Frequently Asked Questions

No referral is required. You can book a free 15-minute consultation directly to see if we’re a good fit or or contact me through my contact page with any questions you have. When you are ready, you can book therapy sessions through my booking link.

Finding the right therapeutic fit matters. A free consultation offers an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about how I work, and notice how you feel in conversation with me.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and it’s important that it continues to feel supportive and aligned with your needs. If at any point you (or I) feel that your goals may be better supported elsewhere, I encourage open conversation. I am always happy to offer referrals, and I welcome your self-advocacy in seeking the care that feels right for you.

Before your first session, you’ll receive intake and informed consent forms by email to complete in advance. If email or privacy is a barrier, we will complete these forms together during our first meeting.

The first session is a chance for us to get to know one another. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy and what you’re hoping for, moving at a pace that feels comfortable. If you’d like to focus right away on what feels most important (after housekeeping items are addressed), we can do that too.

Yes, the privacy of your communications during therapy is protected by professional ethics and legal regulations in the province of British Columbia. I cannot and will not disclose information about your treatment without your written permission, with the following exceptions:

• Risk of harm to self or others: If I have reason to believe that you are at risk of harming yourself or another person, I am obligated to take protective actions, which may include contacting family members, emergency services, potential victims, and/or the police.
• Suspected abuse or neglect: If I have reasonable cause to believe that a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities, such as the Ministry of Child and Family Development or the Adult Protection Program.
• Legal proceedings: If you are involved in legal proceedings, your records may be subject to subpoena or court order. While I will make every effort to protect your privacy, I must comply with valid court orders.
• Professional consultation: I may occasionally consult with other professionals about aspects of your case to provide the best possible care, but I will not reveal your identity without your consent.

These limits to confidentiality are discussed clearly at the beginning of therapy. If disclosure is ever required, my intention is to be as transparent as possible and, whenever appropriate, to involve you in the process.

That’s okay. Many people start therapy with a general sense that something feels off, heavy, or unsustainable, even if they can’t yet put it into words. Part of the work is making space to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. We will begin wherever you are.

Therapy can sometimes feel worse before it feels better, especially as painful emotions come into awareness. This is a normal part of meaningful change, and we work together to ensure the process feels safe and supported.

Individual sessions are 50 minutes. Many clients begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions, though frequency can shift over time based on your needs, goals, and capacity. I also offer 75-minute sessions for clients who prefer extra time.

Individual counselling sessions are $160 for 50 minutes and $185 for 75 minutes.

Payment is due at the start of the session.    

Requests to complete paperwork outside of session time are billed in 15-minute, pro-rated increments. 

A limited number of sliding scale sessions are available for clients facing financial barriers. Please reach out to inquire about availability.

Many extended health benefit plans cover the services of Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) and may be reimbursable.  Check with your plan provider to see if you have coverage. Receipts will be available for you to apply for reimbursement. 

Yes. I am currently accepting new clients for secure online counselling to adults across British Columbia. In-person sessions in Vancouver will be available soon. Send me a message if you would like to be informed when in-person sessions become available.

Your session time is reserved especially for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, will be charged the full session fee. 

I understand that life happens and unexpected circumstances arise. If something unavoidable comes up, please reach out as soon as possible so we can discuss options.

There may be times when the space between sessions feels hard to navigate. When available, brief phone support can be offered between sessions to current clients and is billed in 15-minute increments.  Email is the best method to inquire about last-minute meeting availability.

The Holding Place Professional Counselling does not offer crisis support. If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call 911 or call/text 988 to connect with the 24/7 Canadian Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.