Relationships & Stress

How We Work Together

Your stress may be within yourself or it may be in your various relationships.

We will work together to figure out how you can help yourself. My extensive experience has taught me how to listen to you carefully and to question your assumptions.

We will look at your situation. We will try to understand the context of the stress and your feelings about it. When is it worse and when is it better? What works for someone else may not work for you.

New counselling clients meet with me for a joint assessment. In the first therapy session, we work together to consider whether my professional style of counselling is a good fit for you. Discussion is confidential, unless I become aware of danger to you or another person. We will talk about the next steps.

RATES & INSURANCE

My in-person rate is $90 for fifty minutes. Extra time is prorated. I recommend that couples reserve eighty minutes at $135 to allow adequate time for both to speak. Online or phone consultation is $80, also for fifty minutes. To reserve a first appointment, I ask that you deposit half the fee. At the end of each session, you may use cash, cheque, or e-transfer the remaining amount due. I do not take credit cards.

Most insurance applies because I am an Ontario-registered professional (RSW). Usually you can submit my written receipt online to your benefits company for reimbursement. Several employee benefits programs, called Employee Assistance Programs, will cover short-term counselling costs. Otherwise my fees are eligible for tax deduction as a medical expense.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please try to notify me about changes or cancellations at least 24 hours in advance. That makes the time available for others. They will appreciate it, and so will I. I charge half the hourly fee for a last minute cancellation (less than 24 hours before the appointment), unless you are sick. Please do cancel in that case.

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT

Call me at 905-937-4596 for a brief telephone consultation and to arrange our counselling appointment in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, or online. Usually we can start within the next business week. You may need to wait longer for a session after 5pm.