Welcome to
Vancouver Walk & Talk Therapy

I work with functioning adults.

I do not work with clients who are:

• in need of hospitalization at the time of intake

• at an active risk for harm to self or others

• involved in legal proceedings (e.g., criminal court, divorce court)

• struggling with serious substance abuse problems

• funded by third party payors, for example, ICBC, WorkSafeBC, Long Term Disability insurance

• in need of custody/access evaluations

• in need of medical/legal assessments

• on probation or parole

Coming to therapy is an act of real courage. I honour that courage by welcoming you and listening deeply to you in an atmosphere of warmth, safety, and non-judgment.

We will start by reviewing what client confidentiality means and what the exceptions are.

After that, I will ask you a few questions about you and your life. I will want to get a sense of what specific issues/symptoms have brought you here today and how long they have been a problem. Because family situations play an important role in who you are, I’ll ask a little about your family history and your current family situation. I’ll also ask you about your current functioning at work and in other areas of your life. That information and knowledge of my own limitations will help me get a good sense of whether I am the right fit for your needs.

This is a good time for you to ask questions too. You can ask about me, my training, the approach I might use, the length of time we might need, etc. Your comfort is key so listen to your own reactions and feelings and share any concerns with me.

NB: Our first session together does not commit you to working with me. It is important to feel that the 'fit' is right in order for you to benefit from therapy. The first session is mainly to help you decide if my approach and personality will work for you.

I draw from a blend of cognitive-behavioural, attachment-based, narrative, and solution-focused therapies in my work. I also teach mindfulness stress reduction strategies both indoors and while walking with clients outdoors on trails. I even bring in poetry and journal writing if my clients like them and find them to be useful therapeutically.

I use the approach I feel is likely to be the best fit for you and the goals you would like to achieve.

At the core of everything is trust. I believe that a trusting relationship between a counsellor and a client is absolutely necessary for any meaningful change to occur.

As a rule, outdoor walk and talk sessions are not suitable for individuals experiencing (or in my judgment, likely to experience) any form of acute anxiety attack or stress reaction. They are only available to functioning individuals who experience milder levels of emotional distress and are able to self-regulate successfully on their own.

Because of the inherent physical risks involved, interested clients must also seek prior physician’s approval and sign a waiver to accept full legal responsibility for any injury or harm that may befall them during walk and talk sessions.

My first concern is to provide a safe, confidential environment for you to be in. I hold everything that we talk about during our sessions in strict confidence. Only with your permission am I allowed to release any information to a third party.

There are, however, three exceptions to this rule. I am legally required to inform and cooperate with authorities:

1. If I find out from you that you intend to harm yourself or others.

2. If I suspect that there is abuse or neglect involving vulnerable populations such as children, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

3. If a subpoena is issued to me by the court requiring me to release your clinical records

In any of these cases I will make every effort to discuss the situation with you fully before we take any action.

Fees for sessions are not covered by provincial health programs (e.g. MSP)

Session costs are often partially or completely covered for clients insured with Pacific Blue Cross, Equitable Life, Greenshield, and SunLife or through Doctors of B.C.  Every plan is different so it is worth checking the fine print before you begin counselling. Please inquire with your provider for details.

* Some fees may also qualify as medical expenses on your personal income tax. Consult with your tax service to learn more.

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. If you cancel it at the last minute it is usually not possible for me to offer that time to anyone else. For that reason, except in cases of sudden illness or genuine emergency, I will need to process full payment if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice.

What if I am running a bit late?    

Text or leave a message to let me know when you expect to arrive.  Please keep in mind that I might be in another session up until your appointment so I may not reply right away.  I am willing to wait 30 minutes for you to arrive and you will have the remaining scheduled time.  After that our session is cancelled.  Either way, you will be billed for the full session.

Therapy with a skilled professional can have many different benefits. Clients often gain insight into the function of behaviours that trouble them prevent them from living the life they want. They can learn how to cope with stressors that trigger those behaviours and get their needs met in more healthy, adaptive ways.

However, the therapeutic process can also be a difficult one. It may evoke strong emotions or difficult memories. It can also lead to insights and changes in our stories and our beliefs about ourselves that make it awkward to continue our usual ways of relating to others. As your therapist I will be able to help prepare you for these possibilities.

Therapy is about being ready.  If the discomfort level is too high it may be that now is simply not the time. Or it may be that I am not the best fit for you.

Having said that, real change is hard work. Most of us prefer to avoid it. It is usually hard for any of us to change the thoughts and behaviours that have led us to a difficult place in our lives, even when we know it needs to be done.

When thoughts of skipping your session begin to come up for you, check in by email. Let me know what you're feeling about not wanting to go. Often, clients who push through this feeling and attend their sessions anyway end up will find them especially rewarding.

*NOTE: If you decide you do not want to attend a session you have already booked please be sure to cancel your appointment with Jane or by email with me at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, full payment will be processed as per the 24 hour cancellation policy.