What are the stages of therapy?
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01 – FIRST STAGES
In our first few sessions, we will work together to build a solid therapeutic alliance. Here, I will work to establish safety and trust with you so that you are more comfortable to explore your life experiences with me.
I will focus on instilling hope while gaining a depth of understanding on how your struggles are impacting you. Together, we will get clear on what you want in life, and the goals you seek to achieve. We will also work on a self-care plan to ensure you are taking care of yourself (holistically and in entirety) in between counselling sessions.
02 – MIDDLE STAGES
Once we have built our therapeutic foundation, we will start moving towards a deeper level of understanding. Together we will inquire into old patterns that are no longer serving you and identify new ways of being that bring ease.
As you gain insight and confidence in your sense of self, you will move into the necessary motivation needed for change.
03 – ENDING STAGES
Near the end of our therapeutic working relationship, you will experience shifts in your life for the better and feel satisfied with the movement and accomplishment of your goals.
The length of counselling differs from person to person, dependent on the needs and motivation of each individual. I believe in the benefits that longer-term therapy can facilitate, therefore I am committed to your process for the length of time that best fits your needs. When you start to feel more empowered; are making consistent and substantial progress, and feeling more at peace, we can start to wind down our work together.
What is attachment and how is it used in therapy?
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Attachment refers to the deep emotional bonds we form with others, particularly in our early relationships with caregivers. These early attachments shape how we relate to the world and others throughout our lives. In therapy, attachment theory helps us understand the patterns and dynamics of our relationships—both past and present. By identifying attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized), therapy helps unravel how these styles influence our behaviors, emotional responses, and the way we connect with others. With compassionate exploration, we can begin to heal and shift these patterns, fostering healthier, more secure relationships and a deeper sense of self-worth.
Why should I consider prevention or maintenance in therapy?
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Therapy isn’t just for crisis moments—it can be a proactive tool for maintaining emotional health and well-being. Think of therapy like regular check-ups for your mental health—just like you wouldn’t wait until your car breaks down to visit a mechanic, you don’t have to wait until things feel out of control to tend to your inner world. Preventative or maintenance therapy allows you to stay attuned to yourself, manage stress before it becomes overwhelming, and nurture emotional resilience. It’s a beautiful way to foster self-awareness, continue personal growth, and ensure you’re living with intention and balance.
What if I don’t know what to talk about in therapy?
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It’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to talk about at first. Many people come to therapy with a sense that something isn’t quite right but are not sure how to articulate it. That’s where I come in—my role is to help guide the conversation. We can start by talking about how you’ve been feeling in your day-to-day life, any recurring thoughts or patterns, or challenges you’re facing. Sometimes, simply reflecting on your past week or sharing your experiences is enough to begin opening up deeper layers. Over time, you may find that as the therapeutic relationship deepens, your clarity about what to address becomes clearer.
Why should I talk about my relationships in therapy?
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Our relationships are a mirror to our inner worlds. The way we relate to others—whether it’s our partner, family, or friends—can reveal patterns that influence how we see ourselves and navigate life. Talking about your relationships in therapy allows us to explore these patterns in a safe, non-judgmental space. Whether you're looking to improve communication, navigate conflicts, or heal from past hurts, understanding these dynamics is key to emotional healing and growth. Relationships are often where our deepest wounds and greatest joys arise, and by exploring them, we can gain valuable insight into our own needs, desires, and how to cultivate more fulfilling connections.
What is the difference between 1:1 counseling and relationship counseling?
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1:1 counseling is focused on you as an individual. It’s an opportunity to explore your own thoughts, emotions, and personal growth—whether it’s dealing with anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, or just navigating life’s ups and downs. It’s deeply personal, tailored to your unique experience, and all about your individual healing.
Relationship counseling, on the other hand, involves working with couples (or partners) to explore the dynamics between them. It’s about understanding how each person contributes to the relationship, uncovering patterns, improving communication, and addressing shared struggles. In relationship counseling, the goal is to create a deeper understanding and strengthen the bond between two people, whether that’s resolving conflicts, rediscovering intimacy, or simply learning how to communicate more effectively.
What is your cancellation policy and rates?
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Life happens, and we understand that sometimes you may need to reschedule. However, to respect the time and energy we’ve set aside for your session, we ask for 48 hours' notice for cancellations. For individual sessions, the rate is $180 per 50-minute session, and for couples, it’s $220 for a 60-minute session. Cancellations made within 48 hours will be subject to a full session fee. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to this process.
Is counseling covered by my extended benefits?
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If your benefits cover registered clinical counselors (RCC), then yes, counseling sessions are likely covered. However, please note that I do not do direct billing. You will need to submit your receipts for reimbursement through your provider. If you're unsure whether you have this coverage, it's always a good idea to contact your benefits provider directly.
What makes Alex’s approach different than other counseling options?
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Alex’s approach is deeply holistic, trauma-informed, and rooted in relational frameworks that focus on depth, awareness, and transformation. Working with clients, Alex tends to focus on healing the core wound of "not enough," tackling eating disorder recovery, navigating relationship challenges, and fostering personal growth.
What truly sets Alex apart is the ability to hold a gentle yet accountable space for clients to grow, heal, and face their discomfort with compassion. Healing doesn’t mean avoiding tough emotions—it means sitting with them, moving through them, and transforming them. Alex believes that thriving is our birthright, and her work centers around supporting clients in remembering and reclaiming this truth. Her intuitive nature, deep trust in both the client’s and her own body’s wisdom, and her focus on the relationship as a vehicle for healing, creates a unique, transformative experience. In this space, you’re not alone—what feels unbearable becomes bearable, and together, you’ll journey toward wholeness and self-empowerment.
What to expect from therapy and how to know if I should try something else?
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Therapy is a deeply personal journey, and progress can look different for everyone. In our first few sessions, we’ll focus on building trust and safety, creating a space where you feel comfortable exploring your experiences. Together, we’ll clarify your goals, identify what you want from therapy, and develop a self-care plan to support your journey. This stage is about establishing a solid foundation for our work together.
As we move forward, we’ll dive deeper, exploring old patterns and uncovering new ways of being that bring more ease and alignment to your life. We’ll work through what’s been holding you back, guiding you toward meaningful change. Over time, you may begin to see more substantial changes, such as improved coping skills, a shift in perspective, or greater emotional resilience.
It’s important to check in regularly about your feelings on the process—if at any point you feel the therapy isn’t aligning with your needs, I encourage open discussion. Sometimes a different approach or focus is needed, and I’m always open to exploring that with you. The most important thing is that you feel heard, supported, and that the work feels relevant to your life. If something isn’t working, we can make adjustments, explore other avenues together, or I can provide referrals if needed.
The length of therapy varies depending on your unique needs, but I’m committed to your process for as long as you need. When you feel empowered and at peace with the changes, we’ll know it’s time to wrap up or take a break, knowing that the tools and insights we’ve worked on will continue to serve you long after our sessions.
How long does therapy typically take, and how often should I come?
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The length of therapy depends on your personal goals and the nature of what you’re working through. Some people find relief and clarity after a few sessions, however most of Alex’s clients engage in longer-term therapy to work through deeper layers and focus on personal development. We’ll regularly assess your progress together to determine how you’re feeling about the process and whether we need to adjust the approach. Typically, therapy starts with weekly or bi-weekly sessions, but we can adapt this based on your needs and progress.