Services

I provide counselling services to individuals and those in relationships. I do not generally work with children or youth however I do work with adults who are facing challenges with parenting issues. Changing our own attitudes and behavior will influence the behavior of those we are close to.

Types of issues that I can help you with include:

• Marital, parenting, employment or relationship problems
• Communication problems
• Depression, mood swings, anxiety or loneliness
• Excessive anger, frustration or guilt
• Constant worries or obsessions
• Problems with food, alcohol or other drug use
• Changes or potential changes in your life
• Problems following abusive or traumatic events
• Health problems, sleep problems, or medical symptoms caused or worsened by a psychological problem
• A crisis that involves self-harming behavior, a risk of violence or the risk of suicide
• Spiritual issues
• Confusing experiences

From a Somatic Experiencing model the issues identified above can also be explained in terms of Traumatic Stress.

Sources of Traumatic Stress

Pre and Perinatal Distress, Surgery, Illness, Burns, Suffocation, Choking, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Falls, Physical, Emotional or Sexual Abuse, Loss, Major Life Transitions, Confusing Spiritual Experiences, Natural Disasters, War

Symptoms of Traumatic Stress

Hyperarousal & Constriction
Increased Heart Rate, Restricted Breathing, Cold Sweats, Muscular Tension, Chronic Pain, Inability to Sleep or Relax, Anxiety or Panic Attacks, Hyperactivity, Angry Outbursts, Hypervigilance, Racing Thoughts, Worry, Flashbacks

Disconnection & Dissociation
Low Energy, Exhaustion, Numbness, Weakness, Poor Digestion, Poor Immune System Function, Depression, Inability to Focus, Apathy, Disconnection in Relationship, Addictions

Syndromes
Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Autoimmune Disorders, Pain Syndromes, Irritable Bowel, Spastic Colon, Sympathetically Mediated Pain Syndrome

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Length of session
The usual session is 60 minutes. In some cases we may agree that longer or shorter sessions are appropriate.

Cancellation policy
My cancellation policy is: Let me know at least 24 hours ahead of canceling an appointment so I can provide the time for another client.

Phone consultations
As my client, you are welcome to call me for a phone consultation from time to time. If I can't answer, I will be happy to call you back at a later time. Brief phone sessions are free of charge. For longer (more than 10 minutes) consultations, my usual hourly fee applies.

Fees and payments
Payment is requested at the end of each session. Payment may be made by cash or cheque.

Insurance coverage
I am an affiliate EAP / EFAP provider. Please check your Employee/Family Assistance Plan for possible coverage.
Some, but not all, extended health benefits plans and other insurance plans will cover counselling services from a registered or certified counsellor.
Some insurance plans will cover counselling only if you, as an insured person, request it. I would be glad to help you work out how to request coverage for counselling services from your benefits plan.
As a clinical counsellor my services are not covered by the B.C. Medical Services Plan.

Publicly Funded Programmes:
(I am available to help complete request forms)

First Nations Health Services: Health Canada
Aboriginal people living off reserve with a status number
Requires a Doctor's referral
Call 1-604-775-6309, Vancouver

Insurance Corporation Of B.C. [ICBC]
Injury from motor vehicle accident
Requires referral from adjuster
Call 480-5600 in Victoria

Criminal Victim Assistance Program
Injured by a criminal act of another [i.e. sexual or physical assault]
Directly related to a family member murdered by another
Call Victim Services at 1-800-449-5331

CRD Residential Historical Abuse Program
Injured by sexual abuse in foster care, youth detention or provincial residential care
Call Tanya Davis at 213-4408 in Victoria

Workers Compensation Board [WCB]
Therapeutic counselling following work related injury
Call 1-888-967-5377