Counselling FAQs

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other better. I'll ask you many questions about yourself, your reason of being here, your coping methods, and your symptoms. We may also discuss your therapy goals, expectations, and more. This session is designed to ensure your comfort and well-being, as they are my top priorities.

I will be interested in what you are doing already to find relief and comfort, your resources, any past experiences in counselling, and what you believe will be helpful to you. We may identify your initial goals and develop a counselling plan based on our discussion. You don't have to share all the details of your past experiences; it takes time to build trust in me and our therapeutic relationship. You are encouraged to ask any questions you need to continue to assess the fit between us. I aim to provide educational resources, specific tools and strategies that you can begin to utilize right away.

HOW DO WE DECIDE ON WHERE TO START OR WHAT TO TALK ABOUT?

I understand that everyone's journey is unique. Some may have a clear idea of where they would like to start, while others come with troubling symptoms or a general sense of unease. No matter where you are, we will begin with what's most relevant for you at the moment. It's normal not to know where you want to go, or what you want in the future, or have all the details of a past event or experience, and you never have to talk about something if you don't want to or don't remember it.

Creating change and transformation is possible without delving into every detail. Your present experiences and feelings will guide our process. The treatment plan, goals, and modalities used in counselling are an ongoing and collaborative process. It's important for you to continue to discuss your goals, preferences, insights, instincts, feedback, concerns, symptoms, and progress with me throughout the counselling process. I'm here to support you every step of the way.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT I TELL YOU AS MY COUNSELLOR?

Rest assured, all information shared in our sessions is strictly confidential. It remains between us, the counsellor and the client, except in specific situations where there is a risk of harm to self or others, harm to children or other vulnerable populations, or in the case that records are subpoenaed. These exceptions will be thoroughly discussed during your first appointment. You will also be provided with a privacy policy and social media policy that outlines confidentiality in the informed consent document.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN I AM DONE COUNSELLING?

It's completely normal to wonder when counselling will come to an end. Mental health and wellness are ongoing journeys, much like the daily care needed for physical health. The need for support and guidance in this process is entirely understandable. Remember, counselling is just one part of your wellness journey. Numerous factors contribute to mental well-being, such as connecting with doctors, psychiatrists, and other health practitioners, as well as engaging in various health modalities, medication, exercise, social connections, and other activities like reading, spiritual practices, time spent in nature, and more.

Taking part in counselling involves a lot of effort and energy. Many people find it helpful to engage in a series of sessions and then take a break to allow things to settle before returning to counselling. It's important that you see progress toward your goals and well-being as a result of the counselling process. It's okay to discuss how counselling impacts you, as your progress towards wellness is important. Trust yourself to know what will be most helpful and supportive for you. You're doing great!

Yoga Therapy FAQs

WHAT IS YOGA THERAPY?

Yoga Therapy is the ancient science of yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person; physical, psychological and spiritual. It aims to bring balance to the body and the mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of yoga: uniting mind and body, and awakening of spirit, our essential nature.

“Yoga therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.” (IAYT) 

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE YOGA THERAPIST?

The yoga therapist serves as a guide or mentor in the student’s journey of healing and self discovery. Rather than offering a diagnosis and treatment for a specific condition, the yoga therapist creates a safe and supportive learning environment where the student can remember and access his/her own innate healing resources.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Yoga therapy is based on the model of the koshas. This ancient model of the human being describes the person as a multidimensional, with the source and foundation of the person being the spiritual dimension. Yoga therapy addresses every koshic level of the person individually and as an integrated whole:

The Koshas

Kosha means “sheath” in Sanskrit, but gets usually translated as “body”. The five koshas are the Yogic way of accounting for the different aspects of the human experience. Each kosha is nourished and gains clarity in different ways so that Divine consciousness can be reflected. All the koshas are permeable so that one kosha affects all the others.