It always takes a bit of time to move through the initial resistance to therapy. For this reason, I offer a three-session start-up package for reduced fees if you are dedicated to furthering your self-development beyond your first therapy session.
Therapy at its best models healthy attachment and loving bonding so that you can explore what a deep and honest connection feels like. Sharing deeply and building a comfortable connection over time in your therapy sessions supports sustainable change.
Through our therapeutic alliance, my intention is that you deepen your self-understanding and have the opportunity to unburden your psychological struggles and emotional pain in a loving atmosphere of warmth, acceptance, safety and respect.
Dedicated Healing Time For You
Therapy is your time to grow, explore, connect and heal. Your hour is focused entirely upon you and what you need to create a positive change in your life.
3 Session Therapy Start-Up Package
If you have not seen me before, I invite you to pre-purchase a discounted 3 session therapy package. Please book a free 15-minute consult prior to paying to ensure suitability.
Book Your Subsequent Therapy Packages HERE
Please consider your package choice carefully. Packages must be prepaid and are non-refundable. You have up to one year to use all of your sessions.
*Insurance receipts will be issued after each session is complete.
One-Hour Sessions
A one-hour therapy session covers a lot of ground and there is the time in the end for a summation of what we covered, and goal setting and planning how to go forward. The time used for scheduling appointments, payment and administrative tasks never cut into your therapy hour and occur before or after your hour.
Telephone or Video Counselling
I have been doing online therapy for years and it is very effective. And, you do not have to get in your car to come to your appointment! Video counselling is available all over the world. I can do telephone therapy in Canada and in the USA.
Online therapy is often a preferred choice for people who live in remote locations.
If you are interested in phone or online counselling, please contact me to book a complimentary 15-minute telephone or video consultation to determine suitability.
Session Frequency
People often ask, “How often do I need to come for therapy?” To help you determine this, it is important to consider the rate of change you are seeking.
It is also helpful to know that you do not have to feel emotionally terrible in order for a counselling session to be deeply worthwhile. It is often an opportune time to rationally explore long-held painful patterns when you are feeling emotionally clearer.
I suggest four frequency options to help you make the choice that is right for you. I am also happy to make a specific recommendation for you or can collaborate with you on other frequency options that you feel would work better.
Pre-booking and Scheduling
My therapy practice is busy. I recommend pre-booking appointments one to two weeks ahead of time to avoid extended gaps between your sessions. Such gaps may affect your progress and the satisfaction you receive from counselling.
Free Consultation
Prior to booking an initial session, you are welcome to book a 15-minute consultation to help ensure a good therapeutic fit for a session package. Consultations are available by phone, video prior to your initial session. See Preparing for Your Therapy Consult.
Initial Session
Your first therapy session will typically include a discussion of the issues that bring you to counselling and your related feelings and thoughts. Your first session is a time for establishing our connection and for you to share your personal story.
You will be invited to set some goals for your counselling package duration. You are always encouraged to share your feedback about each counselling session. I also invite you to "try out" undeveloped aspects of yourself in connection with me. All parts of you are welcome to express.
Second Session
We begin with a brief review of your last therapy session, attend to any pressing issues, and further clarify your goals for counselling. Together, we will develop a plan for achieving these goals and begin to look deeper into the mental and emotional patterns that are not working well for you.
Subsequent Sessions
Emotional struggles and life issues, as you identify and experience them, are discussed in further depth and detail in each subsequent session. Together we unravel your tangled emotions, painful thinking and maladaptive behavioural patterns to make sense as to why you feel stuck.
Progress in meeting your goals is reviewed regularly, and gains and strengths are regularly celebrated. I will help you sort out and understand the "landscape" of your emotions. Together we will examine what new positive life changes your negative emotions are indicating you could travel towards.
Therapy Homework
For best results, the actions you take outside your regular session time will greatly aid your emotional healing process. I will offer some suggestions for between-session homework, and I always invite you to intuit and create your own emotional wellness practices. Planning together for your positive change outside of session time amplifies accountability and encouragement. See Therapy Homework
When is Counselling Complete?
Sessions are complete when the issues that you came to counselling have been sufficiently addressed or resolved. Ideally, this is determined with some discussion in advance of leaving, however, I fully support any reason you may have for terminating therapy. Should you identify a problem outside my realm of expertise, I will do my best to refer you to other therapists that I think would be more suitable.
With much care,
Shelley