FAQ
It's totally normal to be nervous about starting counselling. It can be challenging to imagine the words around what you are feeling. Maybe you've experienced feeling tongue-tied when trying to open up to friends or loved ones in the past. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Going to counselling even when you are nervous is not easy. It may take courage to take those steps. You reading this now shows that you are already stepping in the right direction.
Counselling is a space where you can be yourself and come just as you are, including feeling nervous. I'm committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.
I'm nervous about starting counselling. Is that normal?
FAQ
Take your time to read through my website. You can call me if you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading. During a free phone consultation, you can ask me how I have helped other people like you or any other questions you may have that are specific to you.
I think of the first few times I meet with someone as a test run. During the sessions, you'll be able to see how you feel working with me. My approach is not going to work for everyone. Most importantly, you find someone you feel is the right fit for you. We can explore that together.
How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?
If something feels overwhelming or terrifying to discuss, that's very normal. It can often feel difficult to talk about some things. If you don't want to talk about something during our sessions, you don't have to. It's my job to give you space to start to work through the tough stuff slowly. Gradually and at a pace that feels comfortable to you, you can share what you feel ready to share.
You can also share with me that you are nervous about opening up about something, and we can talk about that too. Whatever is present for you. Whatever you are going through. Bring that to the session, and we can explore that together.
What if I don't want to talk about something?
If you open up to me, I will not think you are making a big deal out of nothing; I think you are courageous and human. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are making a big deal out of nothing). I know how 'normal' your experience is through my life journey and working with my clients.
You're not being dramatic or "too much." Nothing you can say will cause me to judge you. I know we all have our imperfections. We might be emotionally drained from the ups and downs, and we may normally react to abnormally challenging experiences. Whatever you're going through, I provide a calming space where I respect you and listen with focus and compassion.
I'm worried that you will think I'm making a big deal out of nothing if I open up.
FAQ continued
You may be concerned that your friends, family, or work colleagues could learn what you have said during counselling. So, I want you to know that unless you are in danger or someone else is, your story is confidential, and your time in the session is protected. Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance.
You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out. Suppose you have specific questions about how confidentiality works. In that case, you can ask during a free phone consultation or anytime during our work together.
Does what we talk about in counselling remain confidential?
You might be asking about how long counselling will take because you are currently struggling and want relief fast. If this is true for you, I want you to know that, on average, my new clients start seeing small amounts of growth after the first few sessions.
They feel a little calmer and more hopeful that healing is possible by that point. The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 6-12 weeks to be enough to gain insight and awareness of the issues holding them back and some tools and techniques they can use right away. In comparison, other clients feel more supported by longer-term therapy. We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.
How long will counselling take?
Overall, you can think of the first session as a free-flowing conversation through which we start getting to know each other. I'll invite you to share more about yourself, and we can also talk about what's worked or not worked for your mental health in the past.
Some questions that I like to ask during a first session include:
• What brought you to counselling?
• What goals would you like to reach by going to counselling?
• What do I need to know about you to understand your current challenges?
You can ask me questions as well. You might be curious about my experience or how future sessions work. The most important part of a first session is seeing if you feel I'm a good fit. If you feel safe, accepted, and comfortable with me, we can discuss if you'd like to meet again.
What can I expect during the first session?
My services are often covered by a wide variety of extended benefit plans. However, extended benefits plans are unique to each workplace and do not necessarily reimburse all types of counsellors or therapists. You would need to speak directly to the benefits provider to determine what type(s) of support are covered. For example, some are very specific and cover therapy provided by a psychologist only, so the description matters. (See Fees & My Practice Policies Page for more details)
I do not directly bill benefits plans. Clients need to pay upfront, and I will provide a receipt to submit for reimbursement.
I have extended benefits through my employer. How does that work?
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