Counselling
Counselling, in person or online
Fifty-minute counselling therapy sessions with a Registered Counselling Therapist, in Overton just outside Yarmouth or by video. Individual and couples sessions.
1 Areas of focus
What people come to Lisa for
You don't need to know exactly what to call it. Many people start with a feeling that something needs to change.
-
Anxiety and depression
Worry, panic, low moods, trouble sleeping, or a sense of being stuck. Sessions are a place to understand what is going on, notice patterns and practise ways of coping that fit your life.
-
Addiction
Alcohol, substances, gambling or other habits that have started to cost more than they give. Lisa works without judgement, looking at what a habit has been doing for you as well as what it costs. Her thinking is influenced by Dr. Gabor Maté's writing on addiction.
-
Trauma
Recent or long-ago experiences that still affect how you feel, sleep or relate to people. You set the pace and decide what to talk about. Lisa uses trauma-focused approaches in her work.
-
Relationships
Strain with a partner, family or people at work that keeps showing up. Bring it to a session on your own, or book couples counselling together.
2 How it works
What to expect
Lisa draws on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches and trauma-focused therapy, adapted to you.
-
Book an intake
Your first session is a 50-minute intake, in person or by video. You can book it online at any hour.
-
Talk it through
Lisa will ask what brought you in, a little about your history and what you would like to be different. Ask her anything you want to know about how she works.
-
Decide together
You choose together how often to meet. Ongoing sessions are 50 minutes, and you can change the plan as you go.
3 For two
Couples counselling
Sessions for couples who want to work on how they talk, listen and handle hard things together. Couples sessions are held in person in Overton. Start with a couples intake, then book ongoing sessions.
-
Counselling intake
Fee: $190
- Length
- 50 minutes
- Format
- In person or online video
Your first counselling session.
-
Counselling session
Fee: $170
- Length
- 50 minutes
- Format
- In person or online video
Ongoing sessions after your intake.
4 From home
Online sessions
Individual counselling sessions can run by video through Practice Better. You will need a private space where you won't be overheard, and a reliable internet connection.
Online sessions are for people who are in Nova Scotia at the time of the session. Couples counselling and acupuncture happen in person.
5 Coming later
EMDR therapy
Not available yet
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy for working through traumatic and distressing memories.
Lisa plans to offer EMDR once her training is complete. It can't be booked yet. If you would like to hear when it is available, send Lisa an email.
6 Fees
Counselling fees
Fees are in Canadian dollars. Counselling with acupuncture in the same visit is on the acupuncture page.
Insurance
Lisa does not bill insurance companies directly. You pay at your appointment and get a receipt you can submit to your plan.
Before booking an appointment, please check with your insurance provider to confirm they cover the services of Registered Counselling Therapists (RCTs).
-
Counselling intake
Fee: $190
- Length
- 50 minutes
- Format
- In person or online video
Your first counselling session.
-
Counselling session
Fee: $170
- Length
- 50 minutes
- Format
- In person or online video
Ongoing sessions after your intake.
7 Questions
Common questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's referral before they reimburse counselling, so check yours if you plan to claim.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, with a few limits set by law and professional standards. Lisa will go through them with you at your first session. They include situations where someone is at serious risk of harm, where a child may need protection, or where a court orders records to be released.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies from person to person. Some people come for a handful of sessions and others for longer. You and Lisa will check in along the way about how it is going and what comes next.
What if I need to cancel?
Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice are charged the full session fee. All fees must be paid before your next appointment is booked.
What if I'm in crisis?
Lisa's practice is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 any time, or call the Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167. In an emergency, call 911. See more places to get help.
Counselling therapy in Nova Scotia is regulated by the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Read about professional standards and how to raise a concern.
When you're ready
Book a first session
Start with a counselling intake, a couples intake or an initial wellness consultation. Booking runs through Practice Better, and you can choose in person or online where it's offered.