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The purpose of a consultation is for you to get an idea if I feel like a fit for your therapist, and for me to confirm what you want to work on is within my wheelhouse.
I’ll start by asking you what’s bringing you into therapy and what you’re hoping to work on. I’ll also ask if you’ve ever been to therapy, and if so, what’s been helpful or unhelpful. I may also ask some follow up questions based on what you share with me.
Next we’ll shift into me sharing how I work and what therapy looks like with me. I’ll also go over a few administrative/logistical aspects (e.g. hours of availability, where my office is located, cancellation policy, etc.).
I typically wrap up the call by encouraging you to sit with how things feel before making the decision to book.
If for some reason what you’re wanting to focus on isn’t within my wheelhouse, I’ll be transparent about that and will offer to send you referral options for other counsellors by email.
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First sessions can feel intimating, especially if this is your first time coming to therapy. Know that it is completely natural and normal to feel some nerves.
After you book in for your first session, the Jane App will send you an email and prompt you to review and sign consent forms for counselling.
Our first session begins with us reviewing the consent forms together, which is standard practice in counselling. This is to ensure you’re aware of important aspects to counselling, like certain limits to confidentiality and what happens if we bump up against them. As we review the consent forms, I’ll check in periodically to see if you have any questions.
Next, we’ll begin exploring what’s bringing you into counselling. Maybe there’s a particular concern you’re wanting to explore, or maybe you’re just wanting to see what counselling is like or how you might be able to learn and grow.
Typically in the first 2-3 sessions I will also fold in standard intake questions into our conversation. I will ask about things like your physical and mental health, substance use, education/occupation, family history and current family dynamics. This can help me understand what puzzle pieces we’re working with as I look to gain understanding into your concerns and how I might best support you.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to or don’t feel comfortable answering. It takes time to build trust.
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My clients’ confidentiality is of the utmost importance, and is a topic that I always cover in our first session to ensure that you feel comfortable and know when we might bump up against the limits.
Confidentiality in counselling is essential for you feeling safe to share and explore different parts of yourself. Confidentiality extends to what is discussed in session as well as the identity of my clients, and continues even after the end of the counselling relationship. This means that I will not share any of your personal information without your explicit written consent unless in the circumstances outlined below. These limits are standard practice in the counselling field.
Limits to confidentiality are as follows:
(1) If I suspect the abuse or neglect of a child (someone under the age of 19) or a vulnerable person, I am legally and ethically required to report this to the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
(2) If I believe there is imminent risk of serious harm to self (for example, imminent risk of suicide) or serious harm to someone else (for example, imminent risk of homicide).
(3) For the purpose of complying with a subpoena, warrant or order issued or made by a court, person or body with jurisdiction to compel the production of personal information, or the disclosure is otherwise required or authorized by law.
(4) If you have a medical emergency during our session and require assistance, I will call 911 for you.
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While I specialize in certain areas of mental health, I can still support individuals with a wide range of concerns. I have a strong foundation of education and trainings on supporting clients through the lens of internal family systems, emotionally focused therapy (attachment theory) and trauma informed stabilization treatment. I also continuously further my knowledge through additional trainings, books, studies, podcasts, and other materials.
If I seem like I might be the right fit, I welcome you to reach out for a free 20-minute online consultation.
In the event what you want to work on is outside of my scope, I’ll be transparent and direct with you, and will offer to make a referral instead.
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Absolutely! I would be delighted to continue to support you on your wellness journey. Feel free to book into your first session if we’ve seen each other before - no consultation needed.
Please note that my rates have increased which is reflective of my professional development and registration. You’re welcome to reach out to me at monica@beginagaintoday.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
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Yes! Some folks prefer to have the same time every week or bi-weekly, and we can absolutely put aside a particular time for you. Your appointments will still be under the same cancellation policy, so you can cancel your session up to 48 hours beforehand without penalty.
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It depends! For folks in crisis, folks who are wanting to see changes more quickly, or who need more regular support, I’ll typically recommend starting off with a session once a week or once every other week.
But you know yourself and your situation best - that might feel overwhelming, might not be financially feasible, or any number of other reasons.
For folks who have moved into maintenance, I’d recommend whatever feels supportive and aligned with what feels right for you. For some clients this might be booking in every month or every other month, for some once a year, or some might take years off therapy before coming back.
Whenever you’re ready to return, I’d be delighted to see you.
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Yes. It’s completely ok if you weren’t ready to start therapy after your consultation but you’re feeling ready now. Similarly, it’s okay if you saw me for a period, needed a break, and are ready to start up again.
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Your appointment time is set aside exclusively for you. When sessions are cancelled late, it limits the opportunity for others who may be waiting for an appointment. To respect everyone's time, I have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice (via email or through Jane) will be charged the full session fee. This policy helps ensure fairness to you, to me as your therapist, and to other clients seeking support.
This cancellation policyalso applies to walk and talk sessions, with a few exceptions as these sessions take place outdoors:
In the event of more severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, any snow, or an air quality index above 101), clients have the option of cancelling their walk & talk sessions without charge up to 2 hours before the session.
I will cancel the the walk & talk session if it poses a safety risk (e.g. thunderstorm, atmospheric river, air quality index above 151, pathways being too icy).
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The session rating scale survey is completely optional. If you don’t want to receive it, just let me know and I can toggle it off on my end.
I’m the only one who sees the results, and this evidence based scale lets me know how you feel like the sessions are going, and prompts me to check in with you if scores are lower.
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Walk and talk sessions may be a good fit if you feel comfortable engaging in therapy outdoors. It can be helpful for folks who find a more traditional therapy settings intimidating or too clinical. Our walk and talk sessions take place along the trails in Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Walk and talk sessions are most appropriate for individuals who:
understand that their first session (intake & reviewing informed consent) must take place either online or in person
are able to regulate their emotions in a public setting
understand that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed as conversations in outdoor spaces may be overheard
are comfortable walking at an easy pace for a period of 50 minutes
are comfortable with variations in weather (sun, rain, wind, etc.)
are aware that there will be natural distractions (such as other walkers, runners, cyclists and noise)
Before clients book in a walk and talk, at least one session needs to occur either in office or online.
If you are interested in exploring if a walk & talk session might be a good fit, I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation to discuss further.
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I live and work in the Vancouver area, so inevitably I do run into clients from time to time.
To protect your confidentiality, I will not approach you or initiate contact with you. If you would like to wave or say hello, lovely! But it is also completely ok if you see me and choose to ignore me. Your confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me.
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No, in British Columbia, counsellors are not able to provide a formal diagnosis for mental health disorders.
Folks might seek a formal diagnosis for many reasons - sometimes to receive accommodations at work or school, to better understand themselves, or to access specialized treatments or medication.
As your counsellor, I can support you in finding the appropriate resource to seek this diagnosis.
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A break? To pop into the washroom? A tampon? A glass of water? A snack?
No problem! I want all of my clients to feel comfortable during their session. It’s always okay to let me know what you need.
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That’s okay! The thought of talking about yourself for an hour might feel awkward if you’ve never been to therapy before. During our initial session, I’ll guide us through general intake questions and will work with you to figure out what your goals are and how we might get there.
I know there can also be pressure to jump into the “work” right away. But if you need extra time to get comfy, we can also start off by keeping things more digestible. We can chat about your pets, your hobbies and interests, or anything else that feels more approachable to start.
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That’s completely understandable - you might need time to build trust with me or feel like things are safe/stable enough in your life to visit certain memories/thoughts/feelings. You don’t need to talk about anything you don’t want to. If I think that not talking about something is starting to hinder our work together, I’ll be transparent with you, but ultimately you’re in the driver’s seat.
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If you are experiencing a medical emergency or feel you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or someone else, please call 911 or attend your local emergency room.
I sometimes have same day sessions available, so you can contact me to inquire if I can get you in, but I’m unable to guarantee immediate availability.
If you are in immediate, non-medical crisis, you can also contact the local crisis line at 1-800-784-2433 or the national suicide line by dialling 9-8-8.
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If you have any questions, I welcome you to reach out to me at monica@beginagaintoday.ca
Therapy with Monica
Building, Office, & Accessibility
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When you arrive to the building lobby, you’ll head up the flight of stairs and look for office #209.
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If your appointment is scheduled for after 5pm, the front door will be locked when you arrive. I’ll be down at the front door waiting for you 5 minutes before your appointment (e.g. if your appointment is scheduled for 6:15pm, I’ll be down there to wait for you to arrive or to let you in at 6:10pm).
If you’re arriving before 5pm, the front door should be unlocked.
If you have any issues, you’re always welcome to email me at monica@beginagaintoday.ca or text me at 604-401-1203
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Yes, there is free 2 hour parking along 7th and 8th, or paid street parking along Spruce. There are also several parkades nearby, including at 2400 Oak Street, 999 West Broadway, 1001 West Broadway, 988 West Broadway.
The office is accessible by public transit. I would recommend using Google Maps and inputting “1089 West Broadway” to find the most convenient route for you.
There are also bike parking racks in front of the building, however not being a cyclist, I can’t speak to the safety of locking up your bike on the street.
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Yes, there is a waiting area right outside my office door. If you notice my door (#209) is closed, I might be in session and ask that you wait outside until I pop out to get you.
Our building door gets locked at 5pm, so unfortunately you might not be able to access the waiting area unless you enter the front door as someone is leaving. I come down to the front door to let clients in for appointments after 5:00pm 5 minutes before the session start time.
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Yes, there are several all gendered washrooms available for clients to use. The washrooms are locked, but at our first appointment I’ll share with you how to get in if you’re needing to use it before or after our appointment.
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Yes. For beverages, I have water and a variety of teas. I try to offer clients a beverage before we jump into the session, but if I forget please don’t hesitate to ask!
I do keep some snack options in the office (typically granola bars or protein bars) - if you’re ever hungry and need a snack, just let me know.
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Yes! I have a window air conditioning unit and a fan. Sometimes my office does get warm with the afternoon sun.
Please don’t hesitate to ask for me to adjust the temperature based on what feels comfortable for you.
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My office is up a slight of stairs, so it is not wheelchair accessible or accessible for folks with mobility concerns that restricts them from going up stairs.
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If you have any questions, I welcome you to reach out to me at monica@beginagaintoday.ca
Finances/Insurance
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I’m a registered clinical counsellor (RCC), and my services are covered by most extended health benefits. Please check your insurance policy for full details about your coverage.
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Yes, I do offer direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Sunlife Financial, and insurers who use TELUS eClaims (e.g. Manulife, Canada Life, etc.).
If you don’t see your insurance company listed, I invite you to reach out and inquire if I can direct bill to your insurance provider.
You can also always pay out of pocket and submit your receipts for reimbursement.
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You can see all of my rates listed on my “Rates & Availability” page located in the main menu bar at the top of the page.
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Yes, my rates are the same regardless if your session falls on a stat holiday.
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There are a few ways to pay for sessions.
For clients who use the direct billing option, your insurance will be billed for the session. If there is any amount outstanding, you can pay the remainder either by credit card or e-transfer.
Clients not using direct billing can either pay with a credit card (charged through the Jane App following the session) or via an e-transfer.
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Yes, I offer a limited number of reduced-fee spots to help make counselling more accessible. Reduced-fee sessions are offered based on availability and financial need, and are available for a limited number of sessions.
My sliding scale is currently full. If you’re interested in learning more or being added to a waitlist, feel free to reach out to me at monica@beginagaintoday.ca
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If you have any questions, I welcome you to reach out to me at monica@beginagaintoday.ca
About Monica
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I hold a Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I have 5+ years of experience in the mental health field which has included counselling in private practice settings, crisis and suicide hotlines, in-patient mental health treatment, and psychology research settings.
I also hold a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and spent several years in the commercial banking field, both in Ontario and BC, for one of the big five banks.
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Any clients who work with me know that I’m not big on self-disclosure in session. Our focus is on you, and what’s going on in your life. That said, I can completely understand wanting to know your therapist is a human too!
Outside of counselling, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and staying active through running, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Chances are you can spot me running or walking along the seawall after I’m finished sessions for the day. I also really enjoy reading, both for fun and around counselling and self-improvement topics. I love a crispy diet coke and baking sweet treats (I can make a mean batch of cinnamon rolls).
In the last couple of years I’ve started painting and golfing, neither of which I’m particularly good at. I’ve come to value the idea that we don’t have to be good at our hobbies to enjoy them! -
My path to becoming a counsellor began with my own experience in therapy. In my 20s, I went through some significant personal challenges that led me to seek support for the first time. As someone who had become quite skilled at holding things together on the outside, stepping into vulnerability in therapy felt intimidating and uncomfortable.
That experience became deeply meaningful for me. Through therapy, I was able to reflect, learn, and better understand myself in ways I hadn’t been able to before. I often found myself thinking that having access to this kind of support and insight earlier in life could have made a meaningful difference.
It also showed me the value of having a space where you can feel seen without judgement, where you are accepted as you are, and where there is room to be both supported and gently challenged.
This experience is what ultimately led me to pursue further training, including foundational psychology courses, relevant volunteer and work experience, and eventually a Master’s degree in counselling.
Today, it means a great deal to me to be able to offer clients a space where they don’t have to carry everything alone. I’m honoured to support people as they make sense of their experiences, reconnect with themselves, and move toward lives that feel more authentic and aligned.