Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, burned out from your work, carrying stress that won’t settle, or disconnected in your relationship — counselling can help. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many clients come because they want to: • Prevent things from getting worse • Have a space where they feel heard and validated • Feel less reactive or shut down • Process trauma or stress • Reconnect with themselves • Improve communication in their relationship This list is not exhaustive. There are many reasons why people decide to begin counselling. It is a very personal and important decision. You don’t have to “have it all figured out” before reaching out, and you are never "locked in."

I primarily work with: • Teens and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, self-worth struggles, or life transitions • Couples who feel disconnected, stuck in conflict, or navigating trust injuries • First responders managing trauma exposure, stress, burnout, or relationship strain I also work with individuals outside these groups when it feels like a good fit. If you are not sure, feel free to reach out for a free consultation to see if we would be a good fit!

I draw from my training and experience depending on the individual needs of each client. Therapy is not "one size fits all," so I may use a variety of strategies in our work together. These may include: • Somatic Experiencing • Gottman Method (couples) • Attachment-based approaches • Trauma-informed therapy • Cognitive and behavioural strategies • Parts work

Couples counselling can seem like a daunting undertaking and often comes with a fear that one spouse will be blamed for the majority of the issues. Using the Gottman Method, my approach does not seek to find blame, but instead to focus on strengthening your connection as a couple, and helping you find ways to understand one another better. (http://couple.Rest) In our time together we will work on: • Strengthening connection • Increasing emotional safety • Improving communication • Repairing trust • De-escalating conflict cycles Couples therapy requires a thorough understanding of your couple dynamic, including your history as a couple and as individuals, which helps inform the direction the therapy will take. As such, the first few sessions are focused on assessment, which will consist of a joint interview with the two of you together, followed by an individual interview with each spouse, a questionnaire for you to complete individually (done at home), and a session to set goals. From there we get to work! Interventions may include education, in-office exercises, and homework.

Yes. In addition to my professional experience, I have personal familiarity with first responder family life. I understand how cumulative trauma, hypervigilance, and unpredictable schedules can shape both individual wellbeing and intimate relationships. I know that first responders face unique stressors, such as frequent exposure to traumatic events, the challenges of shift work, hypervigilance, and pressure to stay strong. Therapy can help with: • Cumulative trauma • Irritability or emotional shutdown • Sleep disruption • Relationship strain Sessions are a space where you don’t have to hold it together. My role in therapy with first responders is to provide a grounded, confidential space where you feel understood and supported.

Most sessions are 50 minutes, though I do offer 80-minute sessions as well. Individuals can book either session. I ask that couples book the 80-minute session for the first few sessions to allow adequate time for assessment. Most clients begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions. As progress is made, sessions may become less frequent. The length of therapy varies depending on your goals. For folks who are looking for specific support to address a single issue they may require shorter-term support. For folks who are looking to navigate complex trauma, relationship challenges, or just to have a space where they can be heard and seen, they may require longer-term support. That being said, you are never "locked in" to the therapy process, and are free to end therapy whenever you feel ready to do so.

The relationship between therapist and client matters. It is important that you feel safe and supported, and if we get a few sessions in and you decide that we are not a good fit, I am happy to discuss a referral to another therapist. Your well-being comes first! You are also welcome to reach out or book a consultation to ask questions before you start counselling, to get a feel for how I work.

I am unable to provide emergency services. If you are in immediate danger, or you do not believe you are able to keep yourself safe, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact Mobile Crisis in Regina at 306-757-0127.