Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of counselling do you offer?
My approach is Person-Centred with elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. Person-Centred counselling is motivational and empowering with a focus on the unique needs of the client. It is non-judgmental and focused on the relationship and a deep sense of empathy for the client’s experience.
I use CBT and mindfullness strategies to target unhealthy thought processes and behaviours that may have developed over time. A solution focused approach helps clients to create change and take action. I also encourage clients to consider the importance of their upbringing and family, as an understanding of past experiences can often provide insight into their understanding of a current situation or event.
Counselling gives us that place to constructively unload and express the difficult and challenging aspects of our lives. In therapy, we can safely share our experience without the fear of affecting others. This is a time for you to focus on your self and your needs while having the support to define your boundaries, expectations, and prioritize self care.
What is therapy with Mima Like?
I want to hear about your experience and offer empathy and reflective dialogue. Asking you deep questions helps you increase your self-awareness, cultivate self-empowerment, and discover your strengths. Therapy is a growth promoting experience that is supportive, nurturing, and private. A space and time to really care for yourself.
I am all about our relationship. Using a person-centered approach means I support, encourage, and challenge you in a gentle and compassionate manner to really find out what you want and what you would like to change.
You are the expert of your own life. I am committed to helping you connect with your own inner and outer strengths - emotionally, intellectually, and socially. The process of counselling should bring you greater confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. I support you to feel empowered to have self compassion, create positive relationships, and take care of your body in whatever way you can.
Do I need counselling?
Many clients seek counselling when they want extra support during major life transitions and challenges, or when they are in emotional distress. Others seek counselling as a part of their normal self-care routine, and look at it as preventative maintenance or a way to achieve personal growth and maintain health and wellness.
What are the benefits of counselling?
Counselling provides you with an opportunity for you to explore situations, relationships, behaviours, thoughts, or feelings that may be causing difficulty in your life. It can be a source of comfort and support during a crisis, or a challenging, difficult time; space to gain deeper awareness and insight into yourself and others.
What should I expect in the first session?
In your first session, we will collaboratively explore what brought you to seek counselling. Identifying what is most important to you and what your focus would like to be. This process includes discussion of pertinent life events, defining of your immediate and long-term needs, and identification of the changes you would like to make.
During this process I focus on encouraging you to deeply explore your experiences – supporting you by asking open questions and taking a genuine interest in your perspective. I support and respect your opinions and experiences – my goal being to enable you to feel heard and understood. The first session creates the path for how the counselling process can best serve you.
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, with a few exceptions, any personal information that you share in a counselling session is kept confidential by your counsellor according to BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA, 2004). Under PIPA, your identity remains anonymous. Also under PIPA, your records belong to you and information cannot be disclosed to anyone outside of the office unless you provide a written request for release of information. Every effort is made to respect client confidentiality, however counsellors are required by law to share your information when/if:
It is revealed that a child is or may be at risk of abuse or neglect, or in need of protection
If you or another person is at clear risk of imminent harm
If disclosure is otherwise required or authorized by law (e.g., legal order, subpoena, warrant).