Frequently Asked Questions
Will our appointments be in person or by video?
In Person: I welcome you to come to therapy in person, as many people find this quite beneficial over video therapy.
Video: Many people find they can't make it in person for a variety of reasons. As long as you have a great wifi connection and a safe and private space, video therapy may be for you! Video sessions are be through secure and PIPEDA compliant platform (Owl Practice), and can be accessed through a login portal or through a secure link.
Tips for a great Video session:
In Person: I welcome you to come to therapy in person, as many people find this quite beneficial over video therapy.
Video: Many people find they can't make it in person for a variety of reasons. As long as you have a great wifi connection and a safe and private space, video therapy may be for you! Video sessions are be through secure and PIPEDA compliant platform (Owl Practice), and can be accessed through a login portal or through a secure link.
Tips for a great Video session:
- headphones are best for sound quality
- access to good wifi or wired internet
- ask others to stay off video streaming, especially with limited bandwith
- restart your computer before the session
- clear your cache in your browser
- find a private space where you can talk uninterrupted. You can make a “do not disturb” sign.
- Troubleshooting if the technology isn't working: You can try to restart your session, or computer, or web browser, or call/text/email Kelsey to troubleshoot. Other options for continued tech issues are to continue as a phone session, or reschedule.
Do you Direct Bill?
I currently can direct bill to Blue Cross, ASEBP, Green Shield Canada, Canada Life, and Industrial Alliance. If you have another carrier, I recommend you call them prior to your first appointment to check they cover a Masters level Social Worker and how much per session they will cover, and the yearly maximum.
I currently can direct bill to Blue Cross, ASEBP, Green Shield Canada, Canada Life, and Industrial Alliance. If you have another carrier, I recommend you call them prior to your first appointment to check they cover a Masters level Social Worker and how much per session they will cover, and the yearly maximum.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This specialized therapy approach has been practiced since 1987 and has dozens of randomized control trials showing the efficacy for trauma and other issues.
EMDR works a little like REM sleep, where using back and forth eye movements while thinking about the target memory can help the brain process the memory so it is no longer actively disturbing or bothering you. Like taking a messy office with papers everywhere that feels totally overwhelming and organizing and putting them away neatly in your file cabinet. So now it is organized and no longer overwhelming. This is because difficult things in our lives (things that are traumatic, confusing, or hurtful) can get stuck in our brain and our systems without a way of releasing and still FEEL bad. This can create triggers for stress, anxiety, panic, and other symptoms. Sometimes you know the trigger, and sometimes you don't. EMDR can help you deal with that underlying trigger. Once each target is dealt with in EMDR, it is done, and you do not need to revisit what has been processed.
Is EMDR like being hypnotized?
Although there are elements of EMDR that can be linked to clinical hypnosis, it is not hypnotism. You are in complete control during all parts of the EMDR process, I am merely your guide. EMDR also works well with many other therapy approaches, such as, DBT, CBT, and Somatic interventions.
Can I get started on EMDR right away?
EMDR has 8 phases, the first being history taking and the second being client preparation. Since you will be bringing up oftentimes painful memories, we will begin with ensuring you have enough resources and coping skills to deal with your memories. This means our first sessions are dedicated to these two phases. Depending on your needs, we may spend more or less time preparing you, as we don't want EMDR to overwhelm you with negative emotions from those memories. That means, as with any therapy, there is always a risk. I want to make sure you have the best possible experience and can leave feeling better than when you entered my office.
How can I learn more about EMDR?
You can watch a video here
Or you can go to the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This specialized therapy approach has been practiced since 1987 and has dozens of randomized control trials showing the efficacy for trauma and other issues.
EMDR works a little like REM sleep, where using back and forth eye movements while thinking about the target memory can help the brain process the memory so it is no longer actively disturbing or bothering you. Like taking a messy office with papers everywhere that feels totally overwhelming and organizing and putting them away neatly in your file cabinet. So now it is organized and no longer overwhelming. This is because difficult things in our lives (things that are traumatic, confusing, or hurtful) can get stuck in our brain and our systems without a way of releasing and still FEEL bad. This can create triggers for stress, anxiety, panic, and other symptoms. Sometimes you know the trigger, and sometimes you don't. EMDR can help you deal with that underlying trigger. Once each target is dealt with in EMDR, it is done, and you do not need to revisit what has been processed.
Is EMDR like being hypnotized?
Although there are elements of EMDR that can be linked to clinical hypnosis, it is not hypnotism. You are in complete control during all parts of the EMDR process, I am merely your guide. EMDR also works well with many other therapy approaches, such as, DBT, CBT, and Somatic interventions.
Can I get started on EMDR right away?
EMDR has 8 phases, the first being history taking and the second being client preparation. Since you will be bringing up oftentimes painful memories, we will begin with ensuring you have enough resources and coping skills to deal with your memories. This means our first sessions are dedicated to these two phases. Depending on your needs, we may spend more or less time preparing you, as we don't want EMDR to overwhelm you with negative emotions from those memories. That means, as with any therapy, there is always a risk. I want to make sure you have the best possible experience and can leave feeling better than when you entered my office.
How can I learn more about EMDR?
You can watch a video here
Or you can go to the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
What is the difference between a Counselor, a Social Worker, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist
Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) *hey this is me!!*: A Masters level social worker trained to provide various forms of psychotherapy, often with an emphasis of the person in environment. RCSWs have gone through a supervision and exam process to prove their advanced clinical skill and must maintain these skills with high expectations around ongoing supervision and training that must be proved yearly.
Social Worker: Social Workers are regulated in Alberta as part of the Health Professions Act. Certificate and Bachelor's level Social Workers can be licenced in Alberta and are Regulated Health Professionals, they do not have the advanced training for therapy and counselling skills. Many Masters level social workers are well trained in Mental Health and advanced clinical skills. It is not currently required for social workers to be an RCSW to provide clinical services.
Counselor/Psychotherapist/Therapist: Usually (but not always) a Masters level professional trained in psychotherapy. May or may not be registered with a regulatory body (a licence to practice, legislated by the government) but may belong to an association. An association does not have the authority to discipline its members like regulatory body does for violations of ethics or other breaches.
Psychologist: At least a Masters level and sometimes a PHD level (to be registered in Alberta) clinician that can be trained in psychological assessments, and will be trained in some form of psychotherapy. Often their schooling is focused on the person and pathology. Also regulated in Alberta as part of the Health Professions Act.
Registered Psychiatric Nurses and Registered Nurses: Both are regulated professions under the Health Professions Act. When working in mental health, they may have engaged in further training to provide therapy and psychosocial interventions. Ask about their training and experience!
Psychiatrist (MD): A medical doctor with a specialization in psychiatry. These are the only mental health clinicians which may prescribe medications (please note some health programs allow for specific and limited prescribing abilities for Registered Psychiatric Nurses). You must have a referral for an appointment with a psychiatrist. People most often get their referral from ther family doctor.
Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) *hey this is me!!*: A Masters level social worker trained to provide various forms of psychotherapy, often with an emphasis of the person in environment. RCSWs have gone through a supervision and exam process to prove their advanced clinical skill and must maintain these skills with high expectations around ongoing supervision and training that must be proved yearly.
Social Worker: Social Workers are regulated in Alberta as part of the Health Professions Act. Certificate and Bachelor's level Social Workers can be licenced in Alberta and are Regulated Health Professionals, they do not have the advanced training for therapy and counselling skills. Many Masters level social workers are well trained in Mental Health and advanced clinical skills. It is not currently required for social workers to be an RCSW to provide clinical services.
Counselor/Psychotherapist/Therapist: Usually (but not always) a Masters level professional trained in psychotherapy. May or may not be registered with a regulatory body (a licence to practice, legislated by the government) but may belong to an association. An association does not have the authority to discipline its members like regulatory body does for violations of ethics or other breaches.
Psychologist: At least a Masters level and sometimes a PHD level (to be registered in Alberta) clinician that can be trained in psychological assessments, and will be trained in some form of psychotherapy. Often their schooling is focused on the person and pathology. Also regulated in Alberta as part of the Health Professions Act.
Registered Psychiatric Nurses and Registered Nurses: Both are regulated professions under the Health Professions Act. When working in mental health, they may have engaged in further training to provide therapy and psychosocial interventions. Ask about their training and experience!
Psychiatrist (MD): A medical doctor with a specialization in psychiatry. These are the only mental health clinicians which may prescribe medications (please note some health programs allow for specific and limited prescribing abilities for Registered Psychiatric Nurses). You must have a referral for an appointment with a psychiatrist. People most often get their referral from ther family doctor.