FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This will depend on your personal situation and goals. We can discuss this together. Sometimes a single session can be very helpful. When situations are complex, the first session can focus more on understanding what is happening and how you are feeling affected. Most people benefit from 4-6 sessions and then a check in about how the therapy is progressing.
CAN I BOOK A CONSULTATION TO DETERMINE IF I WANT TO PROCEED WITH COUNSELLING?
Of course! I'm happy to give you a call and provide up to a 15 min consult at no cost - to answer any questions you have and to give you a chance to meet me and determine if you'd like to book a session.
WHAT IS BRAINSPOTTING?
Brainspotting is a brain-based therapeutic intervention that involves holding your gaze still and allowing your brain to process related distress and possible trauma memories. Developed by Dr. David Grand, it operates on the principle that "where you look affects how you feel," allowing clients to access the subcortical brain, where trauma is often stuck.
DO YOU MEET FOR IN PERSON COUNSELLING AND SUPERVISION?
I am currently offering services exclusively through phone or video formats. I will send you a link prior to our session to access the meeting.
HOW MUCH DOES COUNSELLING COST?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE COUNSELLING?
For a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) each 50 minute session is $180. Etransfer is accepted to info@howson.ca at the end of the session. This fee may be reimbursed by your extended health benefits, if they cover "Registered Psychotherapist".
Typically, counselling happens weekly or every other week. At times, if someone is experiencing a crisis, meeting more often could be helpful. On the other hand, there are times when meeting monthly makes sense. We can discuss your needs and make a plan that will help you move toward your personal goals.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Counselling involves receiving support for a situation or experience that is distressing. Psychotherapy is more in depth and usually involves treatment of a mental health condition. The service that you receive is tailored to your needs, based on my assessment of your situation. You don't need to know which one you need. I will let you know the direction that I think will be most effective.
WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEORY OR APPROACH I NEED?
That's absolutely ok! Based on our initial conversation, I will let you know what approach I think will be most appropriate for what you are hoping to get out of counselling/therapy. It's okay if you don't even know what counselling approaches/theories are. That's my job!