Do you offer therapy in Portuguese?
Yes. I offer counselling in both English and Portuguese, and sessions are available in whichever language feels most comfortable for you. Many of my clients find that some things are easier to express in their first language, and I welcome that.
Are you a psychologist or a counsellor?
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) in British Columbia, with over 25 years of combined experience, including my prior work as a psychologist in Brazil. In Canada, "psychologist" is a protected title reserved for those registered with the College of Psychologists of BC, so my current credential here is Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Does my extended health plan cover counselling with you?
Most extended health benefit plans in Canada, including coverage through employers, cover sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I don't bill insurance directly, but I provide a receipt after every session that you can submit to your provider for reimbursement.
How much does a session cost, and how do I pay?
Individual sessions are $150. Payment is charged automatically to the card on file in Jane, my booking platform, at the end of each session, so there's nothing extra for you to manage.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. I offer a free 20 minute consultation so we can talk briefly about what brings you to therapy and whether it feels like a good fit, before you commit to a first full session.
What kind of therapy do you practice?
My approach is relational and integrative, drawing on attachment based, psychodynamic, EMDR, EFT, and mindfulness informed work, adapted to what each person needs. Rather than following a single fixed method, I work with you to understand the patterns underneath what you're experiencing, at a pace that feels right.
Do you offer in-person or online sessions?
Both. I see adults online across British Columbia, and in person at my office in downtown Vancouver.
How do I know if I need therapy?
There's no single sign that means you should start therapy, and you don't need to be in crisis to benefit from it. Many people reach out when they notice they're functioning well on the outside while feeling anxious, self critical, or disconnected on the inside, or when a pattern in their relationships or their own emotional life keeps repeating itself despite their best efforts.
What happens in the first session?
We sit together and I listen. I will ask some gentle questions about what brought you here, but there is no script and no pressure. The first session is really about seeing if you feel safe with me. That feeling of safety is where everything begins.
How long are sessions?
Individual and couple sessions are both 50 minutes. We find a rhythm together that feels right for you.
How long does the process take?
There is no fixed timeline. Some people find what they need in a few months; others stay longer because they value the ongoing space for reflection. We check in regularly about how the work is feeling for you. You are never locked in. The process moves at your pace.
How do I book?
You can book online through my scheduling system, or send me an email, text, call, or message on WhatsApp. If you are not sure yet, that is okay too. We can just talk first.