How Therapy Works

Session 1 to 3 | Chart Your Path

In our first few sessions, we’ll take time to really understand you—your story, what’s been weighing on you, and what you’d like life to feel like instead. Together, we’ll explore your experiences past and present, including the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that shape your days. We might also look at things like sleep, stress, relationships, and routines, since small changes there can make a big difference in how you feel.

This early part of therapy helps us make sense of what’s happening and guides us in creating a clear, tailored plan for your growth. You’ll begin to see how the pieces fit together and discover practical ways to move toward the life and relationships you want—steadily, with support, and at your own pace.

Sessions 4 to 7 | Navigate the Terrain of Your Mind

In our next sessions, we’ll focus on learning practical tools and insights that help you understand yourself better. Through gentle discussion, reading, and hands-on practice, you’ll begin to see how your thoughts, emotions, physical reactions, and behaviours are all connected. As this understanding grows, you’ll start to notice patterns that may have been keeping you stuck—and learn how to change them.

Together, we’ll work on building new ways of coping and communicating, both individually and in your relationships. Over time, you’ll gain confidence in handling difficult emotions like anger or anxiety, easing physical tension, and reducing the power of intrusive thoughts. Each step is designed to help you feel more in control, more at peace, and better able to create the changes you want in your life.

Sessions 8 to 12 | Conquer Concerns and Realize Goals

As we move forward, we’ll work through challenges together using approaches that have been shown to help people heal and grow. Step by step, you’ll learn to face difficult memories or situations in ways that feel safe and manageable, building strength and confidence along the way.

You’ll also begin to reconnect with the parts of life that bring you a sense of meaning, joy, and calm. This might include finding balance in your routines, letting go of habits or thoughts that keep stress and anxiety going, and adding small activities that lift your mood. Together, we’ll practice problem-solving and coping strategies you can rely on when life feels overwhelming.

Throughout our work, we’ll focus on strengthening your relationships—improving communication, understanding, and connection—so that you can feel supported both in and beyond therapy.

Sessions 13 to 16 and beyond | Your Path to Independence

As we approach the final stage of therapy, we’ll focus on helping you feel confident moving forward. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports you in handling future challenges and continuing to use the insights and skills you’ve gained. We’ll also take time to reflect on your progress—what’s changed, what’s been learned, and what still matters most to you—so our work stays aligned with your goals.

The goal is for you to leave therapy feeling equipped, independent, and steady in your well-being. As sessions gradually become less frequent, we’ll make sure the transition feels natural and supportive, helping you maintain your progress and keep building a life—and relationships—that continue to grow and thrive long after therapy ends.

Navigating Options and Discovering Your Fit

I offer a free 15-minute initial online consultation to allow you to determine whether individual or couples therapy matches your needs, whether we would be a good fit for therapy, and for you to learn more about how therapy works.

The personalized therapy services I provide are for those residing in Alberta, either in-person in Edmonton or online across Alberta, and cost $235 (CAD) per 50-minute session.

Curious to learn more? Read the full FAQ →→