In-Person Counselling for Individuals

It’s totally normal to have difficult or conflicting feelings about starting therapy. Maybe you’re anxious about having to share your feelings, or worried and unprepared about the experience.

Sometimes even taking that first step to book a session seems like an impossible task. That’s okay!

I assure you that the counselling process is friendly, non-judgemental, and confidential. So try your best to not worry too much.

I also understand it can also be difficult to take your first step because you don’t know what to expect. But I also know taking that first step can be everything.

So I’d like to help alleviate some of that apprehension, and help you decide on the right first step for your needs.

To that end, this page is here to help explain the therapeutic process. I’ll also outline what you can expect from me and our time together if you choose to sign up for counselling at Tanglewood.

If you have questions and want to reach out, contact me at any point. You can also check my FAQs page for more answers, and my articles and resources section has some more helpful info.

Why consider counselling?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already considering counselling. So let’s start by covering a few of the outcomes that we work towards through counselling to make sure therapy makes sense for you.

We will work towards:

• Improving your relationships and interpersonal skills
• Helping you to feel better about yourself
• Improving your mental and physical health
• Defining and reaching your goals
• Empowering you to make better decisions
• Increasing your energy and motivation
• Thinking more positively
• Untangling your thoughts to make room for priorities
• Re-engaging with people and activities that you used to enjoy

Sounds good, right?

So if this sounds desirable to you, keep reading. Next you’ll learn more about how counselling works to achieve these goals.

One more thing: I would love to instantly make your problems disappear – ideally in a puff of smoke and a shower of glitter. But counselling is not magic. I can absolutely help you, but it does take work and commitment on both our parts.

As a clinical counsellor, I use a variety of different methods and techniques during our sessions. The methods I choose for you are based on your needs and goals.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to counselling.

You’re unique. You have your own set of experiences. Those experiences have shaped your life and your worldview.

As a clinical counsellor, I have years of training, and decades of experience to draw upon when helping you to develop a successful plan. That’s one of the main benefits of working with a professional therapist.

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with individuals from all walks of life get through their most difficult situations. And while there may be some overlap, none of my clients have walked the same exact path.

So I’m not going to focus on any specific methodology or technique here. If you’d like to learn about my professional training, please see my bio page.

Instead, I think it will be more helpful to share my thoughts on the type of counselling you can expect if you choose to work with me.

Below I’ve listed some of the values that I hold which directly influence the style of counselling that you can expect from Tanglewood.

Expect counselling that is flexible

My style of counselling is flexible, and personalized to each individual. I work collaboratively with you to develop, monitor, and tweak a plan that works.

Your own plan may include:

• Expanding your understanding and knowledge of your issues
• Working on building healthy coping skills
• Increasing your tolerance for distress
• Learning techniques to regulate your emotions
• Processing your distressing memories in constructive ways
• Analyzing your negative thinking patterns
• Increasing your mindfulness
• Learning how to be present in the moment
• Untangling your mixed-up thoughts and emotions
• Building your confidence
• Reframing your past experiences in a healthy way
• Improving your communication skills

The list goes on. And if you’re not sure what you need – which is very normal – don’t fret. We will explore the issue together and figure it out.

Expect counselling that is personalized

Your preferences will be incorporated into the counselling process. I am not tied to any particular type of therapy, and I am able to quickly change gears.

You can also decline to do anything I suggest:

• Don’t like journaling? That’s okay. We can find something that works for you.
• Does the idea of meditating make you cringe? No worries. I won’t force you to try it, and I won’t judge you for it.

Counselling is for your benefit, not mine. We will both be more successful when I can help in a way that resonates with you.

Expect counselling that is connected

Research shows that the bond between client and counsellor is one of the most important factors in successful therapy.

I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance between us by focusing on your story and your opinions. I think of our alliance as working alongside one another, collaboratively, building mutual respect and trust as we go.

And on the off-chance you feel it isn’t working between us, I won’t take offence. I also provide a free phone consultation to allow you to test the waters with me, with no commitment to continue on your side.

Expect counselling that is collaborative

We work together to develop goals and interventions that work for you, and for your situation. We will discuss a timeline that works for you. We will also decide how we will know if counselling is working by defining what a successful outcome looks like (which will also help inform when we are done).

I will regularly check in with you to make sure we’re staying on track. I may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to help guide our work.

And I always want to hear your feedback. If you feel like we need to make some adjustments, it won’t hurt my feelings!

Expect counselling that is non-judgemental

I am not judging you. I am curious and interested to understand your experience. I am also honoured that you trust me to share your vulnerable moments.

There are no topics that are off-limits. We can discuss anything. It’s normal to experience feelings of shame, or embarrassment. Just don’t let these feelings prevent you from talking about what’s bothering you.

In other words, you are free to express yourself without feeling like you have to walk on eggshells.

Swearing doesn’t bother me. Just don’t cuss at me.

Crying doesn’t bother me either. People cry from sadness, embarrassment, relief, or frustration. It is normal. (I have Kleenex.)

Expect counselling that is meaningful

It is important that counselling fits you, your life, and your belief system. I am not here to force any particular style or methods upon you.

I would like to help you see yourself more fully. I want you to gain insights into your own behaviours.

And to get there, I will work to use methods that are suitable for you.