Have questions?
It is important that before we get started you have an opportunity to have your questions answered. This page is a great place to start. Once you have explored here book your free 30 minutes consult with me and get any additional questions answered.
Coaching
Is coaching right for me?
Coaching isn’t right or wrong for anyone, it is an individuals preference. The process of coaching is client led and focusses on meeting you where you are. Coaching supports you in focusing attention to your inner core values and the energy level that you are functioning at in the present tense. If you have mental or emotional trauma that would need more of a therapeutic method of support, this is where we work together in a deeper level counselling role. Both roles are invaluable and work well with each other. However, sometimes a client will only want to concentrate on one outer goal and not delve into their ‘why’ on the inside, and this is okay too.
What can a coach help me with?
A coach is there to help you with whatever you need to discuss. A coach isn’t an expert in all fields, the only expert is you! I will help you identify what is within yourself to answer your problem. In my practise there are no problems, only solutions. A problem may arise but inside each of us there is an opportunity for growth, learning and insights about ourselves and/or others we didn’t realize until we talk it through with a coach or counselor.
Who can have a coach?
Anyone!
What does a typical session involve?
These sessions will be set up in sequence. The first session is a free consultation to find out where you are at and what ‘solutions’ we can work through to get you the optimal life you desire. If after the first session I determine that there are some larger more therapeutic things we need to evaluate, we may start out with one session in counselling and move to coaching. In my practise I believe that counselling and coaching go hand in hand. Counselling helps lift a person from a state of hopelessness or disfunction somewhere in their life, alternately to a state of function. Once you are in a place that feels comfortable and progress is being made, there is opportunity to coach on goals and bring the person from functioning to OPTIMAL!
What are the benefits of a coach?
Everyone needs someone to talk to. Period. The way I run my practise is with empathetic listening and empowering curiosity. Sometimes, people need to ‘talk it out’ with someone who is not connected to their immediate life.
How is coaching different than therapy?
The coaching side of my practise focusses on the skills moving forward and the “do” of the equation of change and transition. The counselling modality I use most often is Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused Therapy, (strategies to re-examine memories in our lives that hold you captive; allowing you to break-free).
How long does the coaching process take?
This is dependent on each person, however coaching is completed when the “goal” is complete, however once you have a personal coach, you see the value in touching base for ‘next goals’ or life events periodically as often as once a month. There is no standard, some people are great self motivators and can realize their blocks within one or two sessions; and others can take a full 9-12 coaching sessions.
Can I change through coaching?
“Change” is a word that is ever-present in all our lives. If we stop changing, we stop growing and eventually become stagnant. Change is a great thing if done with discernment and complete understanding of the transitional periods. You WILL change during coaching.
Why would someone successful hire a coach?
Success is deemed different in the eyes of everyone. Most ‘financially successful’ people understand coaching and can utilize powerful questions in their careers or personal lives and pivot very easily to change. Success is not always financial though, some people could have all the freedom financially, yet still suffer from an inner longing of purpose. This is part of a deeper process in my practice that usually involves discussions around your spirituality and in my practise the purpose driven life for Christ is my fundamental value system.
Should I be able to reach my goals on my own?
Everyone has potential to reach goals on their own! If you walk, talk, and ride a bike you have reached a goal as early as a toddler! You can do anything you set your mind to… well Math 30 maybe not lol. Anyone who wants something badly enough can reach a goal, it is just how many hurdles you may have to face that looks different that someone else. Comparison is the killer of joy, so in my practise we do not focus on how fast you are getting to your goal, but how you feel during the process. The Journey Is The Reward.
Do I need to sign a contract?
Yes, you sign a confidentiality contract. I want you to make sure you feel secure in your discussions and your privacy is the most important thing to me. As far as payment, it is all discussed and paid upfront, if you wish to postpone your coaching, we can always hold you a spot until you are ready.
Counselling
How do I know I need professional help?
If you are struggling with daily life issues such as getting out of bed, crying episodes, feeling of lack of energy consistently, deep trauma, nightmares, mood swings that are unusual or have experienced a massive change in your life that has caused you trauma or anxiety.
Why should I consider counselling?
The counselling modalities I use most often is Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative and Solution Focused Therapy (strategies to re-examine traumas and or events in our lives that hold you captive; allowing you to break-free). These practises move you forward by supporting the mind-set first then the tangible steps after. I truly believe that therapy has left a lot of people with huge questions after a session, the “what now?” feeling after you have talked your hour away with no direction. In my practise you will leave with at least one thing to do or concentrate on for the period between our sessions. I respect that people have busy lives however, homework after our sessions is highly recommended for successful counselling and coaching.
How long is each appointment?
You decide. Most of the time we try to stick to one hour. If you are more of a narrative person, we can extend this to two hours, however you will find within one hour we can accomplish a lot!
Are there any dangers?
Counselling can bring up a lot of past trauma memories. These are not dangerous, however if you are experiencing heightened anxiety or suicidal thoughts, I will be referring you to a Clinical Psychologist for services. My modality is in the counselling role, and I understand that mental health diagnosis may be of more value than my counselling services at that time. Working alongside with a Psychologist we both can support you simultaneously. Many clients have psychiatrists they are working with and a counsellor or a coach simultaneously.
What if I want to discontinue sessions?
There is a cancellation fee of $100 per session if you cancel however, you will be reimbursed the remainder balance of your credit.
General
Do you offer in person counselling/coaching?
I do offer in-person counselling on an as needed basis, in my home office or in your home if you are local. I respect that sometimes it is very difficult to leave your own home, so if you are comfortable with zoom meetings, I do this most of the time. To be honest, I thought it would be awkward and impersonal, however, zoom allows the client to be in their own home, pajamas if needed and they do not need to find childcare. (However, I do recommend something to amuse them for the time we have together).
Are the sessions confidential?
Yes absolutely. I do not transport my files, and everything is kept under password. You will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement as well. Both of us are to remain confidential to respect one another’s privacy.
When can I expect to see changes?
Yes, you will. Even after the first session. The mind is an amazing muscle!
Is Coaching or Counselling paid for by health insurance plans?
I do carry insurance; however, I do not currently offer my services for insurance claims. Some health care spending plans allow counselling and life coaching under wellness category of your plan.
What should I expect during our consult?
30 minutes of curiosity and questions that will lead us both to understand if we are a good fit for each other. And of course, some great conversation!
What is your background and what do you specialize in?
I have over 15 years of experience counselling, coaching and leadership. My experience is with women experiencing crisis situations specifically focused on women shelters; and have a diploma in Crisis Intervention Counselling, University Certificate in Counselling Women and I am currently finishing my degree in Christian Ministry Counselling.
Presently, I run a successful Real Estate Company where I am the Broker and Owner, mentoring and coaching over 15 Agents and staff each day. This company went from being one of the least known brokerages in our City, within 5 years we are now #1 office, we also have 5 Top 100 Agents in all of Canada! I credit much of this success to the coaching and mentorship I have done over the years, as well as embracing change and being able to pivot as a team.If you are looking for individual or relationship counselling, thinking of building a business or growing your leadership skills, I will be able to help you build the life that matches your values.