Changes happen both over time and suddenly - that is the only constant.
Whether it's something of your choosing or not, positive or not, change can be anything from unsettling to overwhelming. By working together, you can get the support you need to navigate it.
Some common challenges that I can help with include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Depression
- Perfectionism
- Life Transitions
- Grief
- Retirement
- Parenting
- Intergenerational Wealth Transfer
- Issues Related to Gender or Sexuality
- Climate Anxiety
FAQs
What happens in the first session?
Our first session looks a little different. As we start to get to know one another and build a picture of how to best move forward, I will ask you some questions to get a sense of your work, social and health landscape. We'll talk about what you want to acheive from therapy, and review some forms.
Generally, we will have sessions every 2 weeks to build continuity. We may decide that once per week is a better fit at times. Later on, a larger interval may work best as your therapy goals are being acheived. We can always reconnect at a later time if you find you need support.
Our sessions together are your time. You may want to talk about work or your relationships, or larger topics like boundaries or self-compassion. Some days, you may be ready to address larger topics, some days there might be something more timely on your mind. This is a great time to cry, vent and even laugh - you can say things you don't want to say to your family, friends and colleagues.
Subsequent Sessions
There are many ways to work on your therapy goals, some days you will be ready to look in the dark corners, and some days you may not. This is your time - emotions are welcome here!
We will try different approaches, you are an individual, you will love some tools and strategies, and some might not resonate with you - just tell me - and we will find options that work for you.
Sometimes, people wonder how long they will be in therapy, and that's difficult to predict. Therapy is a process of healing, which requires both support and change from within. For some folx working on a very specific goal, a few sessions are enough. For others, healing is a longer process.
I don't want you in therapy for longer than you need to be. It's about change, feeling differently and reaching your therapy goals.
Sometimes, even after you've made significant progress, if circumstances change, you may want to check in or when you want a 'tune up' and that's ok, too.
How do I find the right therapist?
It's not easy to find the right therapist - I, too, have struggles to find the right therapist!
This is a very personal connection. You will find that there are different styles and approaches. Some will fit you better than others.
Think of some questions you have and what your goals are. Consider finances and if insurance coverage is important to you.
If offered, book a free consultation to see if there is some flow and comfort in that initial meeting. Listen to your intuition.
Why is having an accredited professional important
Accredited counsellors and psychotherapists have extensive education that includes a minimum of a master's level of education, supervision and standards for continuing education.
The CCPA provides a national certification program, the Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation. In Alberta, however, the title of counsellor is not a protected title, so at this time, non-accredited persons can use the title "Counsellor". The Association of Counselling Therapists of Alberta (ACTA) has been ready for proclamation since 2021, which would add another level of protection for the public.
In the meantime, you can verify that your counsellor is a member in good standing with the CCPA or ACTA organisations, and has the appropriate education.