Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have more questions, please reach out!

Are my sessions confidential?

Yes, what we discuss in counselling is is kept strictly confidential. However, there are three exceptions to this rule:

If your therapist believes you are at imminent or serious risk to harm yourself or others.
If your therapist believes a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of or is being abused.
If we are officially subpoenaed in a court case.

Confidentiality and Youth

Confidentiality applies to youth clients just as it does to adults. While parents may seek guidance on how to best support their teen, we prioritize the youth’s privacy. Information shared in sessions remains confidential unless the teen provides consent for specific details to be shared.

Confidentiality following separation

For counselling to proceed, both parents must provide consent to ensure a collaborative approach that supports the therapeutic process. This helps create consistency and alignment in the child or youth’s care.

Can therapy make me feel worse?

When we start to explore our inner feelings, the complexity of our relationships, or what is bothering us, painful feelings may arise, which can be unfamiliar and anxiety-provoking. This is normal, and even important for moving forward in a guided manner. I offer support and guidance throughout this process to help you navigate any new feelings that may arise.

Does counselling mean talking about my past?

In counselling, reflecting on the past serves the purpose of addressing challenges in the present. Typically, individuals seek therapy to deal with issues they are currently facing. If understanding your emotions and responses to present situations brings relief and progress, delving into past experiences may not be necessary. However, when persistent anxiety, depression, or heightened emotional reactions are present, examining previous relationships and life events can provide clarity about ongoing patterns.

What happens if I need to speak to my counsellor in between sessions?

I understand that crises may arise that make it challenging to navigate time between sessions without additional support. Phone calls between sessions will be billed at the counsellor's rate and are dependent on availability. I recommend using email solely for scheduling or inquiries about availability, rather than sharing sensitive information.

Crisis line numbers are also included on the resources page.

What happens if we run into each other outside of sessions, for example, at the grocery store?
As mentioned above, the information shared in therapy remains confidential (except in the specific situations outlined earlier). If we happen to see each other in public, I will always take your lead before initiating any communication or acknowledging that we know each other.