You can click the “Book Now” button at the top right-hand corner of the website and book appointments with me directly on JaneApp. You can also find my contact information HERE to give me a phone call or send me an email.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length to allow for time at the end to debrief if needed and to schedule our next appointment. In the end we will figure out the best length of time for you and your child.

The number of sessions will vary for each child and parent depending on your needs and our goals for counselling. I recommend committing to at least eight sessions to give enough time for assessment, relationship-building, and learning a few skills.

However, most families come to Courageous Counselling because they know their child needs more. With a specialty in working with trauma through Play Therapy, my experience has shown that the ideal range to expect is 10-20 sessions and children may also need to access therapy again at different stages of their life.

In the end the amount of sessions is up to the parents as they are the ultimate expert on their child and also know what makes sense financially for their family. This will be an ongoing discussion throughout the counselling process and I will work within what feels best for you and your child.

It is our ethical responsibility as Psychotherapists to keep sessions confidential. Confidentiality, and the limits involved, is an ongoing discussion with parents and children throughout the counselling relationship.

For younger children, confidentiality is explained as “private but not a secret” so that they know they are allowed to share what happens in session but that my job is to ensure that I keep it private unless they give me permission to do otherwise. This helps to build trust and safety within the counselling relationship and gives your child a sense of agency.

If your child is attending individual sessions without you present you will still be involved in the counselling process and will know what we are working in counselling and how it is progressing. I also encourage children to communicate and share with their parents and to include them as much as possible in the counselling process when appropriate.

I require consent from both parents when they both have custodial decision-making rights.

In most situations it is in the best interest of the child to have both parents involved in the counselling process. We will determine together whether this will be together or in separate parent-child sessions. I also recognize that there may be some situations that will prevent this from happening.

Parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns during their first phone consultation with me.

I do not offer crisis intervention or support.

If you have immediate concerns about your child or family’s safety, please go immediately to your local Emergency Room.

Your child can also use the Kids Help Phone.

Call 24/7: 1-800-668-6868

This is an anonymous phone and web counselling service. Text, Messenger, and Live Chat are available through the website whenever you need it.

Wellkin Child and Youth Mental Wellness (Services available to residents of St. Thomas, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and Woodstock)

Call 24/7: 1-877-539-0463

Wellkin offers short-term support for children and youth who may be thinking about or are making plans for suicide, are actively self-harming or displaying aggressive behaviour that places themselves, family members or others at an immediate risk.