Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

- Mindful Mage Counseling -

1. Questions About Mindful Mage Counselling

What is your current professional designation?

I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), certified by the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). This designation reflects my commitment to professional standards, ethical practice, and ongoing professional development.

Are you pursuing additional certifications or licenses?

Yes, I am actively working to expand my professional credentials:

  • Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC): I have applied for certification through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). This national designation recognizes qualified counsellors across Canada.
  • Registered Provisional Psychologist: I have submitted my application to the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) for provisional registration.
    This status allows for supervised practice as I work towards full registration as a psychologist in Alberta.

Please note that until these applications are approved, I practice under my current RTC designation.

What are the limitations of Mindful Mage Counselling services?

Counselling is a collaborative process aimed at personal growth and emotional well-being. However, there are limitations:

  • I do not provide crisis intervention services.
  • I cannot prescribe medication or provide medical diagnoses.
  • Counselling may not be suitable for individuals requiring intensive psychiatric care.

If we determine that your needs fall outside the scope of my practice, I will assist in connecting you with appropriate resources.

What are your values as a therapist?

My approach is grounded in

  1. Curiosity,
  2. Directness,
  3. Self-improvement, and
  4. Transparency.

I value honesty over comfort when it's in service of meaningful, long-term growth. I welcome skepticism and critical thinking in the therapy space—this isn’t about sugar-coating. It’s about building insight, accountability, and action. I believe that challenge, when offered respectfully, can be one of the most healing forces in therapy.

How do you ensure cultural sensitivity in your practice?

I am committed to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive counselling services. This includes:

  • Engaging in ongoing cultural competency training.
  • Respecting and honoring diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
  • Incorporating culturally relevant practices and perspectives into therapy when appropriate. Your unique cultural experiences are valued and will be integrated into our work together.

Do you work with men or clients who are hesitant about therapy?

Yes, I frequently work with men and those new or skeptical about counselling. If you’re unsure whether therapy is for you, we’ll work at your pace and define what support looks like—without pressure, jargon, or judgment.

Do you work with couples who are not married?

Absolutely. I work with all couples who are:

  • Married
  • Dating
  • Living together
  • Long-distance
  • Polyamorous
  • Situationships/ “It’s complicated”

The focus is on communication, connection, and navigating relational challenges, regardless of legal or formal status.

2. Questions About Booking and Fees

What are your hours?

  • Tuesdays: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Virtual ONLY)
  • Wednesdays: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Virtual ONLY)
  • Fridays: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Virtual ONLY)
  • Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (In-person AND Virtually)
  • Closed on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Stat Holidays.

Can I book online?

Yes, all appointments are scheduled through our secure online booking portal. Walk-in appointments are not available, so please schedule your sessions in advance. You can book here!

What are your fees?

My standard rate is $105 ($100 + GST) per 50-minute session.

Couples’ sessions are $136.5 ($130 + GST) per 90-minute session.

Currently, I do not offer a sliding scale. Payment is due at the time of the session, and receipts can be provided for your records.

Do you accept insurance?

Currently, I do not bill insurance companies directly. However, I can provide detailed receipts that you may submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. Please check with your insurer to confirm coverage for services provided by a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC). Please click here for the insurance page for the up-to-date insurance companies that accept RTC designations.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Life can be unpredictable. Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. This courtesy helps maintain the schedule as each session is booked specifically for you and avoids a cancellation fee. The cancellation fee is the cost of a full session ($100 + GST).

Do you offer virtual counselling sessions?

Yes, I offer secure online counselling sessions for residents of Alberta. This allows for flexibility and accessibility, ensuring you can attend sessions from the comfort of your own space.

Can I receive counselling if I’m outside Alberta?

Currently, I offer counselling services exclusively to residents of Alberta due to provincial regulations. If you're located elsewhere, I'm happy to discuss alternative options or provide referrals to appropriate resources.

3. Questions About the Therapy Process

What can I expect during my first counselling session?

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and any relevant history. This session is also a chance for you to ask questions and determine if we're a good fit.

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

Counselling can be beneficial if you're experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship issues. If you're feeling stuck or seeking personal growth, therapy provides a supportive space to explore these areas.

How do I prepare for my first session?

There's no need to prepare extensively. Simply come with an open mind and any thoughts or topics you'd like to discuss. Arriving a few minutes early can be helpful, especially if there are any forms to complete or issues virtually.

How long does a session last?

Each counselling session is approximately 50 minutes in length. This duration allows for meaningful engagement while maintaining focus and effectiveness.

How long does treatment last?

The duration of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Some clients find a few sessions sufficient, while others engage in longer-term therapy. We'll regularly assess progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

What types of therapy do you use?

I draw from a blend of evidence-based approaches including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),
  • Narrative Therapy,
  • Mindfulness-based practices, and
  • Pop culture-informed models like Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games (TA-RPGs).

Therapy is always tailored to fit your unique strengths, needs, and worldview! Woo.

What is gaming-integrated or pop-culture-informed therapy?

Gaming and pop culture metaphors are integrated into therapy to make abstract concepts more relatable. If you enjoy games, anime, or fantasy worlds, we can use those frameworks to explore identity, emotional regulation, and change—turning therapy into a narrative that makes sense to you.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

That’s okay! You don’t need to have it all figured out to start therapy. We’ll explore whatever feels present for you. Even silence or confusion can become meaningful starting points for discovery and healing.

Are there group therapy options?

Currently, I do not offer group therapy sessions. However, I'm currently undergoing training in group therapy modalities and will update this information once such services become available.

4. Questions About Questions About Confidentiality and Safety

Is everything I share confidential?

It depends. Everything shared in session is kept confidential, with a few legal exceptions:

  • You are at serious risk of harming yourself or others.
  • A child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected.
  • A court order or subpoena legally compels disclosure.
  • You disclose information about abuse by a regulated health professional.

I’ll review these limits with you clearly during our first session.

What are the limits to confidentiality for youth or minors?

Confidentiality is just as important for youth as it is for adults. In Alberta, youth may have the right to access counselling without parental consent if they are assessed to be a "mature minor"—meaning they understand the nature, risks, and benefits of therapy and can make informed decisions on their own.

That said, there are limits to confidentiality that apply when working with minors:

  1. Risk of Harm: If a youth expresses serious intent to harm themselves or someone else, I am legally obligated to take steps to ensure safety—including notifying a guardian or emergency services if needed.
  2. Abuse or Neglect: If there is any suspicion that a minor is being abused, neglected, or is at risk of harm, I am mandated by law to report this to Child and Family Services under Alberta’s Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
  3. Legal Orders: If compelled by a subpoena, warrant, or court order, some information may need to be shared with legal authorities.
  4. Parental Access: If the youth is not considered a mature minor, guardians may have the legal right to access session content. However, I will always strive to involve youth in these conversations and protect their autonomy where possible.

At Mindful Mage Counselling, I work to create a safe and respectful space for young clients, while also helping families understand where the line between privacy and safety is drawn.

What if I have an emergency outside of counselling hours?

If you require immediate mental health support outside of our scheduled sessions, please contact:

  • Distress Centre Calgary (24/7): (403) 266-4357
  • Alberta Mental Health Help Line (24/7): 1-877-303-2642
  • Emergency Services: Call 911

Can I bring someone with me to my sessions?

Bringing a support person can be helpful in certain situations. We'll discuss this in advance to determine if it's therapeutically appropriate, keeping in mind the importance of confidentiality and the dynamics of the session.

Can you prescribe medication?

As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), I am not licensed to prescribe medication or diagnose mental health conditions. If we determine that medication might be beneficial, I can assist in referring you to a qualified medical professional.

Will you collaborate with my psychiatrist or doctor?

Absolutely. With your written consent, I'm happy to coordinate with your other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to your care

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