What To Expect

When you walk through the doors of Shoreline Counselling, I hope you feel welcome. In our first session, we will go through the process of informed consent, confidentiality and what to expect in counselling. Informed consent includes the risks and the benefits associated with counselling.

Confidentiality

The client/counsellor relationship is confidential and I will not share the details of your session work with anyone without your written consent. There are legal requirements where I am obligated to disregard confidentiality. If you reveal to me that you intend to harm yourself or someone else, or child abuse is suspected, or an elderly individual is being neglected, I will contact the appropriate government or community authorities. I am required to release your client records if subpoenaed by a court of law.

Risks and Benefits

Some benefits of counselling include a better understanding of oneself, strengthening of self-esteem, and a greater capacity to manage and cope with stress or anxiety. Counselling, also, involves stepping into emotional territory that might feel uncomfortable or unpleasant. It is a risk stepping leaning into what feels uncomfortable. It is, also a risk to make a change that is for your benefit but might result in push back from friends, family or colleagues. When client's want to develop more assertive ways of being, walking out this change in "real life" can be tricky and one of the risks of the change process.

The process involves your commitment both during the session and will benefit with your additional effort outside the office as you practice new skills and new ways of thinking and being.

First Sessions

Our first session is an opportunity for you to share some of your journey and the process leading you to seek counselling support.

At the end of this first session, you will have the opportunity to check for “fit” meaning that you decide if you want to begin the processing of counselling with me. I know that the relationship you develop with your counsellor is really important and it is important that you get the sense that we can work together. I am pleased to help you find someone who is a better fit for you if you decide to move on.

In the sessions that follow, we will collaborate towards accomplishing your goals. The process involves client participation and is, in so many ways, client directed. The counsellor is considered the guide and maybe sometimes an illuminator of ideas, thoughts or revelations that might be just out of reach.

How we help?

I will listen. I will reflect back to you some of your thoughts and definitely what I notice in how you express your emotions. Through this process, my hope is that you make new meaning out of your current situation and begin to feel empowered to make the changes that seem right for you.

Booking Appointments

You can book future appointments directly with me at the end of your counselling session or by calling Shoreline directly. Some appointment times book up quickly and clients find booking two weeks in advance secures their time slot and is an option for clients who only have limited availability.

Please cancel or reschedule your appointment by calling in to Shoreline directly. Please give 48hrs notice, or Shoreline Counselling will need to charge for a full session.

If you call the office number, you may be directed to leave a message on the confidential voicemail, if our front desk staff is unavailable to take your call. The best way to reach me directly is to text my business number. My goal is to make contact with you within one business day. Please understand that legally and ethically I will not be able to assess your symptoms or give general treatment advice over the phone or email.

Benefits Packages

I have found that Health Benefit Packages vary in regards to their counselling coverage. Some plans provide a limited amount per year and do no pay directly. You will need to check with your provider to determine your benefits package and discuss with your counsellor how this may affect your work with someone at Shoreline.

For additional answers to common questions, see Frequently Asked Questions.