the nitty gritty therapy FAQs
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Trauma-informed therapists recognize how negative experiences affect both body and mind. They understand that your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are coping mechanisms for stress and trauma. These therapists are skilled in facilitating recovery while minimizing the risk of further harm. They prioritize safety and choice throughout the therapeutic process, focusing on building a secure relationship with you—the foundation for healing.
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Typically, clients start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions. As progress is made, they may choose to space the sessions further apart.
The key is open communication with your therapist. By discussing your treatment plan and goals together, we can establish a session frequency that feels right for you.
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My fee is $225 an hour, which includes a 50-minute session and 10 minutes for administrative work related to documentation and billing. This is based on the Psychologist Association of Alberta’s recommended fee schedule:
https://psychologistsassociation.ab.ca/resources/recommended-fee-schedule/
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If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a cancellation fee. This policy is in place because, as a psychologist with my practice, I reserve a time slot specifically for you, and short-notice cancellations make it challenging to fill that time with another client. However, if I can fill the spot with another client, I will not charge the cancellation fee. I understand that life happens, and I will work with you to find a suitable solution. The fee for a late cancellation is the full session fee.
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I accept debit cards, credit cards, and eTransfers. While eTransfers are our preferred method of payment, I do require you to keep a valid debit or credit card on file for convenience and security purposes.
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If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, please immediately call 911, visit the nearest emergency room, or contact one of the following local resources Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988
Calgary Distress Line (24/7): 403.266.HELP (4357) Sheldon Chumir Mental Health Urgent Care: 403.955.6200
Emails are not appropriate for crisis situations or extensive clinical support. While we aim to respond to emails within 24-48 hours, they are not suited for urgent concerns.
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Direct billing is currently available for Blue Cross, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Manulife.
When direct billing is not available, you will receive an electronic receipt that you can use to claim reimbursement from your insurance company. I will explain this process in more detail during your initial session.
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I understand that therapy costs can be a concern. I do offer a limited number of sliding scale fee spots to accommodate different financial situations. Please discuss your financial concerns before or during your initial session.
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Therapy is a personal journey, and finding the right fit with your therapist is crucial. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to assess this. During this call, we can discuss your intentions for therapy and get a sense of whether we're a good fit. Feel free to ask any questions that will help you decide. If I feel your needs would be better addressed by other services, I will share recommendations with you.
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If you reach out via email, I will reply within 1-2 business days, sharing a link to book a session and answering any questions. I also offer a short phone consultation to ensure we’re a good fit and to give you a sense of what working together might look like.
During our first session, we’ll review the consent forms and take time to understand your situation. We’ll discuss your hopes and goals for therapy, then create a personalized plan that sets the foundation for future sessions.
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Your first session is a mutual exploration. We start by reviewing your signed consent form and then begin talking to get to know each other. This session focuses on understanding your background, personal history, and experiences that may impact your counselling process. We'll also discuss your therapy goals. Don’t worry if you are unsure about your goals; we can explore and figure them out together.
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I am based in Calgary, Alberta. Sessions can be conducted either in person at my office or through secure online platforms. I am registered to provide psychological services to clients across all of Alberta through secure video sessions. Whether you're in Calgary or elsewhere in the province, I can support you remotely.
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There is 2-hour street parking available on 11 Ave SW and 6 St SW, next to the building. The rates are $3.00 per hour from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and $1.50 per hour from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Parking is free after 6:00 PM. Please note that on weekdays after 3:30 PM, parking is not permitted on the north side of 11 Ave SW.
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You can choose to have your sessions either online through the secure Jane platform or in my office. If your needs or schedule change, it’s easy to switch between in-person and online sessions—just let me know, and we can adjust as needed!
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For the most efficient scheduling, you can book your consultation or full session directly through my secure booking platform. This ensures you have the best selection of available times and avoids delays.
If you prefer, you can contact me via email for assistance with booking your appointment. However, please be aware that this process may be less efficient than using the online system.