Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can I see you for individual therapy while my partner and I see you for couples therapy?
No. I do either individual therapy or couples therapy. I do not conduct both forms of therapy with the same person because of a potential conflict of interest. For couples therapy to be effective, the therapist cannot keep secrets from either partner. During the assessment phase of marriage counselling, I interview each partner separately one time. Both partners waive confidentiality regarding information obtained during those individual sessions (anything spoken about in the individual sessions may be discussed in couples therapy). If during the course of couples therapy it becomes apparent that either partner requires individual therapy, they will be referred to another therapist for individual treatment.
2) How long does counselling take, and how often do most people attend counselling?
Length of therapy depends on your therapeutic goals as well as the nature of your complaint. For example, individuals facing a life transition may only need a few counselling sessions to facilitate decision-making. A survivor of a recent, discrete trauma may experience major symptom relief within 8 to 15 counselling sessions. People tend to make more progress when they have the continuity of weekly counselling sessions. However, individual circumstances vary. Some people attend counselling biweekly, others attend monthly.
To learn more about the format for couples therapy, click here.
3) How long is a session and what is your fee?
In therapy, I work on the “50-minute hour,” meaning that I meet with clients for 50 minutes and 10 minutes are reserved for preparation and session note taking. The fee for a 50-minute session is $200. The fee for a 100-minute session is $400. The fee is collected at the beginning of each session and is payable via cash, cheque, or Interac e-Transfer. An official receipt with my CPBC registration number is issued. I provide direct billing for the RCMP, Canadian Forces, and Veterans Affairs Canada.
All treatment sessions for couples are 100 minutes ($400).
The fee for completion of written documentation on your behalf is $200 per hour. Shorter insurance company forms usually require about one hour to complete. Longer insurance company forms usually require about two hours to complete. More comprehensive reports may require four to six hours to complete. Additional time may be spent reviewing collateral written information you provide from your family doctor, psychiatrist, or previous psychologist. Please note that these general time guidelines for written services are in addition to session time with you. A minimum of two sessions is required to gather sufficient data to aid in the completion of forms for insurance companies. Please let me know during your initial contact with my office if you are seeking written services.
4) Is counselling covered by Medical Services Plan?
No, psychotherapy and counselling are not covered by basic medical insurance. However, extended health plans and employee assistance plans may provide some reimbursement for your costs. Please contact your plan directly to ascertain your coverage. Most extended health plans do not require a referral from your family doctor to see me.
5) Is the fee tax deductible?
Yes, psychotherapy and counselling fees that are not covered by insurance are tax deductible as a medical expense.
6) What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel an appointment, please notify me by telephone as soon as possible so someone else may use your spot. If you provide 48 hours notice (2 business days), no fee will be charged. If you do not provide 48 hours notice, the full fee will be charged, unless I am able to fill your spot.
7) When can I have an appointment?
Your initial appointment would be scheduled at 3:00 pm on a Wednesday or Thursday. My office is closed evenings and weekends.
8) Where are you located?
My office is located across from the Chilliwack Museum in the Chilliwack Medical Dental Center (Lock’s Pharmacy building), at the corner of Main and Patten in Downtown Chilliwack. Enter the free parking lot behind the building from Patten Avenue.
9) Will my boss find out I am seeing you for counselling?
No. I am ethically and legally required to protect your confidentiality. I do not release your information to others without your prior written authorization.
10) Where can I read more about Self-Regulation Therapy (SRT)?
Please visit the website of the Canadian Foundation for Trauma Research and Education.