Every individual brings their unique experiences and perspectives of
life to psychotherapy or counselling. My intent is that the psychotherapy
or counselling services that you receive from me be practical and helpful. As a result, I utilize
techniques from various theories that are professionally sanctioned and/or well researched regarding their effectiveness.
The theories that I use most are psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and psycho-education.
At the beginning of our work together, I will invite you to tell me what's on your
mind regarding the issues that brought you to psychotherapy or counselling. We will
discuss various aspects of your life as they relate to your problem(s). Once I have an initial sense of your needs,
we will discuss and develop an initial treatment plan which includes initial goals. I will also let
you know my recommendations whether your goals are achievable with brief psychotherapy
(12 sessions or less) or longer term psychotherapy (more than 12 sessions).
The treatment plan is like a road map that we follow during the
course of psychotherapy or counselling. And like a road map, there are different routes/pathways
that can be taken to reach your goals. We will discuss the treatment plan as needed and make any adjustments
as necessary during the course of your psychotherapy or counselling.
Achieving the agreed upon goals will require that you gain meaningful insights and
tangible benefits from our work together. It is very important that you let me know how things are going for you.
This includes what you find useful, what you find not so useful and what you find difficult. This will help me to be
as supportive to you while providing the necessary tools for you to utilize toward the achievement of your goals through psychotherapy
or counselling.
CONFIDENTIALITY
In accordance with professional standards as a Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.)
and the law, I am required to treat you in a professional manner at all times. This includes keeping our counselling
or psychotherapy sessions strictly confidential.
I will NOT release any information to any outside source unless we first discuss
the situation and you give me written permission to provide information to that source. Once I have your written permission
I will only release information that is relevant to that specific situation.
However, there are legal exceptions to the above. The following situations
permit me to break confidentiality:
- During the course of our work I suspect that a child is in danger of being harmed.
- During the course of our work I conclude that you are a danger to yourself or others.
- A court subpoena that requires me to provide the court with information regarding
our work together.
