.png)
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking and getting started
How do I book a session? You can book directly through the online booking system at any time. If you'd prefer to connect first, I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can get a feel for each other before you commit to anything. You can book that through the same link.
Do you offer a free consultation? Yes. I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation for new clients. This is a chance for you to ask questions, share a bit about what's bringing you to therapy, and get a sense of whether we might be a good fit. There's no obligation to continue.
How do I know if you're the right therapist for me? The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in whether therapy is helpful. I work best with adults and youth who are ready to go a little deeper than surface-level coping strategies, and who are open to experiential approaches like EMDR, somatic work, or art therapy. If you've had therapy before and felt like something was missing, we might be a good fit. The free consultation is the best way to find out.
How often will we meet? Most clients begin with weekly sessions, which tends to support the momentum of deeper work, but sometimes bi-weekly works better if insurance or budget are a constraint. As things shift and stabilize, we can move to less frequent appointments. We'll figure out what works best for you as we go.
What to expect
What does a typical session look like? Sessions are 50 minutes. There's no single formula; some sessions are more conversational, others involve guided experiential work like EMDR processing, somatic exercises, or art-based exploration. What we do depends on where you are and what feels most useful on a given day. I'll always check in with you before moving into anything new.
How long does therapy take? I wrote a whole blog post about this, which you can check out here! This varies a lot depending on what you're working through and what your goals are. Some clients find a lot of value in a focused 8–12 sessions. Others working through complex or early trauma find longer-term support more helpful. I'll share my perspective on this as we get to know each other, and you're always in the driver's seat.
What if I've already done a lot of therapy? That's actually quite common for the clients I work with. If you've done significant talk therapy and feel like you've hit a ceiling, that might be a sign that a more experiential or body-based approach could open new ground. EMDR and somatic work in particular can reach places that talk therapy sometimes can't.
Modalities
What is EMDR and how does it work? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed for trauma and PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess distressing memories that haven't been fully integrated. Many people find it works faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma, and it doesn't require you to talk through events in detail. It can also be used successfully for other issues like anxiety and depression. I completed Level 1 and 2 EMDR training in 2025.
What is somatic therapy? Somatic therapy recognizes that trauma and emotion are stored in the body, not just the mind. Rather than only talking about experiences, we pay attention to physical sensations, tension, and movement as a way of completing what the nervous system started. This can be as simple as noticing where you hold stress in your body, or working with breath and posture as entry points to deeper healing. I wrote a blog post providing more information about this here.
What is IFS (Internal Family Systems)? IFS, sometimes called "parts work," is a model that sees the mind as made up of different parts - some that protect us, some that carry old wounds. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts or feelings, IFS helps you get curious about them and build a more compassionate relationship with all parts of yourself. It's a gentle, non-pathologizing approach that many people find deeply relieving.
What is art therapy, and do I need to be artistic? Definitely not. Art therapy isn't about making good art; it's about using creative expression as a way of accessing and processing things that are hard to put into words. This might involve drawing, painting, collage, or other materials. It can be especially useful when we feel stuck in our heads, or when something feels too big or shapeless to talk about directly.
Fees, insurance, and funding
What does a session cost? A 50-minute session is $150. The free 20-minute consultation is complimentary with no obligation.
Do you direct bill to insurance? I don't direct bill, but I provide a receipt after each session that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Most extended health plans that cover Registered Social Workers (RSW) will reimburse a significant portion of session fees. I'd recommend checking your plan to confirm your coverage and annual limits before we begin.
What insurance plans typically cover your services? Most plans that include coverage for RSWs (such as Sun Life, Great-West Life, Manulife, and Green Shield) will cover my services. The key thing to check is whether your plan specifically lists Registered Social Workers as eligible practitioners.
Do you work with ICBC clients? Yes. If you've been in a motor vehicle accident and have an active ICBC claim, you may be eligible for funded counselling sessions. Please get in touch to discuss your situation and I can help you understand what's available to you.
Do you work with CVAP (Crime Victim Assistance Program)? Yes. If you've been the victim of a violent crime in BC, CVAP may fund your counselling. I'm happy to speak with you about how to access this support.
Do you work with Autism Funding? Yes. I can work with clients accessing Autism Funding through the BC government. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and how to set this up.
Online and virtual therapy
Do you offer online sessions? Yes. I offer virtual sessions by video for clients anywhere in British Columbia. The process is essentially the same as in-person — we connect at your scheduled time through a secure platform.
What do I need for a virtual session? A private, quiet space, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. I'll send you a secure link before your session.
I live outside Vernon, can I still work with you? Yes. Virtual sessions are available to anyone in BC. In-person sessions are available at my Vernon office.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Feel free to reach out, I'm happy to help.