Services
Live Happy Counselling is a place for individuals to access counselling in an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, and tranquility. I presently work with adults and youth (ages 8+), providing individual and group therapy.
Therapeutic ApproachI provide therapy from a trauma-informed, anti-violence framework, with influences originating from attachment theory, the three stage trauma approach model, and psychodynamic and feminist therapy. The therapeutic approaches I use include:
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Therapy for Trauma
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Additional Expertise
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I believe that therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your therapist and understand their approach to counselling. Feel free to e-mail or call if you have any questions prior to scheduling your session.
About EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to assist individuals process difficult or traumatic experiences that may be causing distress in their lives. During a session, focus is on a specific memory or experience while also providing bilateral stimulation, which can be in the form of eye movements, sounds or taps. Bilateral stimulation helps the brain to reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and allowing for a more adaptive resolution. The goal of EMDR therapy is to help clients achieve healing and positive change by effectively processing past experiences, improving coping skills, and promoting psychological resilience.
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Learn more about EMDR here:
Demystifying EMDR EMDR: A Brief Summary What to Expect in Your First and Subsequent Session 
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About EMDR Intensive Sessions
Intensive therapeutic work can be accomplished in a longer EMDR session because it affords us more time to work deeply on the traumatic memories or negative beliefs causing an emotional disturbance. The therapy process of EMDR consists of 8 phases; increased working-time together means we can flow more easily through the phases. Here is an overview:
Overall, longer EMDR session length can be very productive because they allow for deep therapeutic work, which can lead to significant progress in a shorter amount of time. Please note that the length of the session is determined based on your unique needs and ability to tolerate the therapy.
Learn more about EMDR Intensives here:
EMDR Intensives
- In the preparation phase, we work together to establish a therapeutic alliance and identify the target memory or belief to be worked on
- In the assessment phase, you are asked to recall the details of the traumatic memory, including the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions associated with it
- The desensitization phase involves using bilateral stimulation, (such as eye movements), to help your brain process the traumatic memory and reduce its emotional impact
- The installation phase involves installing positive beliefs or emotions to replace the negative ones
- A body scan is conducted to ensure you are no longer experiencing intense physical sensations or emotions associated with the traumatic memory
- Finally, we debrief the session and discuss ways to maintain the progress made during the session
Overall, longer EMDR session length can be very productive because they allow for deep therapeutic work, which can lead to significant progress in a shorter amount of time. Please note that the length of the session is determined based on your unique needs and ability to tolerate the therapy.
Learn more about EMDR Intensives here:
EMDR Intensives
eCounselling
Online counselling is a convenient way to access counselling. Here is how it works:
eCounselling is approved by the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association and many third party funding sources (but not all). If you are interested in accessing counselling in this way, please check with your third party funding source to ensure they approve online counselling to ensure it's a viable option for you.
For online counselling sessions, you will need: 1) a secure wifi connection; 2) a smart phone, tablet, or computer; 3) headset with microphone (not necessary, but super helpful if you have it!); 4) Privacy; 5) Tissues
- Let me know if this is the modality you want to use to access your counselling
- You will receive a link for your session via email a few minutes prior to the start time
- If you are using a phone to connect, prop it up so that you don't have to hold it.
- If we lose connection at any time during the session, I'll call you and we will work to re-establishing the connection
eCounselling is approved by the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association and many third party funding sources (but not all). If you are interested in accessing counselling in this way, please check with your third party funding source to ensure they approve online counselling to ensure it's a viable option for you.
For online counselling sessions, you will need: 1) a secure wifi connection; 2) a smart phone, tablet, or computer; 3) headset with microphone (not necessary, but super helpful if you have it!); 4) Privacy; 5) Tissues
Pricing
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Direct Billing Options
I am an approved provider for RCMP Health Services (BlueCross), Veteran's Affairs, BCEHS, WorkSafe BC, Homewood Health, WorkBC, WorkSafeBC, FNHA, ICBC, and CVAP. Direct billing is available for these providers.
Please note: Each Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has different protocols for initiating services. Upon requesting counselling and with your consent, your Counsellor will need to set up pre-approval with your EAP in order for you to access direct billing for sessions.
Please note: Each Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has different protocols for initiating services. Upon requesting counselling and with your consent, your Counsellor will need to set up pre-approval with your EAP in order for you to access direct billing for sessions.
Payment Options
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Cancelation PolicyPlease provide at least 2 days notice (48 hours) if you can not attend your scheduled session time. Since the scheduling of your session involves the reservation of time set aside especially for you, this minimum 2 day notice is required if you need to cancel or reschedule, so that the time can be offered to someone else.
If for any reason a session is cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, half the session fee will be charged. Please note that most insurance companies do not reimburse for missed sessions. There is always the option to meet virtually if you are unable to attend an in-person session. |
Getting StartedReady to get started? Give me a call or e-mail. We will start out with a brief discussion to ensure my expertise is a match for your needs in counselling, and then schedule an intake session.
250-938-5580 [email protected] |
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