So, what is counselling really?
Well, at its core, counselling is just one human sitting with another human - talking, exploring, untangling, noticing, reconnecting, and trying to make life feel a little less heavy.
Yes, I have the degrees, the training, and all the fancy theories in my back pocket (that’s the part that makes me an expert in the field). But research is super clear about one very important thing:
The biggest predictor of therapeutic success isn’t the type of therapy used - it’s the relationship between you and your counsellor.
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That means you feeling safe, seen, understood, and like you can actually be yourself in the room (or on the screen). When that relationship feels good, counselling tends to feel meaningful, relieving, and genuinely helpful. When it doesn’t… it just doesn’t.
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And honestly? You deserve a counsellor you click with. Someone you can breathe around. Someone you don’t have to perform for. If that ends up being me, I’d be pretty damn grateful to be that person for you.
1
Free Initial Consultation
(aka vibe check)
First thing you’ll do is schedule a free, 15-minute video consultation with me (Heather). Think of it as a no-pressure vibe check. This isn’t an interview, an intake, or a test. It’s just the two of us seeing what it feels like to chat. You can ask me anything about me, my therapeutic style, how counselling works, how often people come, what sessions feel like, or what to expect moving forward.
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I’ll usually invite you to share a general overview of what’s bringing you to counselling right now - nothing heavy, nothing detailed, just the broad strokes so I can understand where you’re coming from. I’ll also ask if you’ve worked with a counsellor before, what you liked or didn’t like, and what kind of support you’re hoping for this time around. You get full permission to be honest here; I genuinely want to know what does and doesn’t work for you so I can support you in a way that actually fits.
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This is an opportunity to demystify the process. Want to know my vibe? My approach? Whether sessions feel structured or more like two humans figuring life out together? (Spoiler: I’m not a clipboard, 47-structured-questions-in-a-row counsellor. My sessions are relational, intuitive, curious, and full of questions that help you see things from angles you maybe haven’t before.)
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By the end of the call, the two most important questions are:
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Do you feel comfortable?
Do you feel like you can be yourself?
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If the answer is yes, perfect - that’s what matters most.
2
First Session
(In-person or online)
If the consultation feels good and I’ve passed your vibe check, we’ll get you booked in for your first full appointment. This can feel like a big step - totally normal. You’ve chatted with me for a few minutes on video, but in many ways I’m still a stranger, and it can feel wild to step into someone’s office (or open your laptop) to talk about real-life stuff. Please don’t worry - I would never expect you to show up and immediately spill the deepest corners of your soul (unless you're up for that).
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This first session is slow, gentle, and all about grounding you in the space. We’ll start exactly where you are. I’ll ask a few guiding questions to better understand what’s going on for you, what you’re hoping to work on, and what feels most important right now. It’s not an interrogation; it’s more like easing into a conversation and seeing where things naturally go.
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If you’re coming in person, here’s what it looks like: you’ll walk into a warm, cozy office - soft lighting, comfy arm chair, blankets, and a choice of water, bubly water, tea, or coffee. I keep snacks on hand, and if you’re ever peckish, you’re welcome to help yourself. I have fidget toys, colouring books, and even an etch-a-sketch because some people (hi, same) open up more easily when their hands are busy.
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If you’re joining online, I do everything I can to make the screen feel just as warm. I recommend showing up with a cozy blanket or warm beverage if that’s your thing. We’ll take a moment to settle in and then ease into the conversation.
The whole goal of this session is simple: to get to know you, understand what you need, and build a space that feels safe and comfortable - no pressure, no rush.
Continuing Sessions
(In-person or online)
3
Continuing Sessions
(In-person or online)
Now that we’ve met a couple of times, things usually start to feel a bit more natural. You’re getting into the flow of counselling and figuring out what feels good for you. How often you come - weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, twice a year, or somewhere completely random - is entirely up to you and your comfort level.
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There’s no such thing as being a “good” counselling client. There’s no proper way to sit, share, process, or talk. That’s the beauty of this work - it becomes whatever the two of us co-create. We get to shape this space into something that works uniquely for you and your life.
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Some weeks, we might dive into the deep stuff. Other weeks, it might be about noticing tiny shifts, venting about your coworker, celebrating a win, or laughing about something ridiculous that came up in your week. Maybe you want to process your relationship patterns. Maybe you want to explore identity. Maybe you want to talk about how much you love or hate the new Taylor Swift album (all Swifties and non-Swifties are welcome here).
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Whether you’re in The Lounge Room in Nelson, BC or joining online from anywhere in Canada, you can expect warmth, curiosity, and questions that help you see things from angles you might not have considered before. You can use blankets, sip tea, doodle, play with a fidget, curl up, sprawl out - it’s your space.
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Messy, funny, serious, emotional, calm, chaotic - however you show up is perfect. This is your place to lounge in whatever way feels best for you.