• What are your office hours?

My schedule is flexible. I offer morning, afternoon, and evening sessions throughout the week, with some weekend hours available as well. Please contact me to schedule an appointment.

  • Do you offer a reduced fee or sliding scale?

Reduced fee are offered on a limited basis for students and those demonstrating economic hardship. Please contact me for more information.

  • What is the cancellation policy?

A minimum of 48 hours notification of cancellation is required. Cancelled sessions within the 48 hr period will need to be paid for.

  • Why counselling?

Many people seek counseling because they have identified specific goals or issues that they wish to work on. Others may be encouraged by family, friends, or medical professionals to seek help, and in some cases, a person may be mandated to attend therapy as part of a court ruling.

Whatever the reason, it takes courage to attend therapy, and it takes dedication to see it through. Together, the client and the therapist will determine the goals of therapy, and if the therapy should be short- or long-term. In many cases, the therapist and client will explore much more than just the client’s presenting problem—the issue that first brought the person to therapy. The help of the right therapist can reduce emotional suffering, improve the relationship with self and others, empower self-growth, promote self-actualization, self-confidence and provide a better happiness outcome for the client.

  • Is psychotherapy or counselling right for me?

Seeking out therapy is a very personal and individual choice. People choose to come to therapy for a number of reasons, although most pursue therapy during a crisis. Something has happened and now issues are overwhelming and beyond their capacity to cope. Others may want to deal with longstanding issues that have affected their well-being for many years, work through current life transitions or unexpected changes, or desire a safe, supportive space for exploration, reflection and making meaning of experiences. Therapy can treat a variety of symptoms and presenting problems. Here are some common reasons people seek therapy:

  • Feelings of sadness, depression, melancholy, etc.
  • Relationship issues
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Grief and loss
  • Suicidal thoughts and feelings or
  • Bereavement after a suicide.
  • Stress and stress management
  • Sexual problems or sexual abuse
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Major traumatic life events (a break-up, serious health issues or an accident, a financial crisis, aging concerns, etc.)
  • Addictions and compulsions
  • Existential / Spiritual concerns
  • Parenting concerns or family problems
  • Chronic pain or illness
  • Domestic violence or abuse
  • Anger Management
  • How can therapy help me?

There are many benefits in participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for a plethora of issues. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the stresses of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Developing a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values.
  • Learning skills for improving your relationships.
  • Finding resolution to the presenting issues or concerns.
  • Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
  • Managing anger, grief, sadness, and other strong or overwhelming emotions.
  • Improving communications and listening skills – thereby strengthening relationships.
  • Changing old behaviour patterns and developing new ones – leading to better functioning.
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems within yourself, your family or your marriage.
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence.
  • What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues and ongoing personal growth.

There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or journaling to track certain behaviours. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

  • Compassion, respect and understanding – for yourself primarily and then it naturally flows in your relationships.
  • New perspectives and insights ( these help you to understand problem-patterns and negative feelings).
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change (With this new perspective, change becomes easier to achieve).
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance (I integrate Mindfullness and grounding techniques in my work).
  • Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your doctor you can determine what’s best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behaviour patterns that curb healthy functioning. You will best achieve sustainable healing and well-being with an integrated approach to wellness.

  • Are my therapy sessions confidential?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about therapy. And the answer is yes, the sessions are confidential. Therapy works best when trust is strong. Therefore, all information disclosed is strictly confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without your written permission, except where disclosure is required by law. Legal exceptions to confidentiality are put in place to protect your safety and the safety of others. Limits to the privilege of confidentiality include: suspected abuse/neglect of a child or elderly person, if I believe you are in danger of harming yourself or another person, if a valid court order is issued, or when otherwise required by the law. Also, all therapists who work ethically are required to attend their supervisor regularly. Client issues are discussed in a general way and the client is never identified – nor is there ever a need to do so. Strict confidentiality and ethical professional boundaries apply in the therapist’s supervision work also.

  • How do I get started?

You can send me an email using the contact page here, or call me at 086 3375310. If I am not available when you call, please leave a voicemail. I am generally able to return calls within the day, so if you leave your contact information, I will get back to you promptly.

  • What will happen at our first appointment?

Coming to therapy for the first time, or for the first time with a new counsellor, can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience. It is okay to discuss these feelings with your counsellor, and it often helps to do so.

At our first appointment, I ask that you complete the ‘Client Intake Form’ and ‘Counselling Agreement form’. The first one is a regular intake process form detailing contact information, current medications etc. The second form provides information on confidentiality etc. We’ll usually take a few minutes prior to your first session to fill them out in the waiting room at my office.