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Frequently Asked Questions

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Counselling

WHAT KIND OF TIME COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?

Depending on the needs and your availability, I recommend once a week to start for the first few weeks. Basedon the evolution of the situation, subsequent meetings can be spaced out. I often assign homework in the form of reflections, observations or particular exercises. 

WHAT SHOULD WE WORK ON FIRST?

It can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some questions that might help you choose a starting point:

  • What impact on your day to day functioning are most preoccupying?  (ex. symptoms or consequences on relationships, school/work, hobbies)

  • What problem would have the biggest impact if it were ressolved?

  • What would be the easiest problem to address?

  • What common themes do you notice in the different concerns you have?

  • What am I ready or willing to discuss? 

Sometimes the root problem isn't the easist starting point. Sometimes we just need to choose something, and recalibrate if we hit a road block.

WHAT ARE SOME TYPES OF THINGS WE CAN ACCOMPLISH TOGETHER?

Depending on your needs, we can look at an array of different themes. Here are some examples of things I commonly work on with clients: 

  • Identifying present and past coping mechanisms

  • Decoding emotions, and relating them to unmet needs

  • Developing tolerance to discomfort (“leaning into discomfort”)

  • Learning to “let go” and adapt to change, rather than anticipate

  • Advocating for needs: Assertiveness training, boundary setting & recalibrating expectations

  • Exploring intrinsic motivation and fulfilment

  • Integrating self-compassion (which often relates to burnout, performance anxiety) by examining unrelenting self-imposed standards 

  • Deconstructing taken-for-granted attitudes, values and beliefs

  • Recognizing interactional patterns or relationship dynamics

  • Teaching healthy communication and conflict management skills

  • Establishing priorities and managing personal ressources (including time, energy

WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE IMPROVEMENTS?

Keeping in mind that problems didn’t develop overnight – solutions won’t either. In the same way that medication can take a few weeks to take the full effects, counselling and therapy takes time. While I can't give a specific time frame, the more you put in, the more you will get out.

To favour long term sustainable changes, we focus on small steps. In the same way that a sudden restrictive diet may help you lose weight in the short term, abrupt revolutionary changes to your lifestyle habits may not last.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Contact me and we can do a free 15 minute consultation to see what you want to work on. I can tell you more about my approach to counselling and you can decide if it's a good fit. 

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Family Mediation

WHY FAMILY MEDIATION?

Family Mediation is a great alternative for those who want to avoid the court system. With the government subsidy available, it is also a more cost-efficient alternative.

WHEN SHOULD WE INVOLVE A MEDIATOR?

When a couple has made the decision to separate, and there are things that need to be resolved in the near future. Typically it is most relevant when a spouse has intention of moving out.

IS FAMILY MEDIATION NECESSARY?

Not at all. If you are able to have these discussions on your own then, that is wonderful. Given how emotionally charged nature some people appreciate having a neutral third party to facilitate discussion.

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