What can I expect at a counselling session?

Counselling is different than talking with a friend where you might vent or dump the days events out. Instead, therapy is meant to inform change and help you better understand yourself and your interactions with others. We will check-in at each session to to see if positive change is occurring. Also, it is important that you are aware of your rights and that at each session you have the right to say “Yes”, “No”, “Pass”, “I don’t know” or “Goodbye”.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are generally 50 minutes long. For some children and adolescents, sessions may be shortened to 30-minutes to allow for maximum focus! Couples session may vary between 50-minute to 80-minute sessions.

What should we know about Couples Counselling?

I work with couples who are looking to reconnect with each other (and themselves), who want to explore different ways of communicating and constructively dealing with conflict, become closer, feel more positive affect for their partner, and address building a life together. I am trained using the Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy. For couples interested in healing their relationship while also addressing the symptoms of PTSD, I am also able to provide Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD.

Couples therapy usually involves two parts. The first part is assessment-focused where we determine the strengths and areas of growth for the couple and help to develop shared understanding. This includes 4 sessions: Introductory session (50 minutes or 80 minutes); 2 individual sessions (2x 50-minute sessions); and a final planning session (50 minutes or 80 minutes). Sessions will then shift to intervention and the content of sessions will vary depending on the modality used.

For clients interested in Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, we will meet weekly for 80-minute sessions. This therapy works on healing the relationship while also treating symptoms of PTSD.

What will we do at the first session for individual counselling?

The first session is your chance to find out if you think the psychologist-client relationship is going to be a good fit for you.

The first session is divided in two parts. During the first part, we will review Informed Consent (Terms of Understanding). The second part will be a chance to learn about your strengths, challenges and what has brought you into see a psychologist.

If the session is for a minor, the parent and child will need to be present for the first part of the initial session so that we review Informed Consent.

Consent forms will be sent ahead of time (via JaneApp) for review and signature. However, informed consent is an important part of the counselling process and will be reviewed again to ensure that you are aware of your rights as a client of Silver Willow Psychology.

What is the cancellation policy?

I ask for a minimum of 24-hours notice for cancellation of appointments, unless there is an emergency or risk of transmission of communicable disease (Covid-19). No show appointments will be charged at the full-rate ($220.00 per 50 minutes).

How does payment work?

Jane Payments is the primary method of payment and your card left on file will be charged immediately after the session. I accept VISA, Master Card and email money transfer. A receipt will be provided upon payment and can be submitted to your benefits plan. Direct billing through Alberta Blue Cross and Medavie may also be accommodated. Please contact your benefits provider before your first session to learn more about coverage details. Unfortunately, we are not able to contact your benefits provider (ie: Blue Cross, Medavie, Veterans Affairs) on your behalf to inquire about coverage details. Payment is due the day of the your scheduled session.

Do you have experience working with First Responders, Health Care Workers, Veterans or Teachers?

Yes! I provide services to Veterans, Police Officers/RCMP, and front-line Health Care Workers such as nurses, paramedics, and physicians, and their families. Given that I have worked in the education sector for many years, I have a special place in my heart for anyone who works in public education and welcome the opportunity to provide services to teachers, administrators, office personnel, and education assistants.