Frequently Asked Questions

Personal, Career and Leadership Coaching

Confidence and Self Esteem
Career Satisfaction and Development
Anxiety/Mood Management
Men's Health

Personal Growth
Stress Management
Weight Loss

Personal Wellness
Leadership
Creating Work Life Balance
Effective Communication  
Grief and Loss
Trust
Navigating Change and Transitions
Emotional Mindfulness
Self-Compassion/Self Care
Authentic Living
Reconciling the Past
Goal Setting and Goal Achievement  
Values/Drivers Identification  
Relationship/Premarital/Marriage Coaching   
Mental Performance/Mindset Training
Sport Psychology

Clients frequently share that in hindsight reaching out and making the initial contact by telephone, email or messaging was the most difficult part of the process.  By the time someone emails or picks up the phone they likely have been considering this process for weeks, months and sometimes even years

Taking action to do this work is a difficult and courageous first step for most people and narrowing down "Who" to undertake this meaningful work with is an important decision.  Not all clients and all psychologists/coaches are ideal partners in this work. In understanding the importance of a "good working fit" an initial complimentary telephone appointment is offered. This telephone conversation allows for cares, hopes, concerns, and goals to be explored, and fit to be determined. Clients often express that in addition to easing their mind about the process, and answering their questions, immediate value is noted, and benefits and takeaways are experienced during this short initial telephone consultation

Based upon this conversation, if there is agreed fit and a desire to move forward, the initial 2 hour in office appointment can be scheduled and the change process is underway

For leaders and team coaches wanting to provide their organization, group, athletes or team with the advantage of personal or performance coaching, or the benefit and edge that sport psychology services can offer, a complimentary consultation is offered to explore focus, format options and desired outcomes

There are many roads to reach the same destination. Aside from relationship and trust building an important part of the early phase of coaching and therapy involves assessment and/or formultating the best approach 

Flexible and eclectic therapeutic approaches are utilized based upon evidence, and guided by the clients unique attributes and overarching service goals. Some of the following theories, modalities and frameworks are drawn upon:

• Eclectic
• Ontological Coaching
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Positive Psychology
• Behavioural Therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Gottman Method
• Person Centred Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Mindfulness and Self Compassion Training
• Transpersonal Psychology
• Transformational Learning
• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Research and experience suggests that in the beginning of the change process it is helpful to schedule sessions more closely together (i.e. weekly or every other week).  New learning and shifts in thinking, emotions and behaviors require focused intention, attention, and practice. Scheduling appointments more closely together can allow for accountability during the early stages, for momentum to be gained, and outcomes to be seen earlier. It is common to lengthen time between sessions once new ways of thinking, feeling and practices have been established.

Clients are asked to allow for 2 hours for the initial intake meeting.  Individual follow up sessions are a standard 50 minutes however in the beginning of their process many clients prefer to schedule the 75 minute option. Seventy-five minute sessions are recommended for clients who cannot attend weekly or biweekly appointments and who are spacing appointments further apart, for clients who may have more than one area of focus per session, for clients who are including meditation or hypnosis in their sessions, and for clients who prefer having more time to explore or practice in each session

The scheduling recommendation for couples therapy varies according to the couple, the areas of concern and the goals, however weekly scheduling of sessions is often standard. Couple sessions are a standard 75 and 90 minutes depending on the stage ie assessment or treatment stage, and depending on the needs and goals of the couple

Scheduling for teams and groups varies and is based upon format and goals  

Most health insurance plans and flexible spending accounts cover some amount of professional psychology service rendered by a Registered Psychologist. Clients are encouraged to confirm their coverage with their plan providers

Outside of these benefits each client must assess for themselves the value of investing their time, energy and financial resources in their personal and professional development and their goal achievement

At the time of service clients may pay for services by credit card, cash, cheque or electronic bank transfer.  Direct billing is not currently offered.  An official receipt is provided for insurance claims and income tax purposes

Late cancelation and no show fees apply.  Please see "Rates" for further information

Using the analogy of a physical wellness goal it would almost be impossible for a dietician, trainer or athletic coach to answer how long it might take for someone to: lose 20 lbs; how many hours of training it will take to win a marathon; or how much practice it would take to become a competitive golfer for instance. Most people agree that training and practice are a fundamental requirement but how often to train, how much effort will be required, and how quickly results will be seen are subjective, highly individual and cannot be guaranteed.  What is learned seemingly easily for one person can be a daring challenge for another and the factors that determine the length of time, the effort required and the exact final outcomes aren't always understood, are often changeable and are difficult to predict  

Unlike the images sometimes seen in film or television of the therapy client passively receiving psychotherapy on the couch, coaching and therapy are not acts done to a client, but rather are active processes that the client must fully engage in to receive the most benefit 

That being said without a doubt when there is commitment, intention and action; change, growth and development happen.  Research suggests that on average clients will report immediate gain and relief after the first session; clients will typically attend 6-10 sessions; and most clients will report the majority of gains within the first 12 sessions