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Frequently Asked Questions
Counselling & Therapy
I’ve been to counselling before. How do I know if we’ll be a good fit? Many of the adults I work with have been to counselling before. Some have found previous therapy helpful and are looking to continue or deepen their work. Others have come away feeling that something was missing, even if they gained useful insight. The relationship and approach matter. You may be looking for a therapist whose way of working feels different—perhaps more relational, experiential, body-aware, or responsive to neurodivergence and the wider context of your life. You don’t need to decide in advance whether I am the right therapist for you. An initial session can be an opportunity to get a sense of how it feels to work together, ask questions, and consider whether my approach is a good fit for what you are looking for. Therapy is a collaborative relationship, and finding a therapist you feel comfortable with can be an important part of the process.
What is your approach to counselling? My approach is relational, collaborative, and grounded in the understanding that our experiences are shaped within relationships and the wider contexts of our lives. I pay attention to what you are experiencing emotionally and physically, as well as to the patterns, relationships, and circumstances that may be shaping your life. Depending on what feels helpful, our work may include conversation, body awareness, creativity, imagination, or simply slowing down together. I don’t believe I have to know what your experience means before you do. We can stay curious about what emerges and make sense of it together.
Do I need to know what I want to talk about before I come? No. You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what is wrong, what you need, or even where to begin. Sometimes people come to therapy with a clear concern. Other times, they simply know that something feels difficult, stuck, overwhelming, or different than they would like it to be. We can begin with what you are noticing and take our time getting to know what is important.
What if talking about my experiences feels difficult? That’s okay. Not everything we experience is easy to put into words, and you don’t need to be able to explain yourself perfectly in order to come to counselling. We can work with what is present in the moment, including sensations, emotions, images, movement, creativity, or the things that are difficult to name. Sometimes slowing down and noticing together can help experiences become clearer over time.
Do you offer online counselling for adults? Yes. I offer online counselling for adults throughout British Columbia, as well as in-person counselling in Maple Ridge. Online therapy can be particularly helpful for people who prefer being in their own environment, live elsewhere in British Columbia, have difficulty travelling, or want counselling to fit more easily around work, parenting, energy, or other responsibilities.
Do you offer queer and LGBTQ2+ affirming counselling Yes. I offer queer- and LGBTQ2+-affirming counselling for adults and youth. My intention is to create a space where your identity is respected and you can explore your experiences with curiosity and without judgment. Whether you are exploring identity, relationships, belonging, or something else entirely, we can begin wherever you are.
Children & Parents
How do I know if play-based therapy might be helpful for my child? Children can experience stress, big emotions, relationship difficulties, changes, loss, or other challenges in ways that are not always easy to put into words. Sometimes these experiences show up through behaviour, play, relationships, or changes in how a child is feeling or coping. Play therapy can offer children a space to explore their experiences in ways that are natural to them. You don’t need to know exactly what your child needs or have a diagnosis before reaching out. If you’re wondering whether play therapy might be helpful, we can begin by talking about what you’re noticing and what support you are looking for.
What is play-based therapy? Children often communicate and make sense of their experiences through play, movement, creativity, imagination, and relationship. Play-based therapy makes space for these natural ways of expressing and exploring experience. In sessions, a child may choose to play with toys, create art, use sand tray materials, tell stories, move, or engage with other materials available in the therapy space. I follow the child’s lead and pay attention to what emerges within the therapeutic relationship. Children are not required to sit and talk about their feelings or explain what is wrong.
What happens during a play-based therapy session? Play is a natural way children communicate, explore their experiences, and make sense of the world. In play-based therapy, your child has space to express themselves through play, movement, creativity, imagination, and relationship, without needing to explain or put their experiences into words. Sessions are child-led and may include toys, art, sand tray, movement, puppetry, or other forms of play. The play is not simply an activity or a way to engage a child—it is part of the therapeutic process itself. I follow your child’s lead, staying curious about what emerges rather than directing them toward particular topics or interpretations. Parents may join sessions when it feels supportive and appropriate for the child and the therapeutic process. We can also connect separately to talk about what you’re noticing and ways you can support your child outside of sessions.
Do you work with autistic and neurodivergent children? Yes. I work with autistic and otherwise neurodivergent children from an affirming, non-shaming approach. I understand behaviour as communication and stay curious about what a child’s behaviour may be expressing or responding to, rather than seeing it as something that needs to be fixed or controlled. My work is child-led and relational, with attention to each child’s nervous system, sensory needs, relationships, environment, and ways of communicating. I use play to build connection and support children to explore and express their experiences in ways that are meaningful to them. When helpful, I also work collaboratively with parents, caregivers, schools, and other professionals involved in a child’s life. Supporting the caregiver around a child is often an important part of supporting the child.
How involved are parents and caregivers in play-based therapy? Parents and caregivers are an important part of a child’s world and can be an important part of the therapeutic process. I often meet with caregivers to hear what they are noticing, understand the child’s broader context, and think together about what might be happening beneath difficult moments. I encourage parenting sessions when they would be helpful. They offer a space to slow down, make sense of challenging moments, and explore ways of responding that support both you and your child. This is not about judging your parenting or finding fault. Parenting can be hard, especially when a child is struggling, and these conversations are a place for curiosity, support, and compassion. At the same time, children need a sense of privacy and trust in their therapeutic relationship. I do not generally provide caregivers with a detailed account of everything a child says or does in session. We can talk together about what information is helpful to share and how to do so in a way that respects both the child and the family.
Fees & Additional Information
What are your fees? Individual counselling sessions are $160 for 50 minutes. Relationship counselling sessions are $195 for 60 minutes. For children, sessions are also $160 for 50 minutes. Direct billing for AFU and CVAP is available
Do you offer direct billing? I offer direct billing through the Autism Funding Unit (AFU) and the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). For other extended health plans , I provide receipts for you to submit directly to your provider.
Do you offer online counselling? Yes. I offer online counselling for adults throughout British Columbia. Child-led, play-based therapy is offered in person in Maple Ridge.
Where is your office? I offer in-person counselling and child-led, play-based therapy in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, as well as online counselling for adults throughout BC.
What is your cancellation policy? I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged at the full session fee.
How do I get started? You are welcome to reach out to arrange an initial appointment or ask questions about whether working together might be a good fit. You don’t need to know exactly what you need from therapy before getting started. We can begin by getting to know what is bringing you here, what you’re noticing, and what kind of support might be helpful.
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