Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of clients do you work with?

I work with individuals living with or adjusting to health challenges—whether that’s a recent diagnosis, a flare-up of symptoms, or the ongoing realities of illness, injury, or complex health conditions.

Clients often come to therapy wanting to manage physical, mental, and emotional stress, navigate symptoms, address health changes, clarify priorities, and find new ways to care for themselves. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit.

The goal is to help you feel more grounded, capable, and better equipped to navigate the emotional, physical, and practical challenges that often come with changes in health.

What can we work on?

Many of my clients are navigating the emotional and day-to-day impact of illness or injury. This might involve managing symptoms and distress, adapting to shifting roles and routines, or processing the emotional effects of past health experiences or long-term adjustment.

Others are working to build sustainable habits, reconnect with motivation, or make sense of disruptions to energy, identity, and relationships.

Whether you're facing a difficult diagnosis, living with chronic symptoms, or simply feeling worn down by the demands of managing your health, therapy offers a space to be heard, understood, and supported. Together, we can make sense of your experience and develop skills to care for yourself in ways that strengthen your health and well-being.

What are sessions like?

Sessions are focused, supportive, and tailored to your specific needs. We explore what matters to you—your goals, concerns, and day-to-day experience—and build strategies that are practical, realistic, and relevant.

My approach integrates counselling & psychotherapy, health & wellness coaching, and mindfulness-based strategies. That might mean working on stress and symptom management, emotion regulation, grief and identity shifts, or motivation and pacing. Everything we do is grounded in science and adapted to your lived experience.

After each session, you’ll receive a clear, personalized summary—along with evidence-informed handouts and practical tools to support you between sessions. These materials are crafted specifically for you, drawing on my 20+ years of experience as a therapist, educator, and researcher in health behaviour science. Whether you're managing symptoms, rebuilding routines, or navigating complex health changes, you’ll benefit from individualized strategies applied with care to your unique goals and health context.

What is your session rate?

I charge $155.00 per 50-minute session. Counselling services are now GST/HST exempt. My rates are set in alignment with the current fee schedule recommended by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Payment can be made by credit card or e-transfer through my secure, Canadian-based platform, Jane App, a PCI-compliant system. Each client is asked to place a credit card on file; this information is encrypted, blinded to me, and can be removed at any time. An official receipt is issued after each session.

Many extended health plans cover some or all costs for counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). Please check your provider’s details to confirm your coverage. I’ll provide a receipt you can submit for reimbursement.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. I offer both in-person sessions in Sidney, BC, and secure online therapy for clients anywhere in British Columbia. Many people find virtual sessions more accessible—especially when managing fatigue, mobility concerns, or a full schedule.

Online sessions are conducted through Jane App, a Canadian-based platform that meets provincial privacy standards (PIPA) and uses bank-level encryption. Before each session, you'll receive a secure link to join from your browser or mobile device—no extra software needed.

While the format is different, research shows online therapy can be just as effective as in-person care. If you have questions about how it works or whether it’s right for you, feel free to reach out.

Do you accept referrals through First Nations Health Authority?

Yes. I am an approved mental health provider with First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), and I am able to bill directly for clients with eligible coverage. If you are a Status First Nations individual and have mental health benefits through FNHA, you can access counselling at no cost to you.

My practice is grounded in culturally safe, trauma-informed care. I’m honored to support First Nations clients and communities through this important partnership. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how to get started, feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to help guide the process.

How do I get started?

Choosing a therapist is an important decision. I invite you to connect with me to see how I can help. As a first step I offer a no-obligation, free initial phone consultation.

You can use this consultation to share what you’re looking to address, ask questions about treatment options, and get a better sense of potential fit. I'm happy to talk through how counselling might support you and what to expect from the process. If it feels like a good match, we can then schedule your first session.

You can reach me via phone, email, or by using the contact form. I aim to return all messages within 24 hours during the week. I look forward to hearing from you.