Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover our sessions? Many extended health benefit plans in Nova Scotia cover sessions with a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate. Coverage varies by plan, so I recommend checking with your insurer before booking — the specific question to ask is whether your plan covers services provided by a "Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT)" or "RCT-C" registered with NSCCT. After each session, I'll send you a receipt with my registration details that you can submit for reimbursement.

What happens in the first session? Our first session is mostly about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brought you in, what's been going on in your life, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. You'll have space to ask me questions too. By the end, we'll have a sense of whether this feels like the right fit and what a working plan might look like. You don't need to prepare anything — just show up.

How often will we meet, and for how long? Most people start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions, then taper as things shift. Some people are looking for short-term work — maybe six to twelve sessions around a specific issue — and others want longer-term support. There's no set timeline. We'll check in regularly about what's working and adjust together.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule? Life happens. I ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or reschedules whenever possible. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be charged the full session fee — but if something genuinely urgent comes up, reach out and we'll figure it out.

Is what I share in sessions confidential? Yes. What you share with me stays between us, with a few exceptions I'm legally and ethically required to explain: if there's imminent risk of serious harm to you or someone else, if there's a concern about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, or if I'm ordered by a court to release records. I'll walk you through all of this in our first session so you know exactly where the lines are.

Do you offer a free consultation? Yes — a relaxed 15-minute video call where we can get a sense of each other, you can ask me anything, and you can decide whether this feels like the right fit before booking a full session. No pressure either way.

Do you prescribe medication? No. Counselling therapists in Nova Scotia don't prescribe medication. If you're wondering whether medication might be helpful alongside therapy, your family doctor or a psychiatrist is the right starting point, and I can help you think through how to raise it with them.

Who do you work with? Adults (18+) across Nova Scotia, virtually. I have a particular focus on post-concussion recovery and the identity, emotional, and cognitive shifts that often come with it — but I also work with clients navigating anxiety, low mood, life transitions, and the broader experience of feeling off and wanting to feel like themselves again.

What if I'm not sure therapy is right for me? That's completely normal — a lot of people feel that way before their first session. The free 15-minute consultation exists for exactly this reason. You can ask questions, get a sense of whether we'd work well together, and decide from there. Many people find that just having the conversation helps them figure out what they actually want.

What if I'm in crisis? I want to be honest that I'm not set up to provide crisis or emergency support between sessions. If you're in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or reach the Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167 (available 24/7). If you're working with me regularly and something urgent comes up, reach out — but I want you to have the right support in the moment, and that's what crisis services are for.