My standard rates are as follows (all rates are inclusive of GST): 15 minute phone consultation: Free Individual Counselling Session: $150/ 50 minutes | $240/ 80 minutes Couples/Relationship Counselling Session: $170/ 50 minutes | $270/ 80 minutes I can receive payment by Interac e-transfer and can process major credit card payments through the Jane App. Payment must be provided at the beginning of every session. For more information on fees, please see my fee page here.

If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. If you cancel inside of the 24 hour period, you will be charged for the full rate of the session (exceptions for emergency situations will be considered).

Counselling sessions are confidential and all information and communication shared between clients and therapists is kept safe. No client information will be released unless the client gives informed, voluntary, and written permission to do so. There are some exceptions to confidentiality: 1. If I suspect that a child or vulnerable adult is currently being abused or neglected or is at significant risk I am obliged to contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development to report this to them. 2. If you inform me that you are going to cause serious harm to yourself or another person I am obliged to take the necessary steps to prevent harm from occurring. 3. If a court order is made to release my records I am obliged to comply with this. A note on supervision/consultation: To provide the best possible care, I engage in regular supervision and/or clinical consultation with supervisors and/or other counsellors. In these scenarios I do not provide specific client identifiers and only disclose the information necessary to ensure quality care is being provided. Additionally, all supervisors and other counsellors involved are held to the same rules of confidentiality that I am. If you have any concerns or questions about this please don't hesitate to ask!

At this point in time I am only available for sessions through a secure video calling platform or over the phone.

Yes, I do! As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with training in sex therapy, my services are gender affirming, LGBTQIA2S+ friendly, kink aware, and welcoming of all relationship structures. Because I have knowledge and am comfortable working in these areas, some people may feel more comfortable seeing me, rather than a counsellor who does not have this knowledge/comfort, to discuss concerns outside of sexuality.

Due to regulations in different provinces and countries, I am only able to work with clients who currently live in or have a permanent address in BC or in one of the unregulated provinces (Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Nunavut). I am unable to see clients in the US or regulated provinces (Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, and Quebec).

Gender affirming means that I celebrate and affirm your gender identity, regardless of whether it conflicts with the gender identity you were assigned at birth. If you desire, our work together can focus on exploring your gender identity, finding joy and connection in your body through transition, and/or aligning your emotional self and interpersonal life with your gender identity. Alternatively, perhaps you are seeking counselling for concerns other than gender and wish to work with a counsellor who is gender affirming so that you do not need to explain gender diversity while working through those concerns. Whatever your needs, I would be honored to be part of your journey. I am also available to work with friends or family members who have questions about a loved one's gender identity, including people in intimate relationships in which one or more partners are exploring their gender identity and/or are going through transition.

Being a kink aware therapist means that I have knowledge around and celebrate the diverse ways in which people choose to embody their sexuality, including kink, BDSM, and fetishes. I strive to provide you with a judgement-free space to explore all parts of your sexual identity and/or any other part of your life that you wish to discuss. I am comfortable working with people across the sexual spectrum and see sexual diversity as a normal and rich part of being human!

The LGBTQIA2S+ acronym represents those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual and ally, two spirit, and more. Being an LGBTQIA2S+ affirming counsellor means that I embrace and celebrate LGBTQIA2S+ identities and relationships and acknowledge the ways that homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism impact the lives of people in these communities. I hope to provide a safe space to explore whatever concerns are bringing you to counselling, whether they are related to being LGBTQIA2S+ or not, and I understand diversity as a inherent and rich part of the human experience. I am also available to work with friends or family members who have questions about a loved one's LGBTQIA2S+ identity, including people in intimate relationships in which one or more partners are exploring their identity and/or are going through a transition around their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Intimate partnerships can take many forms! As a therapist who works with all relationship structures, I have knowledge and interest in working with people who are in both monogamous relationships and non-monogamous relationships/lifestyles. I aim to create a safe and non-judgemental space for you and your partner(s). All are welcome!

"Body neutrality" is a concept related to body image and self-acceptance. It involves shifting the focus from the appearance of the body to its function and what it can do, emphasizing appreciation for the body's capabilities rather than its appearance. In a body-neutral approach, individuals aim to cultivate a more balanced and accepting perspective toward their bodies, acknowledging that bodies come in various shapes, sizes, and forms. This mindset seeks to reduce the emphasis on societal beauty standards and appearance-based judgments, promoting a more positive and inclusive view of all bodies. Body neutrality is considered an alternative to the more widely known concept of "body positivity," which encourages individuals to embrace and love their bodies, including perceived flaws. While body positivity focuses on celebrating the body, body neutrality emphasizes a more neutral and accepting stance, detaching self-worth from physical appearance. The goal is to foster a healthier relationship with one's body by appreciating it for its functionality, resilience, and the experiences it allows.

Sex therapy is a specialized form of counseling or psychotherapy that addresses issues related to sexuality and intimate relationships. It involves working with individuals or couples to explore, understand, and resolve a variety of sexual concerns, challenges, or dysfunctions. Sex therapists use a combination of talk therapy, education, and practical exercises to help clients improve their sexual well-being. The goals of sex therapy can include improving communication between partners, enhancing emotional intimacy, addressing performance concerns, navigating differences in sexual desire, and promoting overall sexual health and satisfaction. Sex therapists are trained to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to discuss their sexual experiences, feelings, and concerns. Issues that sex therapy commonly addresses include communication difficulties, sexual performance anxiety, past trauma, desire discrepancies between partners, and exploration of sexual identity. Sex therapists also provide education on anatomy, sexual response, and healthy sexual practices. Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of sex therapy, ensuring that clients feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. It's important to seek a qualified and licensed sex therapist to ensure effective and ethical support tailored to individual needs.

Sex therapy, like any form of therapy, can be a bit uncomfortable initially, as it involves discussing personal and intimate aspects of your life. However, trained sex therapists are experienced in creating a safe and non-judgmental space for their clients. They are there to help individuals and couples address their concerns, improve communication, and enhance their sexual well-being. It's common for people to feel awkward or nervous when talking about intimate matters, but a skilled sex therapist will work to make you feel at ease. They are professionals who are trained to handle these conversations with sensitivity and respect. Establishing trust and open communication with your therapist is crucial for the therapy to be effective. If you're considering sex therapy and feel apprehensive, it might be helpful to discuss your concerns with the therapist beforehand or during the initial sessions. This can help you build a rapport and address any anxieties you may have about the process. Remember that the goal of sex therapy is to support you in improving your sexual health and overall well-being.

Traditional sex therapy typically doesn't involve physical touching and focuses on verbal communication and discussions to address emotional and psychological aspects of sexual concerns. While some therapeutic approaches may involve touch (such as in-person somatic therapies), it is always consensual and discussed beforehand. It's important to note that the counselling services at Kootenay Sex Therapy are provided exclusively online and this means that physical touch is not part of the therapy process. Online sex therapy primarily relies on verbal communication and may include education and exploration of thoughts and feelings related to sexuality. This can include opportunities to check in with your body during session and the possibility of self or partnered touch-related homework; however, you always have the right to say no if these activities are not a fit for you. Clients can discuss their comfort levels and boundaries with the therapist, ensuring a professional and respectful online therapeutic environment.

Sex therapy focuses on resolving sexual concerns, such as communication, desire, and performance, to enhance sexual well-being. It involves talk therapy, education, and practical exercises, with therapists specializing in human sexuality. Couples/relationship counselling addresses broader relationship issues, including communication, conflicts, and emotional intimacy. The focus of this counseling is aiming to improve the overall quality of the partnership. While there's some overlap, sex therapy hones in on sexual aspects, while couples/relationship counselling has a broader scope, addressing overall relationship dynamics. Clients may choose one or both approaches based on their specific needs.

A sex therapist primarily offers counselling to address and resolve emotional and psychological aspects of sexual concerns. They typically hold degrees in psychology, counselling, or related fields, with specialized training in human sexuality. A sexologist, on the other hand, broadly studies human sexuality from various scientific perspectives, including psychology, biology, and sociology. They may work in research, education, public health, or advocacy, and their focus is often on the scientific understanding of human sexuality rather than therapeutic interventions. While some professionals may have qualifications in both areas, the key distinction lies in the sex therapist's focus on counselling and the sexologist's broader scientific exploration of human sexuality.