Getting Started

Your First Session

My office is located in the Family Centre. When you arrive, simply let the front desk know you’re here to see me. They’ll give me a call, and I’ll come out to meet you.

Once we’re settled in, I usually invite you to take a breath. Most people feel at least a little nervous before their first counselling session, and that’s completely normal. I’ll give you a chance to ask any questions you have or talk about anything that came up while completing the paperwork. Just like our teachers used to say, there really are no silly questions! The consent forms simply help us understand the agreements that allow us to begin our work together in a safe and informed way.

From there, I usually start with a simple question: What brings you to counselling at this time? Our conversation may move around a little as I get to know you, your story, and the relationships that have shaped your life. We’ll explore what’s happening for you now, how it connects to your story and your relationships—with yourself and with others—and where you’d like life to move from here. You’ll also have the opportunity to get to know me and experience what it’s feels like to work together.

I think of counselling as a conversation—one where the focus is entirely on you. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do counselling. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you walk through the door. We’ll simply begin where you are, and trust that, together, everything connects.

The best place to park, especially after 4:30 is in the southeast parkade. You will find the entrance on 5 Ave S about the middle of the block (not at Fountain Tire/Bay). If you go to the top and come in those doors, you will find Family Centre to your right in the main hallway. 

Melcor Centre offers 2 hours of free parking, but you will need to enter your license plate into their app.