Calgary Psychologist, Calgary Therapist, Counselling, therapy, EMDR therapist, psychological testing, educational assessment, relationship, counselling, self-help, EMDR, EMDR, EFT, EFT, energy psychology, cognitive behavioural, anxiety, depression, self esteem, best psychologist

What are your rates/fees?

Fees are set in accordance with the rates recommended by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta.  Extended health care plans generally cover services provided by a psychologist. Fees are payable by cash or cheque as services are provided, and receipts are provided for insurance reimbursement.

Is therapy for me?

Are you willing to take responsibility for your actions, work towards change and create greater awareness in your life?  Then therapy is for you!  Therapy helps people respond in a healthy manner to change, and also provides an objective, supportive and non-judgemental environment where future goals and dreams can be discussed, identified and made a reality.  In particular, therapy during periods of change – expected or unexpected – helps to increase coping skills and relieve a sense of being overwhelmed, guilty, doubtful, anxious, or despairing.   

How will therapy help me?

Each person or family is unique, and therefore the benefits possible are also very unique.  However, positive outcomes commonly associated with therapy include:

• Developing relationship and communication skills
• Resolving issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Coping with stress and anxiety in a healthy way
• Managing depression and other emotional pressures
• Replacing unhealthy behaviour patterns with new, healthy ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Enhancing your self-esteem

What happens in therapy?

A therapy session is typically 50 minutes long, once a week or every two weeks, and then at increasing intervals as you near your therapy goals.  Goalsetting for therapy is done in the initial sessions, and if you are not sure of your goals your therapist is skilled in helping you to identify them!  Goalsetting is the process of establishing a direction for therapy, but please keep in mind that therapy is something that changes with your needs, and therefore goals often change and develop over time given your life circumstances. 

Will insurance pay for my therapy?

Insurance benefits vary widely.  The first thing you should do is check with your provider and find the answers to some questions, such as:

• Do my benefits cover the services of a psychologist?
• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
• Is there a limitation on how much insurance will pay per session?
• Is primary care physician approval required?  

What is an Educational Assessment?

Educational assessments are generally designed to identify or diagnose learning or behaviour concerns, or giftedness.

Psychoeducational Assessment: 

A psychoeducational assessment usually involves an assessment of learning ability and achievement, as well as psycho-social factors that may be affecting learning (e.g., anxiety, ‘acting out’ behaviours, AD/HD, etc.).  This type of assessment usually entails a parent and/or child interview, review of previous reports (if any), observation of child in natural setting (e.g., classroom, home), assessment of: cognitive learning style , academic functioning (Reading, Written Expression, Mathematics), assessment analysis and report writing, and a feedback meeting.  Additional factors such as memory, attention and emotional functioning may also be assessed.  A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment typically takes 10 – 14 hours to complete.