Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between therapy and counselling?
To the degree that counselling implies advice or guidance and therapy implies change and healing, I use the two words interchangeably. I use both words because different people may relate to one word more favourably than the other. I consider myself a counsellor who provides therapy…or…a therapist who provides counselling, which ever works for you.
How does therapy work?
When we’ve had experiences in our lives that have impacted us negatively, we often feel powerless to control our environment and will create defence strategies to protect ourselves. Many of these defences developed outside of our conscious awareness during vulnerable times in the past. Unfortunately, some of those defences keep us stuck in destructive patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us well. Essentially, my job is to create a safe, healing environment for you to expand your awareness, build resilience and gain control over your life.
How do I know if you are the therapist for me?
Not all therapists are built alike and we all have our strengths and challenges. At our first meeting you may want to keep these questions in mind:
- Was it easy to talk to her?
- Do I think I can be open and honest with her?
- Is she confident and competent enough to meet my needs?
- Do I think I can be myself with her?
- Can she handle my “good – bad – and ugly?
- Did I feel safe with her?
- Most importantly, Did I feel a connection to her?
What is your specialty?
YOU. Yes, while I may have particular areas of mental health that I focus on or have experience with, the bottom line is that I am more interested in what you deem important rather than the labels you may carry with you. You are so much more than a diagnosis or disorder and I want to help you believe that. What is most important to me is helping you feel connected and empowered. Once you have a deeper awareness and sense of control, your inner resources will begin directing your actions and keep you on course when problems arise.
How do I prepare for my first session?
I have downloadable forms that provide both of us necessary information to begin the counselling process. I encourage you to fill out your paperwork and ask questions prior to the first session, this way we can focus on your needs rather than administrative details.
Show up with the intention to be as open and honest about yourself as you can be. In this first session I will want to learn about what is bringing you to meet with me at this time in your life and hopefully you will feel comfortable enough to fill me in.
By the end of the first session we will each have a sense of each other and will have talked about how we can move forward. Research has shown that the success of therapy is determined more by the quality of the relationship, than the theoretical orientation of the therapist. If the fit doesn’t feel right for you, then you owe it to yourself to keep looking. If I don’t think I will be the most advantageous therapist to work with you for whatever reason, I will tell you and make a good referral to someone who I think will be able to help you.
How long should I meet with you?
There are many factors to consider, such as: Why are you seeking out support and for what benefit? How have your ways of coping compromised your well-being? What are your goals or hopes for therapy? How will we know when they have been met? Some of these questions cannot be answered right away; they are often addressed through discovery and understanding over the course of several sessions. Meeting with me once may bring you some relief, but real change takes time and hard work.
Here’s how you will gain the most benefit from your sessions.
- Consider the money you spend on therapy as an investment in your future. The benefits you experience will justify the expense.
- Be an active participant. Your therapy will take work – on your part and on mine. If you don’t put honest effort forward you won’t feel as if you are getting your money’s worth and you will likely resent the cost.
Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”
~Rumi~