Frequently asked questions.

  • I am located out of Riverwest Therapy Collective, a collection of skilled mental health practitioners with a variety of areas of expertise located in the North West corner of Downtown Calgary.

    The address is 700 4 ave SW in office 600.

    There is ample surface parking and street parking in a short walk to the office, it is also transit accessible.

    Once you enter McFarlane Tower, head to the elevator (go to the 6th floor), then find the office that says Riverwest Therapy Collective. We have a lovely lobby in the office space and offer snacks and beverages while you wait for your session to begin.

  • When you first arrive you can let your clinician know you’ve arrived by checking in as arrived on the Jane app or through sending a text message (825-205-5307).

    We’ll begin our session by revisiting the key areas of the consent forms you’ve already read and signed. I like to walk through this together in a relational way—so you can ask questions, clarify anything that doesn’t feel clear, and feel empowered in the space from the very start.

    Please know that consent and confidentiality are deeply important to me and will remain an ongoing, collaborative part of our work together.

    This first session also serves as a kind of clinical intake, but rather than feeling like a checklist, I see it as a collaborative conversation where we begin to build a foundation for our work together. You’re welcome to share aspects of your background that feel important—this might include your family, early life, work, relationships, lifestyle, or experiences with medical and mental health systems.

    There’s no pressure to share everything all at once. It’s completely okay if we don’t cover every detail today. The focus is on beginning to understand your story in a way that feels comfortable for you and supports the direction of our future sessions.

    If you're feeling nervous, please know that's a very normal reaction, and I'm here to help you feel comfortable throughout the process. You are never under any obligation to answer any questions if you are not comfortable doing so.

    Client rights are important to me and at any time during the session (and all future sessions) you can express to me:

    • Yes

    • No

    • Pass

    • Stop

    • I don’t know

    • Leave/Goodbye ( You may leave the session at any time if you feel the need to do so, or end the therapeutic relationship).

  • Engaging in therapy offers a unique space for personal growth and healing. While the specific advantages vary for each individual, many clients commonly find immense support for their mental well-being simply by having a dedicated person to listen and help them sort through the complexities of their thoughts and feelings.

    Therapy provides a confidential space where you can openly express everything on your mind, allowing you to process experiences and make sense of what's happening. Your therapist will help you draw connections between different aspects of your life and highlight areas for potential growth.

    For many, therapy also offers a crucial opportunity to develop a trusting relationship. If you've experienced betrayal or struggled with trust in the past, building this foundational relationship with your therapist can be a profoundly healing experience, serving as a cornerstone for deeper emotional repair.

    Ultimately, therapy empowers you to gain clarity, build healthier coping mechanisms, and move towards a more fulfilling and intentional life.

  • Therapy may not be able to support everything your looking for.

    Beyond traditional therapy, many options can help support your well-being. Consider these approaches:

    • Join a Group: Connecting with others in support or therapy groups, (e.g., AA, ADHD support groups etc.), can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.

    • Calm Your Body: Practices such as yoga, acupuncture, massage, or simply taking a walk can help soothe your nervous system and reduce stress.

    • Connect Spiritually: Exploring spiritual or religious resources, including meditation, can offer a sense of purpose and inner peace.

    • Move Your Body: Engaging in any physical activity, whether it's hitting the gym, going for a gentle walk, or even joining a sports team, can help release pent-up energy and improve your mood.

    It's important to remember that physical symptoms can sometimes manifest as emotional challenges.

    Consulting a medical doctor or naturopathic doctor is highly recommended to rule out or treat any underlying physical causes for your symptoms. These professionals can also provide treatments or referrals to specialists, such as sleep clinics, dietitian's, or physiotherapists, to help alleviate your symptoms.

  • Yes, though there are some important limitations related to safety and legal responsibilities, which we’ll go over together during the intake session.

    Please know that if a situation ever arises where I’m required to report something, I will always do my best to have a transparent conversation with you first.

    I adhere to both the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Code of Ethics and the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) Standards of Practice. As well as PIPEDA.

    All electronic software used will be covered with risks and limitations in the consent process

    Some Platforms used are:

    • Jane app - personal information, clinical notes/reports, appointment scheduling, and payment information are stored in this software (an encrypted, PIPEDA/ HIPAA compliant platform).

    • Google Workspace - for emails and storage of other files as needed (note that servers are stored in the US and not Canada). A BAA has been signed for google to follow PIPEDA/HIPAA compliance.

  • Your welcome to view my CV here for my education and training background.

    • 50 minute sessions are $240.

    • 80 minute sessions are $360 (often needed for manualized therapies such as EMDR).

    The same rates apply whether sessions are virtual or in person.

  • I care deeply about making support as accessible as possible and giving back to the community in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable. While I may not always be able to offer financial assistance, I’m open to offering a sliding scale rate when I can. Please reach out if you are interested in a flexible rate option.

    If we've been working together for some time and you're facing financial hardship, please don’t hesitate to bring it up. I’ll do my best to explore options with you, including a reduced rate if I’m able. You don’t have to navigate that stress alone.

    Additionally, there are many free/low cost counselling options available through Practicum Student Counsellors/ Graduate Interns. These counsellors are typically in the final stages of their graduate training and work under the close supervision of a registered professional—offering you the benefit of two perspectives in one supportive space.

    Check out Riverwest Therapy Collective’s Barrier free no cost therapy program here!

    You can also check out Free Counselling Society Canada for free virtual therapy here!

  • Insurance coverage is available for:

    • AB Blue Cross

    • Medavie

    • Greenshield

    I am currently working on direct billing for these insurance companies.

  • I ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session.

    Cancellations made with less notice are charged the full session fee, as that time is set aside just for you.

    I understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes things come up unexpectedly. While I do have a cancellation policy in place, I also recognize that emergencies or illness may arise, and I'm open to discussing exceptions in those situations.

  • I’m currently in the process of completing the necessary training to offer assessment services. If you’re interested in working with me in this capacity, feel free to reach out.

    In the meantime, there are many wonderful clinicians at Riverwest Therapy Collective who may be able to support your needs.