+ How do I make an appointment?

Please feel free to make your appointment online.

+ How can therapy help?

Psychotherapy is a supportive and collaborative process that enables clients the opportunity to explore their experiences including thoughts, beliefs, emotions, sensations, movements and patterns of behavior that get in the way of living more fully.

+ What can I expect in my first session?

When you choose to book a session with Stable Grounding Psychology, I am focused on providing you a warm, calm, confidential and ethical environment to explore what has brought you to therapy. It is important to me that you have a space that suits your needs and the time to settle into the environment. For example, I will ask you how you would like the lighting, if you would like a blanket, water, tea, or coffee.

Your first session will be focused on getting to know one another and how we can best work together. I will discuss with you your rights as a client including privacy. We will be going through some paperwork and although it may seem a bit boring, it’s important to make sure you are on the same page before starting this journey. I am committed to you being prepared to make an informed decision to participate in working with me. Please feel free to ask me any questions about my policies or address any concerns you have regarding anything discussed, or you’ve read. I also understand that you probably won’t remember all of these policies so I am happy to provide you a copy to take home. You can also view them on the website or ask any time. If any updates or changes are made, I will let you know right away.

I will then invite you to let me know a bit about yourself and as much or as little as you wish to share about what has brought you to see me. This involves me listening to you and at times, asking you questions to gain a deeper understanding of what you are communicating. Sometimes the questions I may ask might make you uncomfortable. You are always welcome to decline answering a question. I will encourage you to exercise your choice to say yes/no/maybe/I don’t know/pass/stop/I am done for today. You can also ask me questions, and I have the same right to choose in answering. What’s important to me is that you have open communication and make sure that we're a good fit for working together. If you think that’s not the case after our first couple of meetings, just let me know. No hard feelings. And if I feel that I may not be the best person to meet your needs, I will let you know who I think could be a better fit.

The following Buzzfeed article provides some perspective on your first session: 17 Things Therapists Want You to Know Before Your First Session.

+ What are some of the rules psychologists must follow?

Registered Psychologists belong to a regulatory body and are required to adhere to ethical and competent therapeutic services. As a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta, I am bound by the following Code and Standards of Practice:

• Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists 

• College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) Standards of Practice
 Should you have a concern about a psychologist, please take a read of the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) complaints process.

+ What is the privacy policy?

In general, the information that you share with me during your appointment(s) is confidential. Legally and ethically, your records are protected, and no information is disclosed without your expressed written permission. There are a few exceptions to this rule, some of which are listed below:

1. If a client makes a serious threat to harm themselves (or is harming themselves) or the client appears to require emergency medical attention.

2. If a client makes a serious threat to harm another individual, the law requires me to try to protect you and/or that person. This may involve calling a loved one, calling 911, or the police.

3. If the client shares the details of someone (any age) and/or animal who is in danger including suspected child abuse or neglect (or there has been in the past) or abuse/neglect of an older or vulnerable adult, I am required to secure support for this person and/or animal through reporting this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

4. For clients involved with the criminal justice system, my clinical records could be subpoenaed for court.

5. If I am made aware of another health care provider who has acted unethically with a client/patient, I am required to report this to the appropriate regulatory body/authority.
 The limits of confidentiality will be included in your intake form to be read prior to your first appointment. Supporting you to know your rights as a client is of the utmost important to me. This process of informed consent is ongoing and involves your right to choose to say yes/no/maybe/I’m not sure/goodbye. I will invite you into a discussion of the same with you at your initial appointment.

Consent Tea is a video illustrating your right to choice as a client

+ What are the fees for psychological services?

Psychological service fees vary depending on the length and nature of services rendered, and all fees are set in accordance with provincial guidelines suggested for the profession. Fees for psychological services may be tax deductible, if claimed on your income tax as medical expenses.

Payment methods: Payments by cash, e-transfer, cheque, Visa or Mastercard are accepted and clients pay prior to each session.


+ What if I need immediate crisis/emergency help?

I do not provide emergency crisis services or 24/7 support- please contact the below services if you are in crisis. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

1. Distress Centre Calgary (24-hour crisis phone support) 403-266-HELP (4357)

2. ConnectTeen (24-hour support for teens) 403-264-8336; Text: 587-333-2724

3. Family Violence Helpline (24 hour crisis phone support) 403-234-7233

4. Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566; Text: 45645
   • Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre

   • List of crisis lines and centres across Canada: https://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/