Question 1

What are your qualifications and personal/professional experience?

Accepted Answer

Shauna's Qualifications and Extensive Training:
Degree and Registration:
Master of Social Work Degree
Registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
Specialized Training:
Advanced Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): Focused on trauma, depression, anxiety, phobias, and more. ART incorporates Eye Movement Therapy to support somatic healing and trauma recovery.
Gottman Method:
Level 2 trained in Gottman Couples Therapy.
Certified leader for the Gottman 7 Principles of Making Marriage Work workshop.
Specialized training in addressing infidelity in relationships.

ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider: Provides expert services to those with ADHD, supported by Shauna’s personal experience, which brings deep understanding and insight beyond academic knowledge.
CADDRA Member: Trained under the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance, enhancing her expertise in ADHD management.
Certified in Effective Practices in Community Supervision: Focused on individuals with criminogenic risk factors, equipping Shauna to work with high-risk individuals.
Therapeutic Training:
Solution-Focused Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
And other evidence-based modalities.

Rehabilitation Services Diploma: Specialized in working with individuals with developmental diversities, backed by years of professional experience.
Additional Training and Workshops:
Shauna has participated in various smaller workshops and additional training across a broad range of therapeutic topics, further expanding her skillset.
Marie's Qualifications and Extensive Training:
Degree and Registration:
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Specialized Training:
Bachelor of Human Justice Degree: Provides a foundation in human justice, offering a unique perspective for working with individuals who have been impacted by the justice system or at-risk behaviors.
Certified Diabetes Support Counsellor: Specialized in providing counseling to individuals living with diabetes, addressing both the emotional and psychological challenges of managing the condition.
Gottman Method:
Level 1 trained, and currently working towards Level 2 in Gottman Couples Therapy.

ADHD Training: Focused on managing ADHD from the perspectives of both the individual living with ADHD and the parent supporting a child with ADHD.
Certified in Effective Practices in Community Supervision: Focused on working with individuals with criminogenic risk factors, similar to Shauna’s training.
Therapeutic Training:
Solution-Focused Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
And additional therapeutic modalities to enhance her clinical practice.

Additional Training and Workshops:
Marie has participated in a variety of workshops and additional training in different therapeutic areas, enhancing her versatility in providing counseling and therapy.

Question 2

How do I access your office for appointments?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive for all appointments 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. When you do arrive, please wait according to instructions for the location which will be found in your confirmation email
For Grande Prairie: Door code to access the office found in booking confirmation and reminders. Please come in and have a seat in the waiting room
For Beaverlodge: The office is locked at all times and instructions will be found in your confirmation email. You can also text 780-402-5721 for help.

Question 3

How much will it cost? Can I claim this through my health insurance benefits at work?

Accepted Answer

Here is a clear and concise breakdown of the fees and payment options for your services:
Fee Structure:

Individual Sessions: $160.00 per session
Couples and Family Sessions: $180.00 per session
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): Up to 90 minutes in length, priced at $200.00 per session
Insurance Coverage:

Employment Benefits: Fees may be covered through your employment benefits package. Please inquire with your private insurance provider or workplace benefits provider to confirm coverage for the services provided.

They may require credentials:
Shauna: Master of Social Work (MSW), Registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
Marie: Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Health Insurance Plans: Many health insurance plans cover therapy services up to a certain amount per year. Check with your provider for more details on the extent of coverage.
Direct Billing Options:

Blue Cross and Telus eClaims: We offer some direct billing through these providers. Please ask for details on specific providers that are eligible for direct billing.
Receipts for Other Insurances: If your insurance is through a company not covered for direct billing, we will provide a receipt that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
This structure ensures that clients can easily navigate payment options and determine whether their services are covered by their insurance plans.

Question 4

Why do you ask for pre-payment of appointments/Cancelation Policy

Accepted Answer

Payment Policy:
To ensure that your scheduled session is confirmed, payment is required ahead of the start of your appointment. This guarantees that both parties are committed, and it helps avoid the need for more restrictive cancellation policies. Thank you for understanding and helping maintain a smooth scheduling process.
Cancellation Policy:
The time reserved for your appointment is specifically set aside for you. When there are last-minute cancellations or no-shows, it not only means someone else loses the opportunity to book that spot but also results in a loss of income for us.
To ensure fairness for both of us, please adhere to the following cancellation policy:
24+ Hours Notice: Cancellations made 24 hours or more before your appointment will be eligible for a full refund or no obligation to pay.
Less Than 24 Hours Notice: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before your appointment will require a 50% charge of the appointment cost.
No-Shows: If you do not attend your appointment without any notice, the full appointment fee will be charged.
Why This Policy Is Important:
Unlike employees who are paid regardless of attendance, We do not receive income when clients don’t attend their sessions. While we absolutely love our work, it also needs to support our living expenses. Thank you for your understanding and respect for this policy.

Question 5

How many sessions will it take?

Accepted Answer

Duration of Therapy and Investment:
Therapy is a valuable investment in your well-being, and the time required can vary depending on your goals and the challenges you're seeking assistance with. Some individuals may need 6 sessions, while others might engage in therapy for several years.
We understand that the financial aspect can be a concern, and we want to assure you that we are committed to your progress at a pace that suits your needs. Therapy is a process—sometimes it's short-term support for a specific issue, while other times it’s an ongoing relationship where we’re here for you through different life phases.
Ongoing Support:
Our goal is to be your therapists for as long as we are around, offering a safe and compassionate space whenever you need to explore life’s challenges. We’re here to help you through the highs and lows, and we see ourselves as a long-term resource you can rely on.
Typical Therapy Journey:
Initial Phase: During the beginning of therapy, it’s common for clients to come in more frequently—typically once a week or every two weeks. This allows for more intensive support as you work through your concerns.
Gradual Adjustment: As you progress in therapy and develop new tools and coping strategies, the frequency of sessions often decreases. Many clients eventually shift to coming in as needed—whether that’s monthly or just a few times a year—for ongoing support during key moments in life.

Question 6

How am I supposed to open up to a stranger?

Accepted Answer

Starting Therapy: Understanding and Support
Hey, we get it. The idea of walking into a room with someone you’ve never met and sharing personal details about your life, thoughts, and feelings can feel overwhelming. For some, this will be easier than for others, but please know that we are here to support you through this process.
Building Trust and Comfort:
Just like any relationship, building trust takes time. We don’t expect you to dive into vulnerable topics the moment you step through the door. It’s okay to take things at your own pace. We will work together to create a safe, comfortable space for you, where you can gradually open up when you’re ready.
Time as Part of the Healing:
We understand that time is money, but we want to emphasize that the process of building trust and finding comfort is just as important as working through painful emotions or experiences. In fact, some might say that it’s even more crucial. The therapeutic relationship we create is foundational to the work we will do together.
Why Talking to a Therapist Can Be Easier:
For some people, it’s actually easier to talk to someone who isn’t involved in their day-to-day life. Knowing that we are here to offer full attention, compassion, and acceptance without judgment can make it easier than discussing difficult topics with family or friends.
Confidentiality and Your Choice:
Everything we discuss is confidential. That means no one will know about our sessions unless you choose to share it. What’s said in the room stays between us. You also have the power to choose which therapist feels right for you—whether it’s Shauna or Marie.
We hope this helps you feel more at ease with the idea of starting therapy. It’s a big step, but we’re here to walk with you at your pace, offering a supportive, confidential, and understanding environment as you explore what’s important to you.

Question 7

Is what we discuss confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality in Counseling:
Conversations with your counselor are kept in strict confidence. This includes the handling of case notes, records, and any psychological test results. Your privacy is our priority. However, if there is ever a need to share information with another professional, such as a medical doctor, lawyer, pastor, probation officer, or third-party billing source, you will always be consulted first. If you agree to the disclosure, you will be asked to sign a Release of Information form, giving us your consent.
Legal Limitations to Confidentiality:
While confidentiality is paramount, there are some legal limitations that we are required to follow:
Mandatory Reporting: If there is suspected physical or sexual abuse of a child under the age of 18, or if there is reason to believe that someone’s life is in danger, the counselor is legally obligated to report it to the appropriate authorities.
Court Subpoena: Although extremely rare, if a judge subpoenas a counselor to testify in court or requests the release of file contents, the counselor is required by law to comply.

Frequently asked questions