Frequently Asked Questions

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not quite sure what to expect. Here are some of the questions that are most often asked. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please feel free to reach out.

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Sometimes you may be struggling with anxiety, stress, grief, or a difficult season of life. Other times, you may simply feel stuck in patterns that you don't understand or want to change.

Counselling can provide a space to slow down, make sense of what you're experiencing, and work toward meaningful change.

What can I come to counselling for?

I work with individuals and couples experiencing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, stress, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, communication challenges, boundaries, people-pleasing, attachment patterns, life transitions, and other difficult seasons of life.

I also offer pre-marital counselling, couples and marriage counselling, and Christian counselling.

Do you offer virtual counselling?

Yes. I offer virtual counselling to individuals and couples across Ontario.

Virtual sessions allow you to meet from the comfort and privacy of your own space without needing to travel to an office.

Do you offer in-person counselling?

Yes. I have access to shared office space in St. Catharines for clients who prefer to meet in person. Availability for in-person appointments is limited, so please reach out if this is your preference.

How long is a counselling session?

Individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes.

Couples, marriage, and pre-marital counselling sessions are also available in 50-minute sessions.

How often would we meet?

This depends on your needs, goals, and what feels manageable for you. Some clients begin with weekly sessions, while others may choose to meet less frequently.

We can talk about what makes sense for you during your initial sessions.

What happens during the first session?

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what has brought you to counselling.

We'll also review informed consent, including confidentiality and other important information about the counselling process. From there, we can talk about what you're hoping to work on and what you would like support with.

You don't need to have everything figured out before you come. We can take it one step at a time.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. I offer a free 15-minute consultation for new clients.

This is a chance to briefly talk about what you're looking for, ask any questions you may have, and get a sense of whether working together might be a good fit.

A consultation is not a counselling session or an assessment.

What counselling approaches do you use?

My approach is integrative, which means I draw from different therapeutic approaches depending on your needs.

These may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), attachment-based approaches, psychodynamic therapy, narrative therapy, family systems, and emotion-focused approaches.

For couples, I draw from approaches including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method.

Do you offer Christian counselling?

Yes. Faith can be an important part of your story, and for some clients, their relationship with God is an important part of their healing and growth.

Christian counselling can incorporate biblical principles and your faith into the counselling process when that is something you want.

My approach is faith-informed, not faith-imposed. You are welcome to bring your faith into counselling, but it will never be assumed or imposed upon you.

Do I have to be a Christian to work with you?

No. You do not need to be a Christian to work with me.

I work with people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Christian counselling is available for those who specifically want their faith to be part of their counselling experience.

Do you work with couples who are having serious relationship problems?

Yes. Couples counselling isn't only for couples who are considering separation or experiencing a major crisis.

Couples may come to counselling because they're struggling with communication, recurring conflict, emotional distance, trust, boundaries, or simply feeling disconnected from one another.

You can also seek counselling when your relationship is doing relatively well and you want to strengthen your connection and build a healthier foundation.

Do you offer pre-marital counselling?

Yes. Pre-marital counselling is designed to help couples intentionally prepare for marriage.

We can explore areas such as communication, conflict, expectations, finances, family and boundaries, roles and responsibilities, values, parenting, and emotional connection.

You don't have to be experiencing problems to benefit from pre-marital counselling.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is an important part of creating a safe counselling environment. At the beginning of counselling, we'll review informed consent and discuss confidentiality, including its limits and the circumstances in which information may need to be disclosed.

How much does counselling cost?

Individual counselling sessions are $155 for 50 minutes.

Couples, marriage, and pre-marital counselling sessions are $180 for 50 minutes.

Please see the Services page for current fees and additional information.

How do I book an appointment?

You can book online sessions or a free 15-minute consultation through my online booking system. https://tymetherapy.janeapp.com‍ ‍

If you're not sure which service is right for you, you're welcome to reach out first. We can talk about what you're looking for and determine what might be the best place to start.

What if I'm not sure whether we're a good fit?

That's completely okay.

Finding a counsellor who feels like the right fit matters. The free 15-minute consultation gives us an opportunity to briefly connect, and you can ask any questions you may have before deciding whether you'd like to move forward.

You don't have to have the right words or know exactly what you need before reaching out.

Your story matters, and you don't have to figure it all out alone.