What to Expect
Intake
If my therapeutic approaches and expertise seem to match your preferences and treatment goals, please complete my Contact Form to start the intake process.
Following this, you will receive an email with a link to complete your intake forms and instructions on how to arrange for an initial appointment through the online booking system. Please check your spam or junk mail folder if you do not receive an email.
First Session
Sessions generally last 50 minutes and can be conducted in person or via telehealth. The remaining 10 minutes is used for your record-keeping and treatment planning.
During our first session, we will focus on developing a shared understanding of your concerns, goals, and expectations. We will also discuss how I can help you. Building trust takes time, so it’s normal to feel some nervousness before our first session. By the end of our session, you’ll likely have a sense of whether we are a good fit.
How you feel in the session is absolutely important for us to discuss. You’re encouraged to ask any questions about the therapy process.
If your situation requires expertise beyond my scope, I will help you find a suitable alternative service.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy sessions are structured and priced differently. In-person appointments are also required for couples for a more effective treatment.
You’ll meet me first as a couple for our first assessment (80 mins) — then meet me individually (50 mins each)— then for a feedback session as a couple (80 mins). You will each complete a Gottman Assessment before your individual sessions.
You’ll then continue to meet me as a couple, with individual sessions as needed. These sessions will start off more intensive. Follow-up sessions should ideally be weekly to fortnightly for a few months to effectively support you with your goals.
Much of what we are trying to achieve in life is not static.
We can never perfect our emotional control; be utterly unaffected by others; or be wholly free from fear and hurt. What you seek isn't a perfect state, but the peace you expect will come with it.
What to Expect: In Therapy
Observing and Interrupting
Observing your default patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving
Observing emotions that surface for you during our session
Gently interrupting your common reactions or defenses to create awareness of unconscious factors
Understanding and Connecting
Collaboratively eliciting insights about your core struggle
Connecting the links between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
Understanding your relationship dynamic with others
Clarifying and Challenging
Identifying triggers and repeating patterns that perpetuate your challenges
Clarifying beliefs and assumptions, gently challenging them if needed
Uncovering subtle connections between separate issues by finding common themes
Attending and Validating
Validating and tending to your emotional needs
Developing compassion for yourself and a gentler way of speaking to yourself
Deepening your presence with your emotions
Developing and Increasing
Developing helpful skills, strategies, and practical solutions
Increasing your resources by introducing materials or by improving your resourcefulness
Highlighting your strengths
Practising and Maintaining
Planning activities between sessions to practise your new skills/insights
Discussing progress, celebrating wins and resolving barriers