Frequently Asked Questions

People come to therapy for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it is about a specific challenge, and sometimes it is about wanting extra support. A free consult is a good place to explore whether therapy feels like the right step.

Feeling safe and comfortable with your therapist is the most important part of the process. The consult is a chance to see if it feels like the right fit. If it doesn’t, I will gladly support you with referrals.

For children under 18, a parent or guardian must provide consent. If parents are divorced or separated, both parents usually need to consent unless one has sole decision-making authority for medical or psychological care. We will review this before starting so everything is clear. If you are unsure what applies in your situation, feel free to reach out and I can walk you through it.

Caregivers are part of the therapy process. Parents join the beginning of the first session to review consent and expectations together. If a child would feel more comfortable, a parent can stay for the rest of that first session. After that, sessions are usually one-on-one to give your child their own space, while parents stay involved through updates on progress and skill-building.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes, with the option of longer 80-minute sessions if preferred. Weekly or biweekly sessions are often recommended at the beginning to build trust and momentum.

The number of sessions depends on your goals and needs. Some people come for a short time to focus on one concern, while others prefer longer-term support. With children, it can sometimes take a little longer for them to feel comfortable and open up, which is completely normal. We will check in regularly so you can see how things are going and decide together what feels most helpful.

I use a collaborative and integrative approach that can include talk, play, art, mindfulness, and other evidence-based methods. The approach is always adapted to what feels most helpful for each person.

Play therapy is designed to be both child-led and guided. Both styles help children build skills and express themselves in ways that feel safe.

For children, sessions are in person. Teens, adults, and parenting consultations can be either in person or virtual, depending on what works best for you.

Yes. What you share in therapy is private. Your informed consent form, reviewed before our first session, will outline the small number of situations where confidentiality does not apply, such as legal obligations. We will go through that together so it feels clear and comfortable from the start. I am regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers, and I follow their Code of Ethics, which aligns with the Alberta Health Information Act for privacy and ethical care.

Not word for word. Children and teens need to know their sessions are private in order to feel safe opening up. I share updates about overall progress and bring parents in when we are practicing skills that can be supported at home.

Evening and weekend appointments are available. You can check the booking portal for current availability.

Bring whatever helps you or your child feel comfortable. For kids this might be a favourite toy or fidget. For adults it might be a notebook, a list of questions, or just yourself.