FAQ

Absolutely. I support a wide range of people with a wide range of concerns, and one of the most important parts of counselling is the client-counsellor relationship. If you think my vibe would complement yours, feel free to book a free consultation here. If we aren’t the right fit or your support needs are out of my scope, I will be upfront and provide you with referrals.

Counselling can help with a variety of things like anxiety, burnout, self-esteem, stress, interpersonal difficulties, depression, grief, transition periods, and identity. Counselling offers a safe and judgement-free space to process your thoughts, emotions, and feelings, which might be uncomfortable or daunting.

It often leads to more self-awareness, like your values, relationship patterns, and unmasked self. Some common topics include increasing emotional regulation, finding coping skills for tough times, and unpacking sociocultural norms. However, it’s not always gritty topics. I also like to learn about the fun parts of your life, and giggling can be therapeutic!

Confidentiality is covered in detail within the consent form and during our first session. Confidentiality includes our session content and your personal information and continues even if we stop working together. There are a few limits to confidentiality (standard practice within counselling) that should be known:

1. If I suspect harm of a minor or a vulnerable person, I am required to report my concerns.

2. If I suspect there is a substantial risk of you seriously harming yourself, such as suicide, or a serious harm to another, such as homicide, I am required to report my concerns. This may include a medical emergency during a session that requires calling emergency services.

3. If I am required to disclose by law, such as a subpoena.

Confidentiality is crucial because it supports the trust in our relationship. Whenever possible, we will complete mandatory reports together to avoid any surprises. In addition, if you’re concerned about bumping against the limits of confidentiality, please ask to revisit the limits and ask any clarifying questions you may have.

Our session time is scheduled for you exclusively, and so, my official cancellation policy is that sessions cancelled with less than 48-hours’ notice are charged the full session fee. My policy helps ensure fairness to you, to my other clients, and to me.

As a chronically ill human, I recognize that 48 hours is somewhat ableist because our bodies and abilities are dynamic. Therefore, although I have an official policy, I do my best to meet you where you’re at.

No. In British Columbia, counsellors cannot provide formal diagnoses. I can help you weigh the options of seeking a diagnosis or not (a common topic), and I can recommend appropriate resources.

Self-diagnosis is welcome. Neurodivergence is not only severely under-recognized and under-diagnosed in many populations, but also highly inaccessible and costly. Misdiagnosis is another common topic in my practice.

I strive to be anti-oppressive, and I practice from an intersectional feminist lens that acknowledges systemic oppressions, privileges (including mine), and the harmful beliefs programmed in by a society that is colonialist, capitalist, and patriarchal. I’m part of that same society, and all humans have bias and make mistakes, so your feedback and recommendations are not expected but always welcome!

That’s totally understandable and okay with me. Being your counsellor doesn’t make me entitled to any parts of your inner world. Whether you need time to build trust, don’t feel ready to talk about something, or simply never want to broach a topic, that’s okay. If I think not discussing a topic might hinder our work, I’ll bring it up, but in the end, I support your agency and autonomy.

Usually, but please check your insurance policy for the details on your coverage. Please note that as of May 2026, I’m in a liminal space of licensing and designation because my degree is not yet conferred. This means it’s unlikely for your insurance to cover me. I expect to be designated during summer of 2026.

You can read a bit about what to expect here! First sessions might be a bit spooky, and that’s normal! After booking, you’ll receive an email to review and sign my consent forms. We’ll start by reviewing those forms to see if you have any questions and highlight important parts, like risks, benefits, and limits to confidentiality. Next, I introduce how neuro-affirming counselling might differ from other counselling experiences. These two topics take about ten minutes, and questions are welcome.

After that, I like to break the ice by discussing things from your intake form. This is usually fun and light, like your hobbies, loved ones, or other interesting bits. Trust takes time to build, and I don’t like to rush it! However, I always give you the option to jump right into any specific topics you might have. The first 2-3 sessions usually revolve around getting to know you, your reasons for seeing me, and your goals, but I do not conduct the typical linear “history-taking” appointments. Think of my intake more like a webbed kaleidoscope, where we jump from topic to topic, creating an overall picture.

Whenever possible, I recommend we start off with weekly sessions. Clients often reduce to biweekly sessions after we get the ball rolling. However, you know your needs best, and this is late-stage capitalism—so if weekly appointments aren’t right for you, I understand. Re-occurring appointments are an option, if you’d prefer.

Ethical codes mandate that counsellors do not approach clients to uphold confidentiality. I live in a remote area, so it’s unlikely we’ll run into each other. However, if you see me in public, feel free to come say hello, wave, or totally ignore me! I support your choice, and we can always talk about it in session.

Bathroom break? Water? Snacks? Overstimulated? Yep, yep, yep, and yep, let’s take a break! I always want our sessions to respect your needs.

If you’re having a medical emergency or you’re at imminent risk of harming yourself or someone else, please call 911. Sometimes I have same day sessions available, and you’re welcome to contact me, but

I am not a crisis counsellor. If you think you might have a crisis in the future, we can build a safety plan. Here’s some helplines if you’re having a mental health crisis:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 (call or text)

• Trans Lifeline at (877)330-6366 (call)

• BC Indigenous support Kuu-us Crisis Line Society at (800)588-8717 (call) or (788)601-8009 (text)

RCC, CCC, RSW… WTF?

A registered clinical counsellor (RCC) meets the requirements of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). An RCC has a graduate degree in counselling, psychology, or an equivalent area, meets a list of requirements, and follows an ethical code and standards of practice. A Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) meets similar requirements held by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and follows the CCPA’s ethical code and standards of practice.

A registered social worker (RSW) is regulated by the BC College of Social Workers. A RSW can register as a RCC if they have a graduate degree (but not all RCC can register as a RSW because a social work degree is required). Registered psychologists have doctoral degrees, a separate regulatory body, and conduct psychotherapy, assessments and provide diagnosis. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with a specialization in psychiatry and require a referral from your doctor. They can conduct psychotherapy and assessments, diagnosis, and prescribe medication.