FAQs

My therapy office is located in Victoria, BC — more specifically, in the central neighbourhood of Fernwood. The location is accessible for all folks in the Greater Victoria area, including James Bay, Oak Bay, Downtown Victoria, Fairfield, Langford and Colwood.

I offer in-person sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Online sessions are offered Monday through Friday.

Online counselling is available to folks across British Columbia and any provinces where counselling is not yet provincially regulated. I do not offer text or email counselling such as platforms like BetterHelp and believe that therapy delivered face to face, either in-person online, is far more effective and enjoyable for both client and therapist.

Finding the right psychotherapist involves considering your specific needs and preferences, as well as your personal development or therapy goals. Booking a free consultation with various counsellors before deciding is a good way to learn more about the kind of mental health support they offer.

In our counseling sessions, we'll work collaboratively to explore your concerns, set goals for personal growth, and develop effective strategies using evidence-based approaches such as talk therapy, somatic therapy, and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), including mindfulness and emotional regulation.

The duration of therapy varies for each individual, and session frequency depends on your specific needs and goals, as well as your financial situation. We'll work together to create a personalized plan that suits your pace and preferences.

Confidentiality means that I have a responsibility to safeguard information about your assessment and treatment and to ensure it is kept confidential, except under specific circumstances. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with ACCT (Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada), I adhere to their standards of confidentiality which requires strict adherence to client confidentiality except in the following situations:

1. When there is apparent imminent risk of harm to the client or others from the actions of the Client.

2. Under the law which mandates reporting for the protection against elder or child abuse. This includes physical harm, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and emotional harm. In these cases, I am required by law to report to your local Social Services and/or to your local law enforcement.

3. When I or my files are under subpoena from a court of law.

No. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, I am unable to prescribe medication or diagnose specific mental health conditions as listed under the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). If you are seeking a prescription for medication, I would suggest you reach out to your doctor or psychiatrist. Research has shown for many conditions, medication is most effective when paired with therapy or counselling.

I accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, as well as Interac e-Transfer.

Alight Counselling has a 24-hour cancellation policy otherwise full session fees are due. Clients can cancel and reschedule their sessions in their Jane App account.

Alight Counselling does not offer refunds for session that are cancelled in the 24-hour window before scheduled sessions, but would happily reschedule to a mutually agreed upon time.

In Canada, more and more insurance providers are offering coverage for Therapeutic Counselling. Oftentimes, this is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. There is no guarantee your sessions will be covered by your insurance, so I always recommend to clients that they contact their insurance provider.