Therapy Packages

It always takes a bit of time to move through the initial resistance to therapy. For this reason, I offer a three-session start-up package for reduced fees if you are dedicated to furthering your self-development beyond your first therapy session.

Therapy at its best models healthy attachment and loving bonding so that you can explore what a deep and honest connection feels like. Sharing deeply and building a comfortable connection over time in your therapy sessions supports sustainable change.

Through our therapeutic alliance, my intention is that you deepen your self-understanding and have the opportunity to unburden your psychological struggles and emotional pain in a loving atmosphere of warmth, acceptance, safety and respect.

Dedicated Healing Time For You

Therapy is your time to grow, explore, connect and heal. Your hour is focused entirely upon you and what you need to create a positive change in your life.

3 Session Therapy Start-Up Package

If you have not seen me before, I invite you to pre-purchase a discounted 3 session therapy package. Please book a free 15-minute consult prior to paying to ensure suitability.

Book Your Subsequent Therapy Packages HERE

Please consider your package choice carefully. Packages must be prepaid and are non-refundable. You have up to one year to use all of your sessions.

*Insurance receipts will be issued after each session is complete.

One-Hour Sessions

A one-hour therapy session covers a lot of ground and there is the time in the end for a summation of what we covered, and goal setting and planning how to go forward. The time used for scheduling appointments, payment and administrative tasks never cut into your therapy hour and occur before or after your hour.

Telephone or Video Counselling

I have been doing online therapy for years, and it is very effective. And you don't have to get in your car to come to your appointment! Video counselling is available worldwide. I offer telephone therapy services in both Canada and the USA.

Online therapy is often a preferred choice for people who live in remote locations.

If you are interested in phone or online counselling, don't hesitate to get in touch with me to book a complimentary 15-minute telephone or video consultation to determine suitability.

Session Frequency

People often ask, “How often do I need to come for therapy?” To help you determine this, it is important to consider the rate of change you are seeking.

It is also helpful to know that you do not have to feel emotionally terrible for a counselling session to be deeply worthwhile. It is often an opportune time to rationally explore long-held painful patterns when you are feeling emotionally clearer.

I suggest four frequency options to help you make the choice that is right for you. I am also happy to create a specific recommendation for you, or to collaborate with you on other frequency options that you feel would work better.

Pre-booking and Scheduling

My therapy practice is busy. I recommend booking appointments one to two weeks in advance to avoid extended gaps between sessions. Such gaps may affect your progress and the satisfaction you receive from counselling.

Free Consultation

Before booking an initial session, you are welcome to schedule a 15-minute consultation to help ensure a good therapeutic fit for a session package. Consultations are available by phone or video before your initial session. See Preparing for Your Therapy Consult.

Initial Session

Your first therapy session will typically include a discussion of the issues that bring you to counselling and your related feelings and thoughts. Your first session is an opportunity for us to establish a connection and for you to share your personal story.

You will be invited to set some goals for your counselling package duration. You are always encouraged to share your feedback about each counselling session. I also invite you to "try out" the undeveloped aspects of yourself in connection with me. All parts of you are welcome to express.

Second Session

We begin with a brief review of your last therapy session, attend to any pressing issues, and further clarify your goals for counselling. Together, we will develop a plan for achieving these goals and begin to explore the mental and emotional patterns that are not working well for you.

Subsequent Sessions

Emotional struggles and life issues, as you identify and experience them, are discussed in further depth and detail in each subsequent session. Together we unravel your tangled emotions, painful thinking and maladaptive behavioural patterns to make sense as to why you feel stuck.

Progress toward meeting your goals is regularly reviewed, and gains and strengths are consistently celebrated. I will help you sort out and understand the "landscape" of your emotions. Together, we will examine what new positive life changes your negative emotions are indicating you could travel towards.

Therapy Homework

For optimal results, taking actions outside your regular session time will greatly support your emotional healing process. I will offer some suggestions for between-session homework, and I always invite you to intuit and create your emotional wellness practices. Planning together for your positive change outside of session time amplifies accountability and encouragement. See Therapy Homework

When is Counselling Complete?

Sessions are complete when the issues that you came to counselling have been sufficiently addressed or resolved. Ideally, this is determined with some discussion in advance of leaving; however, I fully support any reason you may have for terminating therapy. Should you identify a problem outside my realm of expertise, I will do my best to refer you to other therapists that I think would be more suitable.

With much care,

Shelley