Question 1

GETTING STARTED

Accepted Answer

1.    REACHING OUT 
We start when you’re ready to reach out. No referral is necessary. There are several ways to first connect. You can simply call my cell phone or email me using the form on the contact page to get started. I will do my best to respond to you within one business day, though likely sooner. If you choose to phone and I am unable to answer, please leave a voicemail with your name and number when you call. My cell voicemail is confidential. It is important for you to tell me whether or not I can leave you a voicemail when I call back. Alternatively, you can book an in-person or virtual introductory session directly through my website by using any of the BOOK NOW links.

2. FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION (PHONE CALL OR JANE VIRTUAL BOOKING)
I like to start with a free 15-minute introductory session by phone or virtually to discuss your needs and for you to get to know me a little. If it is appropriate for us to meet again, either in-person or on JANE, we can set up an appointment at that time, ideally through my website's BOOK NOW links.

3. CONSENT FORM AND PAYMENT
After our initial introductory session, if you would like to move forward, I will email you an Intake form, gathering your contact information, brief history and a credit card for my records. Following the session, I’ll email you a receipt for your records or insurance submission.

4. IN-PERSON SESSIONS
From January through June 2026, I will only be seeing in-person clients at Thrive Business & Wellness Centre located at 11500 29th St. SE, suite #105. You may park in any available visitor parking space.

5. OUR FIRST SESSION
In our first session, I’ll spend some time reviewing the Informed Consent form with you, assessing your safety if necessary, learning some background information about you, and getting a sense of your therapy goals. The number of sessions you need depends on your situation, and we can work together to figure out what is appropriate for your therapy moving forward.

Question 2

DO YOU DO VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON OR PHONE COUNSELLING?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I’m available for virtual, in-person, and phone sessions.

Virtual sessions are done through my secure JANE account.

Phone sessions are available, if that is more convenient for you, however my preference is for virtual or in-person sessions.

In-person sessions are located at: 
Thrive Business Centre 
#105 11500 29th St. SE
Calgary, AB T2Z 3W9

Question 3

WHO DO YOU TAKE AS CLIENTS?

Accepted Answer

I treat adult clients in individual sessions and couples.

Question 4

DO I NEED A DOCTOR'S REFERRAL OR ANY KIND OF REFERRAL?

Accepted Answer

No referral is necessary. We start when you’re ready to reach out. 
Calling or emailing me is the best way to get started. I offer a free 15-minute introductory session. This introductory session can either be booked by phone or through the email form submitted from my contact page.

Question 5

WHAT COUNSELLING APPROACHES DO YOU USE?

Accepted Answer

Through my education and training I have gravitated towards Humanistic approaches to therapy. Simply put, Humanistic psychology focuses on each individual's potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization. The fundamental belief of Humanistic psychology is that people are innately good and that mental and social problems result from deviations from this natural tendency.

The three models I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-informed Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.  All three models fall under the umbrella of Humanistic psychology and more than one model may be used depending on a client’s specific needs, abilities, likes and dislikes.

My main priority is building a relationship with you. I believe you are the expert of your life, and you need to discover your own solutions to effectively establish permanent change for the better. You are in the driver’s seat in your therapy, and I am here to guide you and support you.

Question 6

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FIRST SESSION?

Accepted Answer

The first session involves gathering information, creating a relationship, and establishing how we can best work together to create healthy changes. Therapy is a dynamic process and evolves with ongoing sessions. Clients can expect to learn more about themselves, process experiences and learn how to move through challenges to meet their goals.

Question 7

HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST?

Accepted Answer

A single 15-minute introductory session is free of charge.

A single 50-minute individual session is $150.

A single 70-minute couples session is $200.

Question 8

WHAT ARE YOUR CANCELLATION OR MISSED APPOINTMENT POLICIES?

Accepted Answer

Change and Cancellation Policy
Aligned Counselling requires 24-hours notice for changing and cancelling a session. This allows me enough time to offer the spot to another client and ensure consistent service. If a cancellation occurs with less than 24-hour notice, this is considered a late cancellation and you will be charged half of the session fee. This payment is due on the same day of the scheduled session. This must be paid in order to schedule future sessions.

Missed Appointment Policy
If you do not show up for your session, this is considered a missed appointment and you will be charged the full session fee. This payment is due on the same day of the scheduled session. This must be paid in order to schedule future sessions.

I encourage you to connect with your insurance provider for late cancellations and missed appointments as they may not be covered as part of your plan.

Exceptions
I understand that emergencies arise and do not always allow for 24-hour notice. Please text me as soon as possible and we'll work together to come up with a scheduling solution.

My Commitment to You
I will also provide you at least 24-hours notice should I need to cancel or reschedule. In the case of an emergency, I will notify you as soon as possible.

Question 9

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?

Accepted Answer

I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) degree from Yorkville University, and am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

Question 10

IS WHAT WE DISCUSS IN OUR SESSIONS COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL?

Accepted Answer

All information you share with me is strictly private and confidential. It will not be released without your voluntary and written consent. There are limitations to the confidentiality we share, and these include:

- Responding to a threat of harm to self or others. If you are at imminent harm to yourself or someone else, I am ethically and legally bound to let the proper authorities know. These ethical and legal obligations are grounded in my concern for your health and safety, and that of those with whom you interact.

- Reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect. If during our discussions it is revealed that a child or vulnerable person is being abused in any way, I am legally bound to report this to the appropriate authorities.

- Complying with a subpoena. If I am ordered by a court to testify or deliver records of our sessions, I am legally bound to do so.

For online counselling, client confidentiality is also of utmost importance. However, online communication is not 100% secure. I use software that has increased security and it is important that you secure your privacy on your end as much as possible. All of your information is secured according to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) policy regulation.

Question 11

WHAT IS RECORDS RETENTION?

Accepted Answer

Client records and notes are kept for 11 years after the last date of professional contact, in accordance with professional standards in the Province of Alberta.

Question 12

WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT METHODS?

Accepted Answer

For both virtual and in-person sessions, your credit card on file will be charged. I accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. You'll receive a receipt for your records or to submit to your insurance provider.

If you are not able to supply a credit card, I do accept etransfer payments prior to each session. Payments are to be sent to the email address below:
alignedcounselling@gmail.com

Question 13

DO YOU DIRECT BILL OR ACCEPT INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

No direct billing. You will be provided a receipt that you may be able to use for reimbursement or taxes. Please check with your provider regarding coverage.

Question 14

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Accepted Answer

From January through June 2026, I will only be seeing in-person clients at The Thrive Business & Wellness Centre. 
 
Thrive Business & Wellness Centre 
11500 29th St. SE #105
Calgary, AB T2Z 3W9

Please arrive 5 minutes early for your session and check-in with reception. If the main door or clinic door is locked upon arrival, please text me at 368-999-1420 to let me know you have arrived and I will come meet you. You may park in any available visitor parking space.

Question 15

WHAT IF THE CLINIC DOOR IS LOCKED?

Accepted Answer

If it's your scheduled time and the main door or clinic door is locked upon arrival, please text me at 368-999-1420 to let me know you have arrived and I will come meet you.

Question 16

IS THERE PARKING ONSITE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a dedicated lot onsite. You may park in any available visitor parking space.

Question 17

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?

Accepted Answer

Monday - Friday: 9:00am-8:00pm, last session begins at 7:00pm.
Saturday and Sunday : 11:00am-4:00pm, last session begins at 3:00pm

If you need sessions outside of these designated hours, we can discuss other times where I may be able to make myself available.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)