FAQs about therapy
What if I’ve never done therapy before?
That’s completely okay. We’ll go gently, and you’ll be supported at every step. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge or experience.
I don’t know what IFS is?
That’s not a problem at all. While IFS is the main approach to therapy I use, I am also a trained general counsellor. There is no need for you to know about IFS to work with me. I you are curious, you can read about it here and I can tell you more about it during our free consultation call.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people come for a few months, others for longer. We’ll work at your pace and periodically review what your needs are and if you are feeling ready to finish.
What happens in a session?
When we meet for sessions, we begin by checking in about how you’re feeling and what feels important or relevant to you. You will have a choice whether to focus on difficulties currently going on in your life (for example: this week being stressful at work) or exploring something that is a goal of yours (for example: becoming more assertive with your boss). I’ll guide you through exploring parts of yourself with compassion which are driving difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Do you work with insurance, ACC and Work and Income?
I can offer invoices that you can pass on to your insurance company and Work and Income. Since I am a registered mental health professional, some clients are able to get a Work and Income subsidy for our work.
I am not registered as an ACC provider and therefore I’m not able to help with Sensitive Claims work.
I’ve done therapy before but it didn’t work, how will this be different?
Before I found a person and an approach that helped me, I too have had ‘unsuccessful’ therapy. I love working with people who have had therapy before as much as I like to support those new to counselling. During our introduction call/consultation, I will be curious to hear about you about past experiences with therapy to see if I can offer you something different. I will also note what you don't want as well as what you do want this time around. I also encourage you to have a read about the approaches I use- IFS and Polyvagal Theory. You can search for Deb Dana and Richard (Dick) Schwartz who explain these modalities. If it speaks to you, I encourage you to give therapy another go!
Do you offer a free call?
Yes — I offer a 30-minute free consultation for us to meet and see if therapy with me feels like the right thing for you.