A: If you have extended health benefits, you will likely be able to get reimbursed for my services. My services are supervised by a Registered Psychologist who provides a receipt for insurance purposes. Please note that I have a Ph.D. in Counselling and am associated with the practice of a Registered Psychologist for supervision and client access to insurance reimbursement. OHIP does not cover these kinds of services. Though some MDs will provide counselling, most are not trained in the feild. While psychiatry is covered, psychiatrists are medical doctors trained primarily in diagnosis and the use of psychopharmacological treatment, not in changing lives through therapy.

A: I was employed as a Mental Health Psychologist with the government and I have taught Family Education and Consultation at UBC. I have experience with a wide range of family problems. As such I am well prepared to do effective work with couples and families.

A: Professional review of a case times time and requires an adequate examination of history. I regret that I am not able to offer time and professional services for free. If you require more than a few minutes to make a decision about appropriateness of my services, please call to request a phone consultation after reviewing the Services page for fee information.

A: I specialize in custom-tailoring assessment and intervention packages to small businesses, particularly in the service industry. Fees are hourly, and you may choose an assesment and report only, or have me work with your employees for greater engagement, retention and improvement of overall wellness. I also can offer one-off workshops tailored to the needs of your organizations, such as stress management, relaxations, customer service, communication etc. Please inquire.

A: Some clients who are out of town and not able to find a good practitioner in their area may benefit from phone or internet services. While it may be more difficult to establish a counselling relationship on the phone or by internet chat/email, it may still be helpful for clients who feel we are a good "match". If you are interested, please call and we will discuss your concerns to determine if phone counselling would be suitable. Payment for phone sessions happens up front, through electronic transfer of funds (through email, the most quick) or my mailing a cheque. Appointment are offered several evenings and on weekends, Toronto time. You can also catch me online at liverperson.com, connect through this site. If it says I am online, you can click on the icon and you will be lead to a chat with me directly.

A: From time to time when case-load permits, I may take cases that require assistance in their fees. Most often fees are reduced in the case that someone is already a client and becomes unable to pay for sessions. Since this is a private service, I am not able to subsidize client fees. Clients may be referred to public services that are able to do that. Most people have insurance through extended health benefits that will cover some of my services. Please call.

A: Sessions can range from one-time as a consultancy-type service, to long-term. Sessions are based on client needs. The aim is to work towards goals and to terminate when clients are ready. I believe most clients benefit from at least a weekly session.

A: Yes, I accept children and teens and have experience with effective child and adolescent therapies. However, I am not set up for child-focused therapy (play toys, sand tray etc.). Children often benefit the most from their parents' coming in for a consultative approach, as the parents are the biggest influence on the children's lives. I cannot see children when the family is in the process of arranging legalities around custody and access. Please understand that effective work with children takes time, and the development of trust and rapport takes priority.

A: As a certified clinical counsellor I abide by all the rules of the Canadian Counselling Association. Everything is strictly confidential within legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. Confidentiality is always discussed at the first session. Email is not secure, therefor please do not send confidential email.

A: A doctor's referral is not necessary, but I can not work with weight deprived clients who are not being seen by a physician. At a client's request I can work in tandem with nutritionists, medical doctors, etc. I can not see clients who are seeing another counsellor or a psychologist at the same time. I work in collaboration with a Naturopath with whom I have a great relationship, if clients feel they would benefit. From time to time, doctors like to get a progress note if they have referred a client. If you provide written consent to this, I am happy to stay in contact with your physician.