No matter how little or big, no matter whether you want to prevent something, catch it early or are feeling “broken down,” I am here to help, to listen and support, give you strategies and information, and to help you get back on track.
IS THE INFORMATION TALKED ABOUT IN THERAPY KEPT PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL?
The content of counselling is private and confidential. Information cannot be shared with anyone else, unless the client signs a written release. The only exceptions to confidentiality are circumstances of:
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Threat of harm to self or others
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Suspected child abuse or neglect (or abuse or neglect of a dependent adult)
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When a judge subpoenas written records.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE SESSIONS?
Format for adult sessions:
In the first session, you will be asked questions to gather information about your background, presenting concern, goals, and current coping strategies. A plan will be made to help address these goals.
Format for child sessions:
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1st Session – Parent session to gather background and historical information, goals, and create a treatment plan
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2-4 Sessions – These sessions start with a short check-in with the parent(s). Then I will meet with the child/teen for approximately 40 minutes. The last 10-15 minutes are spent with the parent(s) discussing how to support their child’s needs
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Goals and progress are then re-evaluated
Format for adolescent sessions:
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1st Session – The beginning of the session is spent with the parent(s) gathering background, goals, and developing a treatment plan. Next, I meet with the adolescent to gather his/her perspective, goals, and to begin to develop coping tools. The session typically ends with a short parent debrief to discuss ways to support the teen
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Later sessions vary based on the needs of the family, but continue to involve individual work with the teen and consultation with parent(s)
Format for couples’ sessions:
Couples sessions typically start with a couples’ appointment where history is explored and goals are determined. Thereafter the appointments are either sessions with the couple or some individual sessions are added, based on the couples’ needs.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH A PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT?
A psycho-educational assessment involves a number of steps, including:
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Clinical interview
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Review of background information, report cards
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Questionnaires about social/emotional functioning
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Testing of cognitive abilities
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Testing of academic abilities
The full assessment would take approximately 10 hours of time (for the interview, questionnaires, background review, cognitive and academic testing, scoring and report writing, and debrief of the report). This assessment would help you determine your child's academic, intellectual, social, and emotional strengths and weaknesses, evaluate possible learning disabilities / ADHD / giftedness, access accommodations, and guide case planning for the future.
COSTS
Payment is due at the time of the session by cash, cheque or e-transfer.
The fee for a 50-minute session is $220.00 ($220 is the recommended rate by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta).
Direct billing for Greenshield and Blue Cross.
There is a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Please note that psychological services are tax deductible.
HOURS AND LOCATION
I try hard to offer flexible dates and times that work within your schedule but currently only available Saturdays until mid-December.
I am located in Tuscany in Northwest Calgary.