Yes, information that is discussed in therapy is confidential and is not shared without your written permission. That being said, there are some limits to this confidentiality that are standard in the profession. They are the following:

• When there is an imminent danger to an identifiable third party or to the self;
• When a counsellor suspects abuse or neglect of a child or elderly person;
• When a disclosure is ordered by court;
• When a client formally requests disclosure, or
• When a client files a complaint or claims professional liability by the counsellor in a lawsuit.

Please note: If you use platforms such as social media and email to share sensitive information with me, I am unable to guarantee confidentiality due to the nature of these mediums.

A Registered Clinical Counsellor is a professional designation given to a therapist who has fulfilled rigorous training, educational, and competency requirements. They are governed by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), ensuring they provide ethical, competent, and professional services. 

A CCC, or Certified Canadian Counsellor, is a designation given by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). This designation signifies that the counsellor has met the professional standards established by the CCPA and is recognized as a qualified counselling professional. Individuals with the CCC designation have demonstrated the necessary training, education, and skills to provide safe and effective counselling services.

Yes! As an RCC and CCC, I am bound by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellor's Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Clinical Practice and The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association's (CCPA) Code of Ethics.

BCACC Code of Ethical Conduct:

Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) under the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) commit to fostering client autonomy, avoiding harm, acting in the client's best interest, upholding fairness, and maintaining honesty. They ensure client confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and avoid dual relationships. Their ongoing professional development guarantees up-to-date and effective care.

CCPA Code of Ethics:

Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCCs) under the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) pledge to respect the dignity of all individuals, promote responsible caring, maintain integrity, and contribute positively to society. They prioritize informed consent, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. Their commitment to continuous learning, seeking supervision, and acknowledging their limits ensures the highest level of professionalism and service delivery.

Psychological services like counselling and psychotherapy are not currently covered by MSP. However, many extended health plans provide coverage for sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). Please consult your provider for details.

No. You will be billed at the time of our session and emailed an official receipt with my RCC and CCC number. You will then submit this to your provider for reimbursement.

No. While RCCs have extensive training in mental health and are skilled in recognizing symptoms of mental health disorders, they cannot legally diagnose or prescribe psychopharmaceutical medications. Diagnosis of mental health conditions is done by psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. However, counsellors can provide valuable assessments and therapeutic interventions. 

Only psychiatrists and other medical doctors can prescribe medication. If you have questions regarding medication, please consult with your family physician.

• Counsellor: Counsellors, like Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCCs), typically hold a master's degree in counselling or a related field. They help individuals, couples, and families cope with a wide range of mental health issues, personal challenges, and life transitions. They do not diagnose or prescribe medication.

• Social Worker: Social workers often work in community, healthcare, or social service settings, providing a range of services from counselling to connecting individuals and families with needed resources. Clinical social workers, who typically hold a Master's degree in Social Work, can provide psychotherapy services.

• Psychotherapist: This is a broad term for professionals who provide therapy for mental health issues. RCCs, CCCs, psychologists, and some social workers can all be considered psychotherapists. In some jurisdictions, the title may be regulated.

• Psychologist: Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology and are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. They provide psychotherapy and administer psychological tests. They do not prescribe medication.

• Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, including substance use disorders. They can diagnose mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe medication. Their training includes a four-year medical degree followed by at least four years of residency in psychiatry.

This is a very individualized process. The answer depends on a wide range of factors, such as complexity of the presenting issues, your commitment and engagement in the therapeutic process and the resources available to you outside of therapy. Therapy is a collaborative process and your progress and goals will be discussed throughout the course of treatment. Some clients may feel better after as few as 5 - 8 sessions, while others may choose to continue therapy on a consistent long-term basis.

Sessions are approximately 50 minutes long and typically occur once per week or every second week. However, I will work with you to tailor the frequency of your appointments to your specific needs.

While I have extensive training in play therapy and child and youth counselling, my office is not set up to accommodate children at this time. Currently, I see individuals who are 12 years and older. Children and teens must have expressed personal interest and commitment to counseling. Their openness and cooperation is integral to the therapeutic process.

It's understandable that you may have concerns based on previous experiences. However, it's important to note that therapy is a deeply personal and individual process. What works for one person might not work for another, and sometimes, finding the right fit with a therapist can take a few attempts.

While no therapist can guarantee specific results, as outcomes largely depend on individual circumstances and the effort put forth in therapy, what I can promise is to provide a safe, supportive space where we'll work collaboratively towards your goals. We'll tailor the therapeutic approach to your unique needs and regularly check in on our progress to ensure we're on the right track.

Remember, it's okay to voice any concerns or hesitations you may have. Open communication is key to a successful therapeutic relationship. I'm here to support you and make the process as beneficial and comfortable as possible.

It's not uncommon to feel worse after some therapy sessions. Therapy often involves discussing and confronting difficult emotions, insecurities, memories, or experiences, which can bring up intense feelings. This is a normal part of the therapeutic process and can be a sign that important work is being done.

However, therapy should also provide you with the tools to manage these feelings and should ultimately lead to a greater understanding of yourself and your emotions. If you consistently feel worse after therapy and don't see any improvement over time, it's important to communicate this. Your well-being is the priority. Open communication about your feelings and progress is essential to ensuring you're getting the most out of therapy.