What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of our most asked questions. If you have other questions, please contact Tricia.
What is your session fee?
Each session is $160 and runs for 50 minutes. This is standard in the field.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Life can be unpredictable, and if something comes up last minute, we can usually switch to a virtual or phone session instead. Please note: NO SHOWS, LATE CANCELLATIONS will result in a charge ($160).
Therapy spots are limited and often in high demand. Short-notice cancellations make it difficult to offer that time to someone else who’s waiting for care, so we appreciate your consideration.
Will there be a dog in the session?
A therapy dog may be present during sessions, but only if you’ve checked “yes” on the intake/consent form and it’s been discussed and agreed upon after our initial meeting.
How long is a session?
Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes. For younger children, sessions might be a bit shorter (around 40–45 minutes), and I’ll usually check in with caregivers either before or after.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes — direct billing is available for Blue Cross clients. For other insurance plans, I’ll provide a detailed receipt with my credentials, which you can use to request reimbursement. If you have questions about this process, I’m happy to help.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
Most extended health plans do cover therapy, but policies vary. It’s best to check with your provider in advance. When you contact them, here are a few helpful questions to ask:
- Am I covered for services provided by a Licensed Counselling Therapist or Canadian Certified Counsellor?
- What’s my yearly coverage limit?
- What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed?
- Is there a co-pay or deductible?
What is the frequency of sessions and how many sessions will I need?
That really depends on your goals, schedule, and personal rhythm. Many people find that meeting every 2–3 weeks gives them time to reflect and apply what we’re working on. Others prefer monthly check-ins. Together, we will find a pace that fits for you.
There’s no set number — it varies from person to person. Some people come in with a specific issue and finish after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. If your time or insurance coverage is limited, just let me know so we can be intentional about how we use our time together.
What happens in the first session?
For clients under 16, the first session begins with caregivers present. We’ll talk through the consent and confidentiality process and answer any questions. After that, there’s time for both the caregiver(s) and child/youth to speak with me individually; should that be desired. More often than not; I find youth prefer to have autonomy and privacy and will often open up more one on one. We review the limits of confidentiality in our first session so there is the disclosing of sharing relevant and pertinent info within those limits.
We’ll start to explore what’s going on at home, at school, and in relationships. The goal is to understand your child’s world, discuss any concerns, and begin shaping goals for our work together.
For teens 16 and older, they have the legal right to consent to their own therapy. They may choose to attend sessions on their own. While I often encourage collaboration with caregivers, I also respect a teen’s privacy and autonomy.
What if I am really nervous?
This is completely normal and experienced by many. I trust that as we develop rapport and get to know one another, the nerves will dissipate and you will begin to feel more settled and comfortable.
What if I need a break form therapy and don’t want to attend after we scheduled several sessions?
That is perfectly ok. You are allowed to change your mind and work at a pace that is completely comfortable for you (just please remember our 24 hour cancellation policy). Be sure to share how you are feeling with me so we can tailor our approach for you.
