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Frequently Asked Questions
What are your clinical practice areas?
I work with adults aged 19 and older. My clinical areas of expertise include addictions (process and substance-based); general and social anxiety; abuse, developmental trauma; depression; disordered eating, eating issues; emotional regulation, distress tolerance; communication and interpersonal issues; life transitions; self-confidence, body image; general and work-related stress.
Do you work with couples and families?
No. Though I continue to support existing couples, I no longer accept couples and family clients.
How much are counselling fees? Do you offer a sliding scale?
Individual counselling is $150 plus GST per 50 minutes; longer sessions are prorated accordingly. Sliding scale services are offered case-by-case and based on financial need. Clients covered by extended health insurance are not eligible for sliding scale rates.
Are your services covered by extended health insurance?
Coverage is plan-specific: confirm with your insurance provider that coverage includes Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs). With the exception of ICBC, FNHA, and MNBC I do not directly bill third-party health insurers. I do, however, issue clinical receipts that can be submitted for reimbursement.
Do you offer in-person and/or virtual counselling?
Yes and yes! Virtual counselling is delivered via Zoom for Health licensed by the First Nations Health Authority. I also offer telephone counselling upon request.
Where is your office located?
Suite 301, 1321 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC. I am located inside the Regus suite of offices, 3rd floor of the Atrium building in downtown Victoria.
What is your clinic schedule?
Counselling sessions are offered Tuesday through Friday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm (give or take). I typically offer virtual consultations on Mondays but am happy to coordinate a different day as needed.
How long before I can expect to feel better/see results?
Many clients feel better within 1-2 sessions by virtue of being heard and understood. By 6 to 8 sessions, clients often develop insight into issues and experience measurable shifts in key focus areas. After 6 months to a year of regular (eg. biweekly) sessions, clients tend to report meaningful, sustained change. So, while the attainment of therapeutic goals varies from client to client, a timeframe one would ideally commit to is 6-12 (or more) months.
What distinguishes RCCs from other mental health practitioners?
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC): Completed minimum of a master’s degree; recognized by BC Association of Clinical Counsellors as qualified to provide counselling services; can assess but not formally diagnose nor prescribe medication.
Registered Social Workers (RSW): Hold a bachelor’s degree; connect clients to resources, provide counselling and support services, mediate conflict, advocate for services; cannot formally diagnose nor prescribe medication.
Registered Psychologists (R.Psych): Completed a PhD; assess, diagnose and treat behavioural, emotional, cognitive and mental disorders; typically practice in specific areas such as clinical, counselling, forensic, health, rehabilitation or school psychology.
Psychiatrist: Medical doctor (MD) with specialized training in treating mental illness; can prescribe medication; may use talk therapy and medication therapy in tandem or exclusively; services covered under MSP.