FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN COUNSELLING?
In your first session, we will complete an "intake" conversation. During this conversation, I will ask you to tell me a bit about yourself and your reasons for coming to counselling. During this and the following few sessions, we will work together to develop a plan to reach your counselling goals.
In the remaining sessions, we will spend time working towards your goals, revisiting and revising our plan as needed. You are in charge of the pace and content of our sessions.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN POSTPARTUM COUNSELLING?
Postpartum counselling is everything my regular counselling service offers with the added bonus of access to information about breastfeeding and infant sleep. Ideally you feel we can work together on all aspects of your postpartum life, both supporting your wellness and providing you with tools to make the first years of your life with baby as successful as possible. This service is not only geared to cis-gendered mothers who birthed their babies, but also to fathers, other parents, and adoptive parents.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN SLEEP CONSULTING
The sleep consulting packages, provided by myself and my colleagues at Better Bedtime, are focused exclusively on sleep. These packages are for you if you are looking for immediate 1:1 sleep help. They can be used in conjunction with counselling services, or on their own. Please click here for more information on sleep consulting.
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
I offer a sliding scale rate, as well as a few reduced-fee spots. As a reminder, the sliding scale rate allows you to “pay what you can” within the range. Those who can pay at the higher end of the rate cover some of my overhead cost which allows those who pay the lower rate to access counselling when they might otherwise have been unable. My sliding scale rate is $120-140. Everyone is welcome to pay anything within that range with no explanation or discussion. Please contact me if you would like to inquire about reduced-fee spots.
ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
If you have health insurance coverage from your employer, school, or parents, it is likely that you have coverage for counselling with a registered social worker (RSW).
It is important to confirm with your insurance provider before paying for a session, as each plan is different and may offer varying amounts of coverage.
CAN YOUR SLEEP CONSULTING SERVICES BE COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?
If you have private health insurance, it is likely that you have coverage for an RSW. If so, then you can submit my services for reimbursement through your health insurance plan. This includes the sleep consulting services. Please click here for more information on my sleep consulting services.
Please be sure to check your coverage before attending a session, as all plans are different.
ARE YOUR SERVICES TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes, counselling services provided by a registered social worker can be claimed under medical expenses on your income tax return.
IS YOUR BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH STAIRS?
I am presently only offering sessions virtually by phone or video call. Please reach out if you have any questions about this.
WHERE CAN I RECEIVE SERVICES?
Since the onset of the pandemic, I have moved my practice entirely online. Many of my clients have preferred the flexibility and comfort that virtual appointments provide. I offer both phone and video sessions using a secure and encrypted video platform hosted by Owl Practice. The video platform is PHIPA compliant. I do anticipate a return to some in-person work, but I do not currently have a plan in place for that transition. Please contact me to discuss your preferences for counselling.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
My cancellation policy requires 24 hours notice of cancellation. I have a one-time freebie policy whereby if you miss or cancel a session within 24 hours you will not be charged. After that, you will be charged in full for missed or late cancelled sessions. Therapists and other self-employed professionals do not receive a salary and are only paid per session, so a cancellation without enough time to fill that spot means they lose a significant portion of their income for the day. In addition, we often hold a cancellation waitlist, so a missed appointment does not give the opportunity to another client who is waiting for a timely session.