" Your knowing yourself  is the beginning of
wisdom." 

         ~Aristotle

     1.    What will happen during the first counselling session?


For your first session, you will be requested to arrive 15 minutes early to complete the necessary paperwork. We will then spend a few minutes discussing confidentiality and informed consent. You will then have the opportunity to share your story that has lead you to reach out for support. I can guide you through this process if you need. It is very common for clients to feel nervous and awkward during the initial session, as very personal information is being shared. I will try my best to help you feel safe and comfortable.  Hearing your story, background, and identifying your strengths will help me acquire a deeper understanding on how best to support you in achieving your goals. We will also discuss your expectation for counseling and answer any questions you may have. At the end of our session, you will probably be assigned some type of homework, depending on the issues we discuss, to be completed for our next session. Since we have a short time together (50 mins), it is important for clients to continue working towards their goals between sessions. This helps maximize our time together. The work clients do in between sessions is just as crucial as work completed during sessions.   

I am hoping at the end of our first session, you will feel understood, validated, hopeful, and more motivated to continue to work towards a better future. 

2.   What about privacy and confidentiality?


Privacy and confidentiality are key concepts of counseling and must be protected at all costs. The information you share in our sessions will be used for the purpose of achieving your goals. Your private information will not be released under any circumstances unless required by law, or if you provide consent for release of such information. However, I am obligated to report cases such as the following:

Child neglect or abuse is suspected or known.

If you or another person's life is threatened or endangered.

Court order

We will review confidentiality guidelines at our first session. You are also welcome to contact me at 403-801-8219 prior to our first meeting to discuss confidentiality, if needed.

3.   What is the duration of a counseling session?


Counseling sessions are 50 minutes, unless other arrangements have been made. Follow up sessions depends largely upon the issues being discussed. Some client’s goals can be met with 6 to 8 sessions. Others can take longer, up to 15 sessions or more. We can discuss your counseling needs and expectations at our first session. Please feel free to contact me at 403-801-8219, if further information is needed.

      4.   What are the fees for counseling?

To keep counseling more accessible, fees are set at rates below those specified by the College of Alberta Psychologists. Professional fees for individual, couple’s, and family therapy are 180.00/hr. Payment is cash or cheque only. Please note that a full session fee will be charged if clients late cancel (cancelling with less than 24hr notice) or do not show for their scheduled appointment.

By seeking counseling you are making the most important investment...YOU! Your return is INVALUABLE!

5.   Can counseling fees be reimbursed?


Most extended health insurance plans provide some coverage for counseling fees. You may be able to apply for reimbursement for the fees you pay upfront. Please check with your health plan provider for your coverage information. Counseling session can also be tax deductible. I will provide a receipt with my registration numbers and fee breakdown. I will also try and accommodate any additional information needed by your provider for reimbursement.

6.    How do I set up an appointment?


You may call me at 403-801-8219 or email me at salimajshariff@gmail.com to set up an appointment. No referral is needed. I am open to liaising with any health professional, should you wish.

7.    What can I expect from my counselor?


             When entering a therapeutic relationship, you can expect your counselor to:

  • Provide validation of your feelings and concerns.
  • Provide a non-judgmental, safe and supportive environment.
  • Assist you in exploring negative patterns that are keeping you stuck.
  • Challenge you to change negative patterns and take responsibility for change.
  • Challenge distorted thinking patterns.
  • Assist you with goal setting.
  • Assist you in recognizing resources and strengths that you posses.
  • Assist you with any additional referrals, if needed.
  • Provide you with tools for alternative healthier ways to cope.
  • Facilitate lasting change in the way you think, act and in turn, feel.
     

8.    What are the benefits of counseling?


Benefits people experience from counseling will differ for each person. Below are the most common benefits people have reported. These are usually entwined and lead to an overall increase in satisfaction of one’s life and personal growth. It is truly a privilege to help clients become empowered to reach their goals.


Common benefits are:

  • Better understanding of one’s situation.
  • Stress reduction.
  • Awareness of one's negative patterns.
  • Change destructive patterns.
  • Increase in confidence.
  • Heightened self worth.
  • Improvement in communication and interaction with friends, family and significant others.
  • Minimize conflict with self and others.
  • Emotion regulation.
  • Acceptance of losses.
  • Ability to take responsibility for change.
  • Self awareness.
  • Self soothe.
  • Learn to problem solve.
  • Step away from the past to focus on changing the present, for a better future.