FAQs

ARE YOU TAKING CLIENTS IN-PERSON? ONLINE?

Yes. You can mix online with in-person sessions any way you like!

Online relationship sessions are the most beneficial when both individuals connect on the same device.

WHEN ARE YOU AVAILABLE?

I work Mondays through Thursdays, some days from 11:30am and some days until 9pm.

CAN WE ROLL THE CONSULT STRAIGHT INTO A SESSION?

No. Before we can start any therapeutic work you need to fill out a form, which is available through my booking site online. It will describe my practice policies, and describe what you can expect from me as a therapist in terms of confidentiality. This will also give me an idea of who you are and where we might want to start our work. You will have a chance to describe what isn’t working in your life, and describe what you would like to get out of therapy.

HOW CAN I ASSESS IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?

Book a complimentary 15 min online consultation with me. You can ask any questions you have. The consult will give you a feel for who I am and what it is like to be in the same space with me.

Here is how I pick a therapist for myself:

• Their training required them to do their own therapy, to develop competence and not just knowledge

• They believe in the value of therapy and continue to do their own work

• I feel safe to reveal the most uncomfortable parts of myself

• I don’t feel judged by them, and instead I feel like I grow in their company

• They come along side me where I struggle, and make me feel good about myself

WHAT MAKES A GOOD COUPLES THERAPIST?

There are a few different styles of working with couples. Some styles work better for some clients, so choose a style that you think will fit you. The two main styles are Gottman and EFT. Both are oriented in the basis of attachment theory, which forms the foundation of what we know about (romantic) relationships. Each style will vary with the practitioner, Gottman is a bit more solutions-oriented, and often use worksheets for you to complete. EFT focuses on identifying the underlying drivers of conflict, trusting that once you understand what it truly is that makes you upset, you will know how to resolve your differences.

Here is what I would look for in a couples therapist for myself:

• Understands that conflict is rooted in our needs to feel close and connected with those we care about

• Is skilled in supporting partners to slow down and regulate

• Is trained in how to work with trauma and neurodivergence. If we didn’t know any of that impacted us before, it often shows up in our relationships

• Knows how to identify abuse (physical, verbal, financial, etc) and how to offer support to the vulnerable partner when that is needed

DO YOU DO YOUR OWN THERAPY?

Of course. I love therapy!

I feel supported and my life works with ease when I have a good therapist in my life. I feel blessed that my training required me to do my own individual and group therapy throughout my training. Before that I have done my own therapy through most of my big life transitions.

I continue to develop myself professionally as a therapist by learning new modalities, and it is part of what I love about this job.

HOW DO I OPTIMIZE THE ONLINE EXPERIENCE?

Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your online experience:

• Private space. It is important that you are comfortable to express yourself freely. It is ideal if you have a private room where what you say will be kept safe. Many prefer using headphones, with or without a microphone. Some have a white noise machine they can place outside of the door. If that is currently not available to you I know people sitting in their car (while safely parked) to have space from their family.

• For online sessions you need a stable internet connection. If you can, use a device that is physically connected to your router/ internet provider through an ethernet cable. If your device does not have a connection for an ethernet cable you can get an adapter. If that is not an option, try to find a location in your home that consistently has a good connection (near the router is often better).

• Check your internet connection at fast.com. You will need a result of 15Mbps or higher. If you’re seeing a number measured in Kbps, that’s not good news. If your internet connection isn’t great, you will have the option to shut off the video and do an audio-only session.

• For your privacy and to protect the confidential space I use encrypted and secure conferencing software.

• I recommend the following browsers: on a computer or laptop using Chrome or Opera. Android devices work best with Chrome. If you’re on an iOS device (iPhone, iPad) you will need the Jane Online Appointments app which is available on the app store.

• If you are on a device, please ensure it is sufficiently charged or that you have the cables and power outlets needed to keep your device powered up.

• If you want to work on the phone then I recommend connecting through a landline. If a good wifi connection is not availale this may be the best option.

WILL YOUR SESSIONS BE COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. My professional organization ACCT has agreements with the following insurance companies: Alberta Blue Cross, ClaimSecure, ComPsych, Equitable Life of Canada, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, Pacific Blue Cross, SunLife. However please make sure your employer’s plan covers my services, as individual plans vary even with the same insurer. Some plans only cover psychologists, or social workers etc.

Please check your policy coverage carefully by asking your insurance provider the following questions:

• Does my plan cover a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC)?

• What is the coverage amount per year and per therapy session?

• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

I do not bill insurance companies directly. I will give you a receipt which you can use for reimbursement through your insurance company. 

HOW MUCH ARE YOUR SESSIONS?

Please visit my online booking page to view current fees.

HOW DO I PAY YOU?

I prefer that you pay through my booking site directly.

MONEY IS REALLY TIGHT RIGHT NOW. IS THERE A WAY WE CAN MAKE SOMETHING WORK?

If you are struggling to make things work financially, perhaps because of the pandemic or a disability, please describe your situation and inquire about my options. I have some spots available on a sliding scale, and occasionally my pro bono spot opens up.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

No problem! Life happens. Please let me know at least 48 hours in advance so I can make the spot available to someone else. After that the session will be charged in full.

If you think you will need accomodation for the cancellation policy due to a disability, please let me know in advance.

Please note that this form is not confidential.

I LOOK forward to supportING you!