Welcome to Relationship Recovery. My name is Toni and I am thrilled to be offering my services after many years of diverse experience in the counselling field.
I graduated with my Master of Arts in Counseling degree is 2007 and have dedicated my life to life long learning. I am a Certified Clinical Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling Association, Counselling Therapist and Addiction Counsellor with the Association of Counselling Therapists of Alberta, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have my Level 1 training in Gottman Couple Therapy. I am also a certified facilitator for Circles of Security and Connect Parenting both of which are groups for parents focusing on creating stronger and healthier relationships with their children. I am currently taking certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and currently taking my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Relationship Recovery is a metaphor for all the different forms of relationships in one’s life. One of the most important relationships in life is the one you have with yourself. Whether is be self-esteem, depression, or trauma I believe working together will help you to navigate and reconnect with the essence of who you are and what you want in your life. I work from a strength based and client centered approach because I wholeheartedly believe everything you need is already within you. It is my role to help you to recognize this, internalize it, and live a fulfilling life that you choose.
Relationship Recovery also focuses on the relationships you have with others, such as a partner, loved one, family member, and/or child. Here at Relationship Recovery, I provide counselling services for individuals, couples, and parenting support.
1. How do I know if I need therapy?
Well, for starters, you’re here, and indicates that a part of you seems to think talking with a therapist would be helpful. Therapy is a lot more likely to help than hurt; even when therapy brings up difficult subjects or memories, clients often report they are glad they finally shared it with someone. It is some people’s belief that people can and should go to therapy even if nothing is “wrong”; Therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and discuss concerns and issues that are important to you.
2. What happens in a therapy session?
Sometimes the scariest part about your very first therapy session is just not knowing what to expect. Our first session will take a little longer as we will have to go over some paper work, initial screening and questions, talk about policies, confidentiality, get to know each other a bit, and go over any questions or concerns you may have. Our regular sessions will just flow from wherever you are at. We can work from some of your therapy goals, we can chat about something new, or we could perhaps explore something that’s bothering you. This time is your time.
*** For now, all sessions will be done via video chat to maintain proper social distancing (as per COVID protocol). Once the social distancing protocol is lifted I will have the option to have therapy in a face to face, office setting.
3. How long do I have to attend therapy for?
That is entirely up to you and what your therapeutic goals are. There are people who attend therapy once, feel amazing, and never return. There are people who attend once per year as a check in and goal setting session and that works great for them. Some people attend therapy weekly, biweekly, or monthly as they work through tough times and then feel well equipped enough to stop, and some attend therapy life long. Once you attend your initial appointment and begin to set goals, you may have a better idea of how long you see yourself attending therapy. Change happens slowly. It can take a long time to institute changes, small or large, into your life on a consistent basis. Change is a process that looks different for everyone and therefore there is no good answer for how long it will take.
4. What sorts of things will I have to talk about?
You don’t have to talk about anything. Often times people are a bit afraid that therapy will be too heavy, or worried they will be forced to “face” issues they don’t want to. You will never be forced to talk about anything you don’t wish to, and you can at any time say that you are not comfortable talking about any topic you like, ask for a break from a specific topic, or shift your focus to a topic more important to you. Please remember the therapeutic process is designed to be challenging at times and this is normal and ok.
5. Will anyone find out about the things I say in therapy?
It can be scary to open up and share things with a stranger, especially things that may have been held inside or secret for a long time. . Counselling Therapists have ethical and legal obligations to maintain client confidentiality however there are a few instances when confidentiality will need to be breached from a legal perspective. This will be discussed at the first session so that you understand. Once you have been informed then you have the power to decide to continue with the therapeutic relationship or not.
6. Does a therapist prescribe medications?
No— but a psychiatrist or family doctor can. Counselling Therapist's direct client's to a medical professional to discuss medication or medical concerns.
7. How much will this cost me?
Initial session (90 minutes) $200/hr. Regular sessions (60 minutes) $150/hr. ** You may book in 90 minute sessions instead of 60, however the rate will remain at $200 Currently, Relationship Recovery cannot direct bill or be covered by health insurance. However, pending some changes to the Health Professions Act in Fall/Winter 2020, we may be granted permissions that will allow our clients to submit session costs to their health coverage.