Sandi provides a free half hour consultation prior to entering into an agreement to continue with ongoing counselling services. During this consultation, potential clients are encouraged to ask questions and will have the opportunity to view the counselling spaces.

Following this consultation if it is determined that the client wishes to continue, an initial intake session will be scheduled at which time some personal information and initial goal setting with be completed. In addition, a contract for service will be completed.

Counselling is a process that invites the client(s) to express thoughts, feelings and behaviours in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Your counsellor's role is to provide that objective support, make suggestions where appropriate and provide helpful information to assist you on your healing journey.

This process may involve weekly, bi-weekly or monthly sessions for a set period of time. Your counsellor should always maintain an open and collaborative approach to ensure that the support is meeting your needs. The schedule of sessions is influenced by many factors including the severity of the issues presented, the level of supports the client has and their willingness to engage in the process.

Sandi cannot provide a diagnostic service. However, she is qualified to provide an assessment and treatment. In cases where consent is provided by the client(s), consultation with community partners will occur upon request.

All services support a LGBT2Q positive approach.

The relationship with your therapist is different than many other relationships in your life.
A healthy and safe therapeutic relationship encourages;

Open and Honest Communication
You should feel comfortable expressing your thoughts, beliefs and opinions. This includes when you disagree with your therapist. Feelings and thoughts should be validated.

Objectivity
Your therapist provides a fair and neutral viewpoint without judgement.

Safety
Your therapist provides a confidential service and does not share information without your consent with anyone. The physical space that you meet in should feel comfortable and be free from interruptions. The therapist checks things out with you regularly and moves at a pace that is set by you.

Empathy
Your therapist listens and has the ability to hear and support you through your changes.

Boundaries
Your therapist is morally and ethically responsible to set the limits of the therapeutic relationship. These include physical, sexual, mental, emotional and spiritual boundaries.

You are welcome to discuss this at any time.

A counsellor is someone who has training in listening. The decision to see a counsellor is often made by your parents or by other people who are concerned about you and how you are coping.

Counsellors are not your friends, relative or anybody that you already have a personal relationship with. However, as you spend time speaking to them you may become more comfortable and you may develop trust and feel safe to talk about all kinds of things.

Counsellors should...

• Provide a safe and private place to meet
• Listen without making you feel as though your opinion doesn't matter
• Let you express all kinds of feelings
• Not force you to talk about things that you are not ready to talk about - let you move at your own pace
• Explain the difference between what is private and what is secret

Counsellors cannot talk about most of the private things that you share with them to anyone without permission from you. This is called "confidentiality". This is part of the relationship that you have with them that helps you to feel safe. It is healthy to have private thoughts and feelings.

Counsellors also make a promise to keep children safe. Secrets about ourselves are things that we don't want anyone to know. If you tell your counsellor that you are being hurt or have been hurt by someone in the past, even if it is someone close to you than they have to tell other people in order to keep you safe. Secrets about ourselves are often things that make us feel ashamed or embarrassed. Sometimes these secrets are about our family.

Counsellors are there to help you build up good feelings about yourself and to teach you better ways to communicate. Sometimes it may be decided that other people in your family will also be part of counselling. Counselling can help to sort out problems and give everybody an opportunity to share and grow.

Art therapy is a counselling modality that utilizes visual art as an expressive means to explore feelings, thoughts and behaviours. It is very helpful for clients who are more non-verbal or who may have limited cognitive skills. Art making is inherently healing and it is helpful with all ages and abilities. Artistic experience is not necessary to participate. Sandi offers a wide range of materials including two-dimensional drawing tools, clay, paint and collage materials. In her work with children, Sandi often integrates stories and therapeutic games to explore themes.