Yes, I offer a free 15-minute introductory telephone call. It gives you a chance to tell me a bit about what’s going on and ask me any questions you might have about counselling, and my approach.

Yes, I offer online and telephone counselling to people anywhere in British Columbia.

My approach to therapy is insight-oriented and relational, combining depth-oriented exploration (why you think, feel, and act as you do) with practical strategies to support your discoveries and make the changes you want to make. There are many theories and models of therapy but what is consistent across the research is that there is a positive correlation between the therapeutic relationship (our working alliance) and treatment outcomes. In other words, what seems to matter most is that you feel comfortable, respected, and safe, and that I am reliable, flexible, and trustworthy. Then you can risk more vulnerability and honesty, and the work we do is more likely to lead in the direction you want.

I work with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, life transitions, and grief.  Have a look at my Services page for a more comprehensive list of concerns that people come to see me about.

Over the years, I’ve found that underlying most problems there are usually four basic issues people are grappling with: 

• • How to be yourself (not who anyone else wants you to be)
  • How to love and get along with other people
  • How to truly enjoy your life
  • How to practise self-awareness (not self-consciousness)

Our first meeting is a chance for you to tell me about yourself and what has brought you to therapy. You can also find out more about my approach, ask questions, and get a sense of what it would be like for us to work together. In the first few sessions, we would talk more in depth about what you are currently grappling with. I would also ask you about your current life situation and your personal history. Often what is causing trouble in the present has connection to the past−especially your attitude towards yourself and patterns in relationships.

Scheduling appointments once a week or once every two weeks gives you a strong start. Over time, you may choose to space appointments further apart, or just drop in when there’s something in particular you want to talk over. In general, people attend counselling regularly for a period, then return from time to time when there is something more, or new, they want to discuss. What type of arrangement works best for you, will depend on any number of factors, including motivation, your degree of distress, finances, availability of childcare, and your own sense of what feels right.

 The therapeutic relationship is an alliance between the therapist and the person who is seeking help. It’s the basis for our work together. I attune myself to you and your concerns so that you would feel taken seriously, and safe enough, so that you might risk showing and expressing yourself. I am on your side, in solidarity with you. It’s through the therapeutic relationship that we can inquire into your troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This would allow us to gain more awareness and insight into your situation, and enhance your ability to make changes.  It’s easier to face problems and try out new behaviours when you have someone in your corner—two heads are better than one!

Many extended health benefit plans in British Columbia provide coverage for appointments with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). Common insurance companies that often include RCC coverage include: