Everything you need to know (but didn’t know to ask) about counselling with Jason
Everything you need to know (but didn't know to ask) about counselling with Jason
It’s not always easy to make time for ourselves, and opening up about things can be really hard sometimes! On this page, I’ve outlined what to expect when getting started with counselling with me. I hope this helps you to feel more informed and at ease in order to have the best possible experience.
If you still have questions after reading, please let me know. I would love to opportunity to provide more clarity.
Okay, here’s the gist:
- ✅ Read website (you’re already doing this part – woo!)
- Contact me
- First session
- Ongoing support
The First "Hello"
This isn’t counselling yet, just a casual chat. 10-15 minutes. No pressure, and no prep needed.
We’ll hop on the phone or a video call, you can ask me anything, and we both check the fit. I’ll want to understand a bit about what you’re looking for, and also to tell you a bit about how I work with people.
If you decide to book a full session with me, I’ll send you the intake and consent forms to read through and fill out online.
The First Session (free)
We’ll hop on the phone or a video call, you can ask me anything, and we both check the fit. I’ll want to understand a bit about what you’re looking for, and also to tell you a bit about how I work with people.
We’ll spend the first 10-20 minutes together going over some important things like confidentiality, consent, and your rights as a client, and we’ll talk through any questions you have about the paperwork.
Then I’ll ask you to tell me more of your story, and we can dive deeper into what brings you to counselling. This is a time for you to see what it’s like to work with me. It’s also time for me to learn more about you, map out together what’s really going on, and explore ideas for where you’d like to go. All at your pace.
Ongoing Support
We’ll meet as often and for long as it’s useful. When you’re ready, you call the finish line.
Sometimes people come to counselling to work through a specific problem or opportunity. Other times people come for support with a shift they want to make in their lives. Some just like having someone to talk to and share confidential things with. Whatever tangle you bring, we’ll work through it together.
I always hope to work with clients until they’re ready to “graduate” from counselling and steer on their own. And I also appreciate that sometimes treatment needs to pause because of finances, work or family demands, or other issues before we may reach that point. Either way, if you are ready to return and pick back up again with me, or if you just want to come in for a “tune up,” I’ll always be glad to see you again.
My door is always open.
Fees & Insurance
Session fees are $135 for 50 minutes and are due at the end of each appointment. I accept payment by all major credit cards or Interac e-transfer. After each session, I’ll provide you with a receipt. If you have extended health benefits (insurance) you can submit this receipt for possible reimbursement.
I recognize that counselling can be expensive, despite the fact that all humans should have access to high quality mental health support. I hope that you will examine your investment in counselling with me often, and that you’ll notice gradual improvements and clarity after each of our sessions. Over time, I hope the returns on your investment are positively life-changing.
If the cost is of therapy is financially prohibitive for you right now, consider exploring these reduced-cost and free counselling options from other counsellors. I also sometimes offer low-cost and free groups as an accessible option.
Cancellations
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. If you miss an appointment or cancel late, it means I was not able to help someone else in that time spot. I’m also charged for various overhead costs, so missed appointments are very expensive for me. For these reasons, I charge the full fee for missed and late appointments and late cancellations.
Of course, life happens! If there is something in your life that makes it difficult to arrive on time or keep your appointments, let’s work together to see what positive shifts are possible.
Technology
I use Vancouver’s own “Jane” app for online video sessions, record keeping, and payment processing as it is robust with solid security features. Video sessions are encrypted and PIPEDA compliant (Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) to protect sensitive information. Sessions are not recorded or stored in any way.
If you run into issues using Jane, I’ve found their website has a lot of helpful support guides: https://jane.app/guide/patient-help-hub