Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I come to Momentum Psychology?
- People see a psychologist for all sorts of reasons, but one common thing seems to be that they want something a bit different from life than they have now. Sometimes people come to work through struggles and difficult emotions that they are experiencing. Other times people want to learn strategies and techniques to improve their performance in sport, the arts, or in the workplace. And still other people just appreciate getting an outside perspective and a different view of their situation. My training in counselling (MEd in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta) and performance principles (MSc in Sport Psychology from Liverpool John Moores University in England) provides me with the education and experience to be helpful for a variety of people with a range of things they want to work on.
How much does it cost?
- Fees are $225 per 50-minute session, consistent with (or slightly below) the Psychologists' Association of Alberta's 2025 recommended fee schedule (https://psychologistsassociation.ab.ca/resources/recommended-fee-schedule/). This may be covered in whole or in part by your employee health benefits or through other health insurance/extended health care coverage.
- Payment is due prior to the session, by e-transfer. You will receive a receipt, which you can submit to your health insurance/benefits provider.
What if I miss a session?
- Please provide 24 hours notice if you cannot make an appointment. Missed appointments or cancellations made with less than 24-hours' notice will be charged at the full rate.
How long is a session?
- Each session is generally 50 minutes. Occasionally, a client and I will plan and schedule 90-minute sessions during the course of our work together (e.g, for ART), which is then charged at the 90-minute session rate.
Do I need a referral?
- No, you do not require a referral. Please contact me for a free phone consultation so that we can explore if we will make a good fit in working together. Provided that I have both the availability and expertise to meet your needs, we can book an appointment. In the case that I am unable to see you for counselling, I can provide you with referral options for your consideration.
How many sessions will I come for?
- This varies for everyone and depends on the nature of your presenting concerns, goals, and needs. Many people begin to notice some positive changes within the first few sessions and on average people come for between 8-10 sessions. (Some people come for a fewer number of sessions, while people who have struggled with a long-term issue come for more than 10 sessions, provided that this is feasible and will continue to facilitate improvement and positive change.) Early in our sessions together, we will explore your goals and a focus to direct our work. At this point, we may have a better sense of what a possible time frame for counselling will look like.
How often do I come?
- Generally people begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions, and as people build in skills and confidence we taper off and meet less frequently. Particularly with performance psychology clients, having more frequent sessions at the outset of our work is beneficial for building consistency and momentum.
Is the information I share kept confidential?
- As a Registered Psychologist, I adhere to the standards of practice set out by the College of Alberta Psychologists. This includes a strict standard for confidentiality, which means that information that clients provide in session remains confidential. There are limits to confidentiality in certain circumstances, and we will discuss this information together in our first session together.
Do you work with teens?
- I work with teens (generally 15+ years) in the area of performance psychology. If the teen's needs are more in the area of adolescent counselling psychology, I can provide referral information for psychologists who specialize in that area.