Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to do online or in-person counselling?
It's really a matter of personal preference. If you live in the Penticton, BC area you are welcome to see me for an in-person session at my office. Even some clients who live in the area prefer to meet me online because they can stay in their home-- ideal if your baby is napping or your toddler is playing nearby. If you're pregnant and leaving the house is tiring, online counselling is great in that case too!
Online counselling is just as effective as meeting a counsellor in person. Modern technology can truly be an amazing thing to allow two people to meet and connect virtually, with the same opportunity to express and to heal. It has the added benefit of being held in a more relaxed environment—your own home!
Please note: online counselling is not ideal if you’re experiencing severe depression and/or suicidal thoughts. If that is the case, seek medical help immediately.
What are your qualifications for offering counselling to mothers?
I am a mother to two amazing young boys and have faced many challenges along the way, as many of us have. My own experiences and growth through my transition to motherhood have brought me to a place of understanding and compassion to other mothers on similar journeys.
I hold a diploma in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology from Clearmind International Institute, a program that has allowed me to delve deeply into my own personal healing in order to become a solid support to guide you through your personal growth.
I hold a designation as a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT).
What style of counselling do you practice?
My counselling style is a blend of transpersonal, experiential and family systems work.
Transpersonal counselling uses the framework that human experience is fundamentally spiritual—as humans we are all connected to each other and to something greater than ourselves. We are all seeking to love and be loved in whatever way that is expressed. It is through this lens that all of our experiences, no matter how challenging, can be perceived as opportunities for growth and healing.
Experiential counselling is an opportunity to express your feelings, to talk from your feelings rather than about them—I believe this is truly the key to healing and moving to a state of peace.
Family systems work is based on Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. It is an exploration of family patterns as they are passed down from generation to generation. Family patterns often become especially apparent as we embark on our journey to motherhood.
What can I expect during my first counselling session?
Our first session together will usually be spent zeroing in on the issue(s) you would like to work on and setting a goal for what you truly want to experience in your life. We will also spend time discussing your family in order to begin to uncover family patterns that may be holding you back.
What can I expect during subsequent counselling sessions?
After the groundwork is laid in our first session, we will delve deeper into your current issue. There will be some discussion and often some experiential work. We will continue to discuss family patterns as they relate to your current issue. You will be supported to honour and explore all of your feelings, even ones that may be buried, and discover how this allows you open to feeling fully alive. Often I will suggest something for you to do or reflect on between sessions in order to bring the counselling experience into your daily life.
How do I access Blossoming Mother Counselling services online?
All online consultations and counselling sessions are carried out using Zoom video conferencing. Zoom is one of the most reliable and secure online video conferencing services. I will email you a link to our Zoom room prior to our session. If it is your first time using Zoom, plan to arrive 5 minutes early to download the free software.
What method of payment do you accept and how much do you charge? Are your sessions covered under my benefit plan?
For online appointments, I accept payment by e-transfer or credit card through PayPal. You can pay directly through my online scheduling program using PayPal. If you prefer to pay by e-transfer, let me know and I'll set that up with you. If you come in-person to my Penticton office, you can either pay ahead of time through PayPal when you book, or bring cash or a cheque with you when you come.
The fee for a 1 hour counselling session is $95 CDN. Packages of 4 sessions are available to new clients for a fee of $342 (10% savings).
The fee for self-care coaching is $80/hour or $210 for a package of 3 sessions.
The fee for Penticton Mothers Support Group is $100 for 5 sessions.
Workshop fees are usually $10.
Many benefit plans cover my counselling services, but you will need to check with your plan provider to make sure your individual plan covers counselling or psychotherapy. If you have any questions about this feel free to get in touch with me.
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