Let’s face it: not all of us trust easily. Not all of us find it easy to be vulnerable, and some of us shut down when forced to open up too quickly. And for most of us, the most meaningful and helpful interactions are with those who know and trust us most. Why should this be any different in counselling?

I’m a big believer in the therapeutic relationship. This means that I’m focused on building trust with you and getting to know you, at whatever pace is comfortable, so that our work together can be effective and supportive. I don’t start with comprehensive assessments of your entire life history, but instead focus on understanding who you are, what you want to strive for, and what brings you to therapy in the first place.

Our first session will focus on the things causing you distress, what your coping tools look like, and what has been helpful or unhelpful in the past. We’ll look at what you want to get out of therapy, and look at the mental, emotional, and situational factors that might be contributing to your distress. We might workshop some tools that we can start to work on right away walking away from session, as we start to unpack your situation so that both of us can better understand your needs.

We’ll go deeper as we move forward (in future sessions), and you’ll be in charge of the pace; our therapy is shaped around your unique personality, goals, wants and needs of therapy. Just know, though, that when you come to your first session, there are no expectations.

Please, come as you are. Our sessions will unfold as they’re supposed to, at the pace that works for you. There is no right way to be in therapy, no right way to do therapy, and no right or wrong way to present yourself. You be you, and I will work with you to guide the process in a pace and style that suits your needs.