Let’s begin

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Choosing a therapist…

Beginning therapy involves embarking on a very personal journey, often with a complete stranger.  Therefore, several things should be considered before deciding with whom you would like to work.  

  1. Seek out evidence-based therapy for your concerns.  

  2. Determine if individual, group, couples, or family therapy may be most appropriate.

  3. Consider whether the treatment approach offered appeals to you.

  4. Consider the therapist’s training and qualifications. 

Initial contact...

If you have browsed through my site and are interested in connecting for an initial consultation/assessment session, you can complete the contact form on my site, contact me directly at 604.785.2122 and leave a message or send me an email at dr.nechiadekryger@gmail.com.   I will attempt to return your call or respond to your message in a timely manner.  If you have further questions, I would be happy to discuss these with you prior to setting up an appointment. 

First session...

Anyone can begin treatment whether you have a diagnosis or not.  Our first session will be a consultation/assessment session which will help determine if therapy may be useful for you and if you feel comfortable working with me.  I will ask you questions about your background so I can get to know you better and understand your current concerns.  I may also ask specific questions about problems you may have to help set the direction of therapy interventions.   At the end of our session we will discuss your goals for the work we do together.  

As parents play an important role in treatment with children and are often quite involved in the therapy process, they are encouraged to be present and available to participate in sessions as requested.  Parents are taught to better coach their child to face fears and overcome anxiety.  Adolescents, on the other hand, may be more independent in therapy.  The level of parental involvement often depends on the needs and desires of the adolescent and will be discussed in the first session.  

Subsequent sessions...

Following the initial session, subsequent sessions will continue to incorporate assessment to refine and change the direction of therapy, if needed.  Once we have defined your goals for treatment, we will work together to help you accomplish them.  This often involves learning new skills through discussion and readings, self-monitoring (to track things like changes in mood, negative thoughts, target behaviors, and new skills practiced), homework (trying out new behaviors and thinking strategies on a daily basis at home), and problem-solving regarding current difficulties.  The more effort you put into practicing new skills in your day-to-day life, the greater your results will be.    

Many people ask about the length of treatment and frequency of sessions.  While this depends largely upon the severity of the problem; in general, cognitive behavioral therapy can be expected to last between 8 - 20 sessions.  Most people choose to meet weekly to keep their focus on therapy goals and to build a positive momentum.  In later stages of therapy, clients may choose to meet less frequently, to allow for more time to practice new skills and strategies on their own in between sessions.   

Follow up/boostEr sessions...

Even if therapy was successful in helping you to achieve your goals, new problems may arise or past problems may return during periods of stress.  This is normal and should not be considered a failure.  If you feel that a follow up or booster session might be helpful in getting you back on track or reminding you of strategies and tools that were useful in the past, please don’t hesitate to contact me and request a follow up session.  We can then assess your needs and make a plan to help you meet your goals.

Fees/cancellation policy...

Therapy fees are $235.00 per session.  Sessions typically last 50 minutes.  If you request a report or other documentation, this will be billed at the same rate.  Payment is expected at the time of service.  E-transfers are preferred.  Following payment, you will be provided an emailed receipt that includes my registration number (1787).  If you have extended benefits, you may be able to send in this receipt for reimbursement according to your benefit plan.  If a third party is paying for your treatment (e.g. lawyer, insurance company, or employer), I would need to receive the terms of this arrangement, in writing, prior to our first appointment.  

If you are unable to make it to a scheduled appointment, I ask that you let me know at least 24 hours in advance so I would be able to offer your appointment time to another person.  If you miss an appointment without providing notice 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the full amount for the missed appointment.