Most often, I begin my work by helping clients clarify their goals and prioritize them.  Then we peel back the layers in understanding where the most significant challenge start, while at the same time developing their strengths, courage, and skills in working through the challenge. I assess what their needs are and cater my approach and “tools” (therapeutic methods) accordingly.

I will engage in exploring aspects of your current life functioning that need greater support, which may be connected to injuries from earlier life. I will work with you on defining the goals that you would like to work on. 

This depends on the depth and the number of issues that clients would like to work through.  Clients usually know if an issue has been resolved and whether they would like to take a break, terminate, or continue doing the work. I also help them see their progress and check in with them regularly.

No, you do not.  Self-referral is sufficient. 

For the first session, completing the Client Intake Form is helpful. I usually give my clients exercises to do between sessions, so it is helpful to make time to do these exercises (they usually don’t require too much time).

Everything we discuss is confidential except when clients disclose that they want to hurt themselves, there is on-going child and elderly abuse or neglect, and if I get subpoenaed to court.  (The above information is also included in the Client Consent Form that clients sign at the beginning of our work). 

I usually give my clients exercises to do between sessions, so it is helpful to make time to do these exercises (they usually don’t require too much time). If questions or noteworthy observations arise between sessions, it is beneficial to note them down and bring them to session. 

Yes, if this is something that you and another party wish to do, I will work with you together. Prior to the meeting, I will help prepare for this joint work and provide guidance also as to how to prepare the other person for a joint session.

This depends largely on three factors: how quickly you’d like to cover the foundation of our work, how much time you have available to do the work, and how much financial resource you have available for therapy. Generally speaking, it’s helpful to have a weekly session for the first ten to twelve weeks to build the necessary groundwork for therapeutic changes to emerge. Over time, the sessions can be spaced further apart and you will still be able to maintain the momentum of change and growth.

Many extended health coverage include services by registered clinical counselors (RCC), who are different from social workers and registered psychologists. If you have coverage for RCC, you can use the invoices for your session to obtain reimbursement from your extended health care provider. 
 

If you don’t have extended care coverage, you will have to pay out of pocket but can use the fees you’ve paid as part of your medical expenses against your income tax. 

At this time, I schedule client appointments on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Exceptions to the above may be made for unusual circumstances. Please discuss with me if such is the case. 

To book an appointment, you can make the request through the contact email on the website or email Christina directly at christinacounselling@shaw.ca