​​​​Contacting therapist

I welcome enquiries by phone or e-mail. If I am not available when you call, please let me know when would be a good time for me to call you back. During our phone consultation, I’ll ask a few questions about your current situation, and you're welcome to ask anything you'd like to know. If you do decide to arrange further sessions, we will discuss session times and what kind of frequency would be most helpful for you. We can also begin with 2–3 preliminary sessions to get a sense of how it feels for us to work together, before you decide whether to continue with regular sessions.

​

Your first session

You don’t need to prepare anything specific for your first session. You might arrive with something already on your mind, or you may prefer to see where the conversation goes. You're also welcome to ask me any questions you have. Some people like to take the lead and talk freely, while others appreciate a bit more guidance. Either approach is welcome, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. If we meet online prior to the first session I will send you a link to a meeting. It is my suggestion that in preparing for our first online meeting that you also find a quiet private place, with minimal disturbances and a good internet connection. I would also suggest that you use a device with a large screen, that you can set up on a table in front of you, such as a desktop computer, laptop or a tablet. If we’re meeting in person, I’ll provide you with directions and parking information ahead of your appointment.

​

Beginning Couples Therapy

Sometimes, relationship issues aren’t immediately clear. It’s common for partners to begin therapy with different expectations or levels of motivation. One may feel ready for change, while the other feels uncertain or hesitant, and that’s a natural place to start. Regardless of where each partner stands, the therapist’s role is to support mutual understanding and help you begin to define shared goals. In your first session, the therapist will introduce therapeutic approach and create a safe, respectful space for open conversation. Both partners will be invited to share their individual perspectives about what feels strong in the relationship, what’s been difficult, and what each of you hopes to work toward. It’s also a time to ask questions and voice any concerns.

 

How therapy works

In therapy the client and psychotherapist sit together in a quiet, confidential space or in virtual setting. The client is given the space to talk about whatever feels most important or troubling – this may be the events of the week, a difficult relationship, troubling thoughts, or even dreams. Listening carefully to what the client says the therapist works to help the client bring their true feelings or motivations to the surface, so that they can understand them. This is a process that leads to a deeper understanding of yourself, and more assured, authentic relationships with others. It is not an instant fix but it can result in profound change.

 

​Regular sessions

Clients typically attend therapy once or twice a week, while couples may meet weekly or every other week, depending on their needs and preferences. An individual  session is a 50 minute appointment between client and therapist at the same time on the same day. It is my professional duty to be available for your session every week, apart from my holidays (announced in a advance).​

​       

Fees

The usual fee for ongoing 50 minute individual sessions is $250. Couples therapy sessions last for 50 - 90 minutes and cost $300 per session. Sliding scale is available depending on your situation and current availability. I’m happy to provide you with a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

​​​

Confidentiality

All information revealed by you during our work together will be kept totally confidential. In this I am bound by the code of ethics of the ACA.

​​​

Psychotherapy feels selfish

Seeking support for your mental health isn’t selfish - it’s a courages and responsible choice. Letting yourself or those around you linger in suffering when help is within reach can deepen isolation and pain. Contrary to popular myths, psychotherapy is not about self-indulgence. Therapy challenges you to confront tough realities, recognizing the hurt, fragile, or uneasy parts of yourself. Therapy ultimately leads people to be less trapped inside their heads and more engaged with the world.