Frequently Asked Questions

Book your first session by calling (780) 886-3030 or simply filling out the contact form on the right side of this page. We’ll get back to you in order to schedule your first psychological counselling session.

We’ll briefly discuss the services I offer so that we can determine the right path for you. Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. I will answer any questions about my professional history, education, therapeutic approach, and therapy services. If you decide to book an appointment, I will collect basic intake information (your name, date of birth, mailing address, and contact info). 

Your first session is considered a consultation meeting. It gives me the opportunity to get to know your history, your concerns, and the goals you’d like to reach. Together, we develop a treatment plan, which may include additional recommendations and resources. This session also gives you an opportunity to get to know who I am and how I work so that you can decide if we’re a good fit.

It’s important to remember that change takes time and the number of sessions you’ll need depends on a number of factors, including your history and the severity of your concerns. External influences such as family, relationships and work can also play a role. I suggest committing to 4-6 sessions, which can often get you started towards making changes in your life. However, change is influenced by your readiness, motivation, and commitment. Time and practice in using the tools we practice in your day-to-day life are very important to influencing change in your behaviour.

Fees for our psychological services are $220 per hour, in accordance with the Psychologists Association of Alberta, and are covered under some benefits plans (read more about direct billing). We accept cash, cheque or eTransfer. Please check with your benefits plan regarding coverage for psychological counselling. You can request longer sessions if you prefer, which will be prorated.

Our psychological services can be billed directly to the insurance providers listed below. Please don’t hesitate to call (780) 886-3030 if you have any questions about our direct billing insurance benefits coverage.

• Alberta Blue Cross
• Great-West Life
• Desjardins
• Cowan Insurance Group
• Green Shield Canada
• Industrial Alliance Financial Group
• Johnson Inc.
• Johnston Group (Chambers of Commerce, CINUP, First Canadian, Maximum Benefit)

In counselling (psychotherapy), you may be seen individually, with your partner, or with your family. Together we will explore your concerns, identify some goals for treatment, and monitor progress. We will review treatment methods and will choose approaches that suit your particular needs. We may also recommend referrals for alternative treatment approaches. Counselling is a collaborative process; we provide you with treatment and support, and you must be ready, willing, and motivated to make changes in your life. Counselling is also voluntary—you may choose to end it at any time.

Session Lengths
Sessions are 50 minutes in length and are made by appointment only. Sessions can range from one session to a number of treatment sessions. The frequency of sessions is determined in collaboration with your therapist.

Benefits and Risks
Counselling can bring insight and understanding to issues. People can feel relief and hope about their situation, learn healthy coping skills, and make positive changes. The risks, however, may include uncomfortable feelings, such as unhappiness, anxiety, and frustration, which may become more intense as you examine difficult areas and work through issues. In resolving some issues, people often make important personal decisions, with which some others in your life may not agree.

All information shared or disclosed in sessions will remain confidential between you and Drebit Psychological Services, unless you request and provide signed consent to disclose specific information to a specified third party, such as your doctor, general practitioner or employer.

Limits to Confidentiality
We are legally obligated to report information to the proper authorities in the following circumstances:

• If your therapist believes that you or another person is at clear risk of imminent harm, such as suicide or homicide.
• If a child is or may be at risk for abuse of any kind, neglect, or is in need of protection.
• If the court orders the file or testimony in court.
• If your records are requested by the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).

In couples and family counselling, there may be times when partners or family members may be asked to attend the individual session(s) for the purpose of assessment and/or dealing with obstacles to progress. Information that is revealed and documented in those sessions will be open for discussion in couple and family sessions and are part of the group file.

You are required to give at least 24 hours notice prior to the session time, which allows us time to accommodate other clients. You will be charged the full fee for any missed appointments and late cancellations for reasons other than health-related emergencies.

We do not offer after-hours emergency services. We will do our best to respond to your calls during her business hours in a timely manner. If you are in need of urgent or emergency services, please call the Support Network Distress Line (780-482-4357), call 911, or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room.

The nature of my services is for counselling purposes only. I do not perform any formal or third-party assessments to resolve employment or legal disputes, including motor vehicle accidents.

If you are looking for such assessments, please contact the Psychologists Association of Alberta for a referral search to be connected to a psychologist who performs such assessments.