Sessions typically last either around an hour (60 min), 75 minutes or 90 minutes. Different people prefer or need different lengths of time. Most individual sessions can take place in an hour, however some people may need more, particularly initially. Couples at first may need more than an hour and we suggest 75 minutes for the first three sessions. Families almost always need 90 minutes, at least initially.

See the Fees section for details of costs and coverages. While many people do value and prioritize their emotional, psychological, or relational health, we understand that counselling is an added expense. If this is a concern we can arrange a time to talk via telephone to help you gauge whether you feel it is a good fit.

See the Fees section for details around insurance coverage. To summarize: it may be depending on your coverage. Many private insurance and benefit companies cover part or all of psychological services. A receipt is issued at the end of each appointment that you can submit to your coverage provider for reimbursement, and we offer direct billing to several insurance companies..

For the most up-to-date availability of the therapists, see their schedules online here, or click “Book An Appointment” at the bottom of this page.

This depends on multiple factors, including the severity and pervasiveness of the issue, as well as the person(s) themselves. Some people need only a few sessions and others need more. Our goal is to help you achieve your goals and feel healthier or happier as quickly as possible, though like most things in life the greater the time invested the greater the results. We typically suggest we find time in your schedule that works and commit yourself to regular meetings until you see the changes you hope for. Planning to attend 7-10 sessions is recommended.

We work with adults, teens and youth. We have much experience with these groups. For youth we typically see ages 12 years old and above. For children younger than that we suggest working with the parents directly. We see all ages of capable adults.

Firstly, it may not be like what you have seen on TV. In counselling you sit in a comfortable room and work with a trained professional towards feeling better emotionally, psychologically or in your relationship. While there are different styles and types of therapies/therapists, ideally it is an interactive process between you and your therapist working towards your goals. You should feel comfortable, cared for, and supported by someone who has training, qualification, and experience in the area.

This is a common question. The term “psychologist” is a legally protected term and only those who have met the College of Alberta Psychologists’ standards of education, training, and knowledge can use it. The terms therapists, counsellor or other terms (e.g., life coach) are not protected terms and can be used widely. These terms typically refer to someone offering counselling services in some manner, but are not necessarily a psychologist. The majority of our team are psychologists and some therapists are masters-level social workers. All are trained therapists and counsellors. The terms therapy and counselling are largely interchangeable.

Just as with physical health, mental health has emergencies and severe illnesses. If it is an emergency you should go right away to the nearest hospital or urgent care. Consider talking to your doctor as well as accessing therapy if your situation is severe. For significant, impairing mental health concerns it could be useful to contact Access Mental Health (see Links section).

For individuals: counselling is helpful for most people. However, if the presenting issue is a significant, impairing mental health concern it may be useful to involve your physician as well. For couples: most couples benefit from counselling however there are two instances in which counselling is not helpful. Firstly, if someone is engaged in a physically or sexually abusive relationship we cannot aid you in improving or staying in a relationship that is putting you at harm. Secondly, for couples counselling to be effective there cannot be an active, ongoing affair happening at the same time as counselling. This rule only applies to ongoing affairs, not past affairs.

Unfortunately we no longer have an office in Cochrane. We are located in comfortable office spaces in the Hillhurst/Kensington Area of NW Calgary, about 35 minutes from Cochrane.

We have found that in our own lives when we are in nature, we feel healthier and better. There is now also a large body of research supporting the health implications of time in nature. Outdoor counselling sessions are an attempt to combine the healing effect of therapy, with the healing effect of nature. Of course, these are completely optional and indoor, office-based appointments are readily available as well. If you are interested please discuss further with us, as we would be happy to explore this potential avenue of healing with you. Typically what this entails is meeting at a set time for your regular counselling, but we meet in a pre-agreed upon place (usually a parking lot or park) and walk a short distance to a private setting where we have set up a meeting space. We have a counselling session, that may or may not involve natural elements, and then hike back out. It should be noted that this is weather permitting and that there are no washrooms on site usually. Also while every effort is taken for privacy, we can not guarantee the same privacy as in a closed, sound-proof office.

You are not expected to disclose your therapy unless you choose to for your own reasons. Some clients, however are excited to share their growth and want to refer others. You are welcome to do so by simply sharing this webpage or our email and letting those people initially contact us. We do not initiate unsolicited contact with your friends, even if you think they would be receptive or a good fit. Due to potential duel-role relationships that could arise, we don’t see close family members of active clients or people with personal relationships to their therapist(s). You are of course welcome to review/rate us on Google or Like/Share our Facebook page if you so choose. There is no expectation to do so, and you will not be solicited in any way during your therapy. We do ask that if you have negative feedback that you address the therapist directly with this via email or in person, to give them a chance to repair. This can be important to your therapeutic process.