Frequently Asked Questions

The first session is all about building a connection, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable in the space, and laying the groundwork for our work together. It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous at first! What’s important is that you feel heard and understood.

Much like the consult call, this session gives us the chance to get to know each other better. I’ll walk you through how therapy works, including things like confidentiality and session frequency, and answer any questions you might have. I’ll invite you to share some background about yourself—your personal history, relationships, work, and anything else relevant to what brought you to therapy. 

It’s completely normal to feel vulnerable when answering these questions. Just remember, they’re meant to be supportive, not judgmental. The purpose is to get a clearer understanding of your life and experiences so I can better help you move forward. I try to gather this information in a conversational way, so it feels more natural and less like an interrogation!

We’ll also talk about what you hope to achieve in therapy. It’s perfectly fine if you're not entirely sure yet—just being open about what’s on your mind or what you’d like to change is a great place to start.

By the end of the session, I want to make sure you feel comfortable with the process and ready for the work ahead. It’s also a chance for you to share any feedback on how the session went so I can adjust my approach to better meet your needs moving forward.

Reflect & Renew counselors can help with a wide range of issues, including: 

• Anxiety
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Emotional Regulation
• Faith
• Grief and Loss
• Inner Critic
• Life Transitions
• Motivation
• Relationships
• Self Esteem
• Sleep 
• Stress

I see therapy as a deeply relational process, and I bring my whole self into our work together. I'm not just an empty chair or a passive listener—I'm fully present and engaged, supporting you as we navigate the journey ahead. My goal is to create a warm, authentic environment where you feel safe to be yourself. Together, we'll explore the challenges you're facing, identify any obstacles, and develop strategies for healing and growth.

Therapy with me is more than just a conversation; it’s a purposeful dialogue designed to help you move forward. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to help you connect with your emotions and encourage deeper self-awareness. Whether we're addressing a specific issue or working on long-term personal development, I’ll be by your side every step of the way.

I am a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). The CPCA is dedicated to the promotion of public confidence and trust in the counselling profession in Canada. As such, members meet rigorous standards for education and training and are held to the highest ethical standards of the profession before they can use the RPC (Registered Professional Counsellor) designation. In addition, there are annual requirements for professional development and supervision.

I hold Level II certification in Observed & Experiential Integration Therapy (OEI) practitioner and is informed in the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) models. 

My professional development in 2025 has focused on shame and Internal Family Systems.

Observed and Experiential Integration Therapy (OEI) is a trauma processing approach that combines principles of neurophysiology with elements of observation, somatic experiencing, and experiential processing. It helps individuals reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and internal conflict while enhancing overall well-being.

OEI works by integrating both the mind and body through a combination of observing internal experiences (such as thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations) and engaging in experiential exercises like bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation helps integrate unprocessed memories, reducing the vividness and emotional intensity of traumatic memories, which can lead to improved emotional regulation and resilience.

One of the distinctive features of OEI is that it doesn’t require clients to retell their traumatic experiences in detail. Instead, clients focus on a “target” — a representation of the experience — allowing them to process trauma without the distress of verbal recounting. This makes OEI particularly helpful for those who may struggle with traditional trauma therapies or find it difficult to talk about their experiences.

As a result of OEI, individuals often experience shifts in mood, a reduction in somatic intensity, and fewer negative distortions in how they perceive themselves and others. This can lead to improvements in self-esteem, social confidence, relationship quality, and overall performance in life. OEI is a highly personalized approach, with the therapist tailoring techniques to the client's specific needs.

We have long since been aware of the health benefits of being in nature, and being in motion (see articles below). Walk and Talk is a method of therapy that combines the healing forces of nature with the benefits of physical activity and counselling. Many people enjoy being in nature and find it comforting. Others find they think and focus better when they are on the move. There are many reasons to enjoy this method of therapy, including the opportunities for mindfulness and gratitude that come with being surrounded by nature!

What if it’s supposed to rain?
If the day before, or morning of your scheduled appointment calls for rain, we will reschedule the appointment, or you could opt for an in-office session. If it begins to rain during the session, we can discuss ending the session early, continuing in the rain or moving to a more sheltered location (such as a pavilion, or the office).

What about confidentiality?
It is important to be aware that there is potential for our conversation to be overheard while we are in public. Additionally, it is possible that we will run into someone either of us knows. Prior to beginning Walk and Talk therapy, we will take some time to review a consent form tailored to this method that addresses such occurrences. This provides time for us to discuss various responses, such as limiting conversation as we pass others on the trail, or keeping some topics for in-office appointments. This is your time and it will be tailored to your wishes. 

Here are several articles that discuss the benefits of Walk and Talk therapy:
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/walk-and-talk-therapy/

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/09/natural-fit

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” –John Muir