First sessions can feel a little nerve-wracking — that’s completely normal. Most people are surprised by how comfortable it feels once we get talking. Your first session is really just a chance for us to get to know each other. I’ll ask some questions about what’s brought you in, what’s going on, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you arrive. You just need to show up.
Completely. Almost everyone feels some version of nervous before their first session — even people who have been to therapy before. It takes courage to reach out, and I don’t take that lightly. Most people leave their first session saying it felt much easier than they expected. The hardest part is usually just making the appointment.
The honest answer is that you might not know until we talk — and that’s exactly what the free 20-minute consultation is for. It’s a no-pressure conversation where you can get a feel for my style, ask any questions you have, and decide whether it feels like a good fit. There’s no commitment involved. If we’re not the right match, I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
Both are great options depending on what you need. 60-minute sessions work well for ongoing individual therapy where we have an established rhythm. 90-minute sessions give us more room to go deeper — they’re particularly useful at the beginning of our work together, for processing something significant, or for couples therapy where there’s simply more to hold. Not sure which is right for you? We can figure it out together.
Most people start with weekly/biweekly sessions. Meeting more regularly at the beginning gives us the space to go deeper, rather than spending each session catching up on what’s happened since the last one. As things shift and you find your footing, we’ll move naturally to monthly and eventually as-needed. This is always flexible and shaped around your goals, your life, and what works for you.
This really depends on what you’re working through and what you want to get out of it. Some people come for a focused period of time around a specific challenge. Others find ongoing therapy valuable as a long-term investment in themselves. We’ll check in regularly about how things are feeling and adjust as we go — there’s no pressure to stay longer than is useful, and no pressure to wrap up before you’re ready.
Yes — I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. In-person sessions are held in downtown Nanaimo in the Old City Quarter at Wesley Square. Virtual sessions are available to anyone in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Many clients find virtual therapy just as effective as in-person, and appreciate the flexibility it offers.
Yes. What you share in therapy stays between us. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship and I take it very seriously. There are a small number of legal and ethical exceptions, for example, if there is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else. If one of these situations ever arises, my first priority if possible is to talk it through with you and figure out a plan together. I never want the fear of that stopping you from saying what you truly feel. This space welcomes all of it — even the thoughts that feel dark or scary.
Individual and couples therapy serve different purposes. In individual therapy, you are the focus — we work on your patterns, your history, and your growth. In couples therapy, the relationship is the client. Occasionally, individual sessions may be recommended as part of the couples therapy process, but these are conducted within that context and in service of the relationship work.
Great question and one worth answering openly. If we cross paths outside of the therapy room, I won’t approach you or acknowledge you first. That’s not me being rude or indifferent…it’s protecting your privacy. The fact that you’re a client is confidential, and I never want to put you in an awkward position by saying hello at the wrong moment. If you’d like to say hi, please do I’d love that. But the choice is always yours.
Still have questions?
I’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime or book your free 15-minute consultation below — no pressure, no commitment.
