FAQ
As a general rule, if you are considering counselling it is likely that you feel the need to talk about your situation with someone outside of your personal circle, for whatever reason. Therapy is no longer viewed as something reserved only for those with severe mental health issues and with our busy and stressed out lives, it is something that anyone can benefit from. If you’re considering counselling, I encourage you to schedule a consultation to feel it out and see if you think it’s right for you.
I charge $125 per session. For those who have financial concerns, I do offer a sliding fee scale. Please contact me if you would like more information regarding this.
Payments can be made securely online using e-transfer, as well as with debit or credit card through my website. You will receive payment instructions when you book your appointment.
I understand that things happen and life can get in the way. You will receive a reminder 48 hours before your scheduled appointment time. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice to avoid a $25 no show fee.
You can start by either filling out the appointment booking form or you can a call me for an appointment at (825)-413-5202.
Any messages or appointment booking requests will be responded to by the end of the business day.
Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an intake form as well as consent forms to be filled out and returned prior to your initial session.
You will also be billed a $25 deposit. You will be billed for the remainder of your session ($100) the day of your appointment. This deposit covers the cancellation/no show fee. If you need to cancel your appointment and do so with 24 hours notice, your deposit will be refunded back to you or you can choose to keep it on file for your next appointment.
Counselling sessions will take place via a secure, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant video conferencing platform. This is completely confidential and none of your information will be recorded or stored.
Teletherapy is any type of mental health therapy that does not take place in person. This can be in real time, using phone, video conferencing or chat messaging. It can also take place in a time delayed format such as email. The benefit of teletherapy is that it allows those who are unable to make it to in person appointments for a variety of reasons to still have access to mental health services and support in a way that is convenient for them.
Your first session will look a bit different than the ones that follow. It’s what we call an “intake session” and is designed to be a conversation that helps me to understand more about you. We’ll talk about medical and family history, personal habits like exercise, sleep, eating, etc. We’ll also explore why you’ve decided to come to therapy and what your hopes and goals are for your treatment outcome so we can outline your treatment plan. You will never be pressured to answer questions you are uncomfortable with and since this is a conversation, you are free to ask me anything you like as well.
Make sure that you have a quiet, comfortable space that is free from distractions and that your internet connection is working well. As we are all well aware, technology isn’t always perfect and glitches can happen. Please have a phone with you during your session, as I will contact you by phone if something happens during our video session and I am unable to reconnect with you using that method. Make sure that family members know that you will be busy for 1 hour to avoid interruptions if possible. If you like, you can have a pen and paper with you in case there is anything you’d like to take note of.
There is no set answer to this as everyone is different and will progress at varied rates. In general, many clients will experience positive, lasting results within 10 sessions. It may be less for some and longer for others, but we can continue to work together as long as you feel you are continuing to benefit from your therapy.
Everyone is different and the answer to this depends on the needs of each individual as well as finances. Ideally, booking your sessions every 1-2 weeks will get you the best results.
A counsellor works with clients outside of the traditional medical model, viewing the client as the expert in their own life while offering guidance, insight and support through life’s challenges. Counsellors tend to work beyond mental health issues, assisting clients with life’s challenges and transitions, creating and maintaining better relationships and developing a better understanding of themselves. Counsellors can evaluate and treat an existing diagnosis but cannot make a new diagnosis or prescribe medications. The counselling services offered by Enso fall into this category.
A psychologist will typically have a doctoral degree, such as a PhD. Psychologists are able to evaluate and treat existing mental health issues, as well as assess and diagnose mental disorders.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who is qualified to assess, diagnose, evaluate and treat mental health disorders, including prescribing psychotropic medications for those disorders.
Important Numbers
If you are in crisis or require immediate assistance please get in touch with one of the following organizations:
Calgary Distress Centre 24 Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-HELP (4357)
Alberta 24 Hour Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 (toll free)
Bullying Help Line (24 Hours): 1-888-456-2323 (www.bullyfreealberta.ca)
Kids Help Phone (24 Hours): 1-800-668-6868 (www.kidshelpphone.ca)