FAQs
Do I need to book a consultation before the first session?
Consultations are a great way to feel out our therapeutic fit. The relationship between us is an important part of the foundation for a trusting, collaborative, and comfortable therapy journey. We’ve all experienced how hard it is to open up when we don’t vibe with someone. While building this connection may take some time, a consultation gives us that glimpse into “yes, this could really work” or “no, this doesn’t feel right”. We can also chat about logistics: insurance coverage, location, in-person vs virtual, etc.
30 minutes is a bit longer than most consultations, and this is intentional, so we have the generosity of time to really feel into the ‘right fit’, and your questions can be answered without feeling rushed.
How do I know if we’re a good fit?
If you sense you can trust me, safely open up; we can do good work together. Some things to pay attention to: Do you feel heard, seen, understood? Do you feel cared for? Do you feel the work we’re doing in sessions is moving towards your goals and longings? Are you experiencing meaningful change in your life, even if it’s small and bite-sized to start?
Comfortability in our sessions can take some time. After a few sessions, you will likely get a sense if the fit feels right for you. And if it doesn’t, let me know so we can course-correct or explore other options for the best fit!
What type of session is best for me? (in person, outdoor, virtual, somatic bodywork session)
This really depends on a few things. Your location, time, energy, etc. I find all avenues can be supportive in their unique ways.
In-person sessions may help folks feel more connected, more engaged or help them feel more present. We might have more creativity/flexibility with somatic practices. This is very much doable online; it just looks a bit different!
Outdoor nature-based sessions are my favourite. While I’m not opposed to a rainy walk, many folks tend to book these sessions in the warmer, sunnier months. These sessions are wonderful for folks who feel a connection to land or wish to build a deeper connection. For folks who would like to deepen mindfulness and regulation skills, the outdoors can be a supportive container for this work.
Body work sessions are in-person. They are specifically designed for folks who have been working with me consistently for a period of time. The focus is on working with the body through gentle and paced practices to release stored trauma, tension, unprocessed rage, grief, and pain (among other things). It’s really important to mention that these sessions also invite the body to engage in powerful, choiceful and love-centred ways.
Lastly, you don’t have to pick one session type. You can mix and match depending on mood and need. I can support you with exploring the best combinations in honour of your therapy goals.
What do terms like decolonizing therapy, liberatory-centred therapy, or anti-oppressive therapy mean to you, and how does it show up in your work?
This is a big question with such a deep and nuanced response. To distill it down to a few sentences feels hard, but I’ll give it a go!
In essence, there is intentional space for recognizing systemic and historical harm. We want to question mainstream models of healing and therapy that may perpetuate harm for melanated bodies. In our work, we centre your identity, culture and lived experience as part of what moves us towards a quality of healing that restores your sense of agency, autonomy and embodied joy.
How this shows up in our work: It’s collaborative and directive. We take turns leading. Our work is consent-oriented at all times; your yes, no and maybe are the centre of everything. You don’t owe me your story; you can share as little or as much as you like, and we work with what emerges from there. This is a non-pathological space, so we look at patterns, behaviours, and themes rather than symptoms and diagnoses being at the forefront. We name potential power dynamics in our relationship and hold space to therapeutically explore that if needed.
What do the terms somatics, embodiment and generative somatics mean?
Somatics invites us to pay attention to the body. Simply, this is building skill around body awareness. We’re playing around with what you feel and sense rather than only and solely on what you think. The practices of learning through bodily awareness have existed in many Indigenous traditions for thousands of years. You already know this. We’re slowing things down so you can reclaim it.
Embodiment is a state of being. It is to be fully present in your body. Living what you know rather than just talking or thinking about it. Your actions, values, emotions, instincts, and awareness are integrated. You act, choose, and behave with intention and purpose. You are grounded in the body, spirit, community, and land rather than only in the mind. Most of the time. We are flawed beings unlearning the hooks of perfectionism!
Generative Somatics is a methodology that combines somatic practice, trauma awareness, a politicized lens, and collective liberation work. The question here is: How do I transform the patterns in my body that keep me from living and acting in alignment with my deepest values? The hope is to identify, cultivate and practice aligned action towards a hopeful future that feels sustainable, liveable and dare I say, enjoyable!
I’ve been to therapy before, and I’m not sure this will be any different.
I get the apprehension folks feel about starting therapy. Sometimes starting multiple times, each time with a different therapist. It’s hard to open up on repeat and not experience the shifts you were hoping for. I’ll be honest - there are folks out there doing incredible work as healers and therapists. Many of them are my dear friends. I think we’re talking about right timing, right fit for where you are NOW.
To that end, what do you need at this leg of your journey?
I am caring, compassionate and direct - I am not afraid to call you in, or be called in, with care. I have tremendous skill and capacity to work with the body and big emotions and feelings. Laughter is medicine, so fun will be had in our sessions! I am a therapist who consistently goes to therapy as one of my self-care practices.
We’re on a journey towards something that lives on the horizon of hope, optimism and possibility while holding your past with reverence.
What is the difference between the sliding scale range and reduced rates?
A sliding scale range is in place, so folks can select the denomination that feels workable for them, with options that float in the realm of the full rate. I have a limited number of reduced-rate spots available and will prioritize QTBIPOC, single-income households, and folks existing in day-to-day survival realities.
How does the cancellation policy work?
A 24-hour agreement is in place. You may cancel or reschedule with 24 hours' notice. If it is within the 24-hour window, 50% of the session rate will be charged. All no-shows will be charged at 80% of the session rate.
Do extended benefits cover you? What insurance providers cover your services?
Yes, my services are covered by various insurance providers. I recommend checking your individual policy to ensure coverage. I can support you with this if needed. Please refer to the rates page for details.
What happens at the first appointment?
The first session is a get-to-know-you-better session. We’ll dive a little deeper so I can better understand what you’ve been facing or struggling with. We also make sure you understand the process of therapy and establish some shared agreements. Typically, by the end of the session, we’ll have a loose plan of how we can approach your goals. It’s common for folks to feel anxious in the first session; the most important thing to remember is you’ve done the hardest part. You reached out, booked and showed up!
How often do I need to attend counselling sessions?
Connecting consistently for the first few months is a really important part of how I approach cultivating a therapeutic relationship. Weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build momentum and establish that relationship are important, and this is the pace we will set at the start.
As we progress, we may space out sessions to monthly and eventually move towards check-in sessions every few months.
Some people prefer intensive exploration and will schedule multiple sessions per week and then space them out down the road.
Do you offer direct billing?
No, I do not offer direct billing at this time. A detailed invoice will be automatically emailed to you through Harbour Counselling & Wellness’ JaneApp account, and you can submit it to your provider for reimbursement. Should you need more support with this, I’m happy to help.