"There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why."
~William Barclay~
This FAQ page is here to support you as you explore counselling in Okotoks and what therapy with mY PSYCHOLOGIST looks like. You’ll find answers to common questions about sessions, the therapeutic process, and how support works, so you can feel more at ease moving forward.
If you're unsure where to start, an initial consult is a simple first step. It’s a chance to talk about what you're looking for, ask any questions you have, and see if it feels like a good fit. The consultation is 1 hour for $97, giving you plenty of time—we won’t rush the process. Ready to begin? Book your first session and we’ll take it from there.
Initial individual and couples sessions are 1 hr This allows enough time, whether one-on-one or as a couple, to understand what’s going on, hear from both partners, and begin exploring new ways of connecting. If needed, 1.5 hr couples sessions are available on a needs basis. The added time helps reduce rushing and supports steady momentum, allowing for meaningful progress within the session.
Individual and couples sessions are 60 minutes. This gives us enough time to understand what’s going on, hear from everyone involved, and begin exploring new ways of engaging in the session. This structure helps build momentum and allows for meaningful progress within the session..
The capital Y is intentional. It’s a cue to get curious: Why now? Why does this keep showing up? Why does it matter to me? Sometimes the “why” is clear; other times it isn’t. Therapy is a place to explore what’s uncertain and turn it into clarity and direction...Click Below to continue and see the full explanation.
It depends on what you're coming in for & how complex things feel right right now. If the goal is a focused "tuned-up" in one or two areas, 3-6 sessions can be enough. If things feel more distressed or layered, it may take several months of weekly or bi-weekly sessions (sometimes 10+ sessions) to build steadier, lasting change. We'll talk about goals early on & adjust based on what's most helpful.
Many extended health plans include coverage for services provided by a Registered Psychologist or Registered Provisional Psychologist. You can usually find "psychological services" in the same section where your plan lists providers like massage therapy, physiotherapy, or chiropractic care. Coverage varies by plan, so it's worth checking your annual amount & any per-visit limits.
Yes—I offer both. My preference is in-person counselling, because the work I do is experiential and relational. Being face-to-face often makes it easier to slow things down, notice patterns as they happen, and work with emotion and body signals in real time. If online sessions fit your situation better, we can absolutely do that too—what matters most is choosing a format that helps you show up consistently.
An Hour session is $235. We accept debit, e-transfer, cash and all major credit cards. GST is not charged on psychological services. At this time, direct billing is not available, so you'll be responsible for submitting your receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement (if applicable).
That experience matters, & it's not uncommon. Sometimes therapy doesn't help because the approach didn't fit, the pace wasn't right, or the work stayed mostly in insight without changing what happens in real life. We'll pay attention to what's worked (and what hasn't), & keep the process practical, collaborative, & focused on change you can actually feel & use.
That's more common than people think. Even if your partner isn't ready, you can still make meaningful changes in the relationship. We'll focus on what you can influence--your communication, boundaries, emotional steadiness, & how you respond in the moments that usually go sideways. Sometimes the shift you make changes the whole dynamic, & your partner becomes more open to joining later--but either way, the work can still be valuable.
Most people don't avoid therapy because they don't care--they avoid it because it feels hard to begin. Common Barriers include not knowing where to start, worrying it will be uncomfortable, feeling like your problems aren't "big enough" past experiences where therapy didn't help' or simply being overwhelmed & short on time. Therapy doesn't require perfect readiness. If something matters to you, it's worth exploring--& we can take it one step at a time.
Support from people you love matters. Talking to a professional is different because it's a dedicated space that's confidential, structured, & focused. You get someone trained to listen without taking sides, help you notice patterns you're not always see on your own, & teach skills you can actually use. It can also protect your relationships outside therapy--so you don't have to worry about overloading the people close to you or feeling stuck in the same conversations.