About Counselling

Q: What can I expect in a counselling session?
A: Counselling is a space just for you. We’ll explore what you’re going through – stress, anxiety, trauma, life changes, or simply wanting to better understand yourself. Some sessions may feel like a conversation; others may include guided exercises or strategies to try between sessions. Each session is shaped to your needs.

Q: Can I start therapy if I’m not sure what’s “wrong” or what my goals are?
A: Absolutely. You don’t need to have all the words or a clear diagnosis to start therapy. Sometimes the first step is simply noticing that something feels “off” and exploring it together. Early sessions often focus on what feels most important, and your goals can evolve as we go.

Q: How long does counselling usually take?
A: It varies. Some people come for a short period to work through a specific challenge; others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll check in regularly to ensure you’re getting what you need from the process.

Q: Is everything I share confidential?
A: Yes – confidentiality is the norm, with a few legal exceptions (e.g., safety concerns). I’ll go over these limits in detail in the consent form at your first session.

Q: Will you judge me?
A: Not at all. My role is to listen, understand, and support – not to criticize. I may gently offer new perspectives or challenge stuck patterns, but always with respect and care.

Q: What if I cry in session?
A: That’s okay, and perfectly normal! Counselling is a safe space for all emotions, and crying can actually be an important part of releasing what you’ve been carrying. If it happens, I’ll support you through it and make sure you feel re-centered before we end the session.

Q: What if I feel worse before I feel better?
A: That can happen; sometimes activation rises before relief – like bamboo building roots before it shoots. That isn’t a setback; it’s your mind and body processing. We’ll work in small steps, ground often, and slow or pause whenever you need.

Q: What happens if I “fail” at therapy?
A: There’s no failing. Progress can be quick or gradual. Also, I believe that showing up is already an act of courage.

Q: Can I bring notes or a journal to therapy?
A: Certainly – many people find it helpful.

Q: What if I want to pause or stop therapy?
A: You are never locked in. We can pause whenever it feels right for you and plan a supportive closing; you’re welcome to return anytime.

About EMDR

Q: What is EMDR?
A: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that uses gentle bilateral stimulation – eye movements, taps, or sounds – to help your brain reprocess distressing memories so they feel less charged. Unlike many talk therapies, you don’t have to retell events in detail for it to be effective.

Q: How does it work?
A: EMDR follows eight phases. Based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, it helps “stuck” experiences reprocess so the related emotions, body sensations, and beliefs feel more manageable. With bilateral stimulation, your attention stays in the present while your brain links the memory to new, healthier information. Research suggests this can reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of memories and may calm threat responses, so the memory feels like the past rather than the present.

Q: What kinds of concerns can EMDR help with?
A: Single-event and complex trauma, PTSD and anxiety, phobias/panic, grief and depression, stress and performance concerns, sleep issues/nightmares, and some chronic pain or health-related stress. It can also complement talk therapy.

Q: What does an EMDR session feel like?
A: We choose a memory or trigger, use a comfortable form of bilateral stimulation, and pause regularly to notice thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. Many people feel lighter or less triggered afterward.

Q: Is EMDR right for me?
A: It depends. Some start right away; others begin with talk therapy first. We can discuss your comfort, readiness, and goals to decide which approach feels best for you.

Q: Can EMDR be done virtually?
A: Yes. EMDR adapts well online, and many find processing at home grounding. Research shows that virtual EMDR is comparable in effectiveness to in-person EMDR. What matters most is pacing, preparation, and support – and those remain the same whether we meet online or in person. Note: I currently offer EMDR virtually only. If you prefer in-person EMDR, we can discuss options and whether virtual feels right for you.

Q: Does EMDR erase memories?
A: No. The goal of EMDR is not to erase what happened but to reduce the intensity of how it feels, so that the past no longer holds as much power and overwhelms the present.

Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Some notice changes within 6 to12 sessions for a single event; complex histories can take longer. Pace depends on your goals and history.

Q: Are there risks?
A: EMDR is designed with safety in mind, but like any approach, it can bring up strong emotions. Processing can feel intense in the moment, which is why preparation, titration (working in small doses), containment, and frequent check-ins are built into the process to keep the work manageable. You can slow down or pause at any time.

Q: What if EMDR isn’t the right fit?
A: That’s totally okay – therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. We can explore other approaches and revisit EMDR later if it feels right.

Practical Details

Q: Do you offer virtual counselling?
A: Yes – all my sessions are virtual at this time.

Q: What are the benefits of virtual counselling?
A: Convenience (no commute), comfort (familiar environment), accessibility (flexible location/schedule), and continuity (travel or moves don’t interrupt care). Research shows virtual counselling can be as effective as in-person for many concerns.

Q: Do I have to use video?
A: No, we can meet by phone or with your camera off if you so wish. Whichever feels better for you.

Q: What if I move away or travel a lot?
A: We can continue virtually if you’re still within a region I’m licensed to practice in. If you relocate elsewhere, I can point you toward resources and directories to help you find a good local fit.

Q: What if I can’t afford ongoing counselling?
A: Therapy is an investment in yourself, but I know cost matters. We can talk openly about your budget and find a plan that works, whether that means adjusting frequency or connecting you with community resources.

Q: Do you take notes during sessions?
A: I sometimes jot a few key points to remember important themes or goals – especially during EMDR. Notes are confidential and stored securely, and you’re always welcome to ask what I’m writing.

Q: Do you offer consultations before committing?
A: Yes – I offer a free 15-minute consultation where you can ask questions, get a sense of my style, and see if working together feels like a good fit.

Q: Do you work with medication or psychiatrists?
A: I don’t prescribe medication, but I’m happy to collaborate with your doctor or psychiatrist if that supports your care.

Q: What if I need help between sessions?
A: If something urgent comes up, you can reach out and I’ll respond as soon as I can. For emergencies, please use crisis resources; I list these on my Resources page so you always have immediate support.

The Therapeutic Relationship

Q: Is it normal to feel nervous before starting therapy?
A: Completely. Most people find nerves ease after the first meeting.

Q: I tried counselling before and it didn’t help – now what?
A: That’s a common experience. Every therapist has a different style. I encourage you to share what has or hasn’t worked so we can tailor our approach. Therapy works best as a collaboration.

Q: How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
A: Fit matters. A safe, trusting relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes. The consultation helps you gauge my style; if it’s not the right match, I’m happy to share referrals.

Q: Will therapy make me dependent?
A: The goal is really the opposite! Building tools and confidence so you increasingly rely on yourself.

Q: What if I don’t know what to say?
A: That’s perfectly all right. You don’t need a script. Silence can make room for reflection – we can sit with it and see what arises, or I can guide with questions or simple exercises.

Q: Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?
A: I won’t make decisions for you. I’ll help you clarify values, explore options, and share strategies – however, the choices remain yours.

Q: What if I forget what we discussed?
A: That’s normal. A brief reflection journal after each can help. I’m also happy to summarize key takeaways at the end of our sessions.

Q: Can I bring a support person (partner, friend, family) to a session?
A: Generally, individual counselling works best one-on-one, but sometimes it helps to bring someone for support in a specific session. We can discuss what feels most helpful for your goals.

Q: What if we see each other in public?
A: Your privacy is always my priority. If we happen to see each other in public, I’ll take your lead. I won’t approach or acknowledge you unless you choose to. This way, you’re always in control of what feels comfortable outside of session.

Q: What if I’m upset with you? Do you accept feedback?
A: Yes – please tell me. If something I do doesn’t sit well, I encourage you to bring it up. Talking about these feelings can be an important part of the process, and I promise I will listen with openness and respect.

Q: Can I talk about cultural or identity concerns?
A: Most definitely. Culture, identities, and lived experiences shape how we see the world. I welcome these conversations and will always honor your perspective. If such concerns are important to you, they are important to bring into our work together.

Q: How will I know therapy is working?
A: Sometimes the changes are subtle – you may notice you’re less triggered, more confident, or handling stress differently. Other times, it’s a clear breakthrough. We’ll review goals regularly so you can notice shifts – increased awareness, setting boundaries, or more self-compassion are all meaningful signs that the work is moving forward.