Are you accepting new clients? 
Yes.

How do I start working with you? 
Because a good match between therapist and client is so important, I encourage you to look over the section on the people and issues I love to work with, if you haven’t already done so. If you're unsure whether my skills would be a good fit, please feel free to reach out and ask. 

I use an online booking system so clients can book appointments directly into my schedule. You can find the link on my Home and Contact pages. The system will ask for a credit card so I have a payment method on file for your appointments. 

Once an appointment is confirmed, I'll send you intake and consent forms electronically. Please complete these prior to our first appointment.
 
Do you offer in-person appointments? 
I am currently offering only virtual appointments. I have watched many of my colleagues return to in-person only to have to pivot on short notice and go back online. I'm erring on the side of stability for now. 
  
Do you offer sliding scale or reduced fees for therapy? 
At this time, all of my sliding scale spots are full. I am happy to schedule our sessions at a frequency that works for you and to include homework to help you make the most of our time together. I can also direct bill to many benefit plans. Please also see the Fees & Billings page for options for lower-cost counselling. 

OwlPractice and Secure Messaging
In administering my practice, I use a secure, web-based practice management system to store and manage my client records. This includes information such as client appointments, billing documents, session notes, contact details, and other client-related information and documents, as well as my online booking. The system I use (Owl Practice) is encrypted and has servers exclusively located in Canada (Toronto and Montreal). Access to the system is granted only on an as-needed basis and governed by my profession's strict confidentiality policy. Additionally, all practice data in the system is routinely backed up to ensure the privacy and protection of sensitive client information and to assist me with PHIPA compliance.

OwlPractice also has an encrypted messaging feature that allows us to communicate with more privacy and security than email. This is available to all current clients through the OwlPractice client portal. ​
If you don't see answers to your questions here,
​please reach out. 
FAQs about Virtual Therapy

What can I expect with virtual therapy?
Telephone and online sessions have benefits such as convenience, comfort, distance and flexibility. Of course, there are also potential limitations. Here are a few answers to common questions and tips to help make your virtual therapy sessions as effective and comfortable as possible. 

What virtual platforms do you use?
I use OwlPractice for all my practice management including video sessions. I also have Zoom Pro as backup in case of technical issues.

How do I sign in for our sessions?
Online therapeutic services are conducted via OwlPractice's secure Video Therapy feature, which is designed for psychologists and is more secure than other services. Sign in to your client portal and log into your session from there! 

What happens if the call is dropped?
If we cannot connect or disconnect during a session due to a technological breakdown, please try reconnecting within five minutes. If reconnection isn’t possible, please call me (780-716-6091) to continue via telephone counselling.

Where should I set up for our sessions?
Privacy is crucial to feeling safe during a therapy session. The ideal spot for a virtual session is a comfortable room with stable wifi and a door that closes where you won’t be disturbed during the session. Headphones and a little background music can increase privacy if there are other people at home. In a pinch, I’ve had clients do sessions in their vehicles.

What devices work best?
You can access our sessions via your smartphone or computer. I don’t recommend tablets as they seem to have issues connecting.

Someone in my home might hear – is there anything I can do to increase my privacy?
If safety is an issue with someone in your home, I recommend having sessions in your vehicle or when no one else is home. If you are safe, but there are sensitive topics that you wish to discuss, there is a Chat function in the virtual platform that we can use.

What happens in a crisis?
I will always confirm your location at the start of our sessions if I don’t recognize where you are. In the event of a crisis, I will have your contact information and home address or current location on hand, and I will be able to call for support if needed.

Online and telephone therapy may not be appropriate if you are experiencing a crisis or having suicidal or homicidal thoughts. If you find yourself in a life-threatening crisis, please call the Distress Line at 780-482-4357, Emergency Services at 911, or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room.