What to Expect
Before Your First Appointment:
It can be stressful and doubt-provoking to start therapy, especially if you are new to therapy or have tried it in the past and it was not helpful. There are many different forms of therapy so it is important to find the therapy that is the right fit for you and a therapist with whom you connect.
It takes courage to ask for help – asking for support and guidance is a sign of strength, wisdom, and self-care. Take the first step and book a free Consultation. If I am not the right fit for your needs, I may be able to assist you to find the appropriate support elsewhere.
During Your Session:
Some people want to reflect and analyze during their session. Sometimes it is necessary to explore and process emotions. Others want to learn how to self-regulate so they can feel calmer and have more clarity. Some people want to determine their values and how to live a life in alignment with these values. I can hold space for whatever you need.
Together we will identify the challenges in your life, build on your strengths, identify resources, and tailor strategies to you so that you are empowered to take the necessary steps to move ahead.
When You Arrive:
There are two entrances into the 99 Wyse Road building (also called Metropolitan Place) – there is one entrance facing Wyse Road and another entrance from the paid parking lot. Enter the building and take the elevators up to the 11th floor. Please note: there is no signage for Next Phase Counselling Therapy in the lobby or reception area.
At the Reception desk, let them know that you have arrived for your appointment, i.e. give my name and your appointment time.
The doors to the main building lock at 5:00. If the door is locked, please come to the front entrance (facing Wyse Road) and I will come down to let you in.
For a Virtual Session:
Please ensure that you are in a private location where you can have a confidential session.
I use the Jane App for virtual appointments. Simply click the icon to join your session — this will bring you into a virtual waiting room. I will let you into the virtual session when it is time for your appointment.
If you have any difficulties, please check your inbox — I use Psychology Today as a back-up and I will send you a link for a Psychology Today virtual session. Again, simply click the link which will bring you into a virtual waiting room.
Both Jane and Psychology Today use industry-standard privacy and security measures.
If You Want to Cancel a Session:
Only you can book or cancel an appointment (no one else can do that for you). If someone else contacts me to cancel your appointment, I will get in touch with you directly by email.
I don’t require 24-hour’s notice for cancellations, which means I don’t charge a fee if you cancel the day of your appointment or if you do not show for your session. I understand that sometimes life happens or a therapy session is not what is needed at the time it is booked.
Please keep in mind, that a late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in my schedule that could have been filled by another client. I also prepare for sessions ahead-of-time so last-minute cancellations or no-shows create extra work for me.
If you make multiple, last-minute cancellations (or missed visits), then together we will re-assess your counselling sessions to determine what changes need to be made. In addition, it may be necessary to start charging you a late-cancellation fee.
