How do you accept payment?

Due to COVID-19 my preferred methods of payment are:

• E-transfer to:

• Register your credit card on your client profile for auto payment. Great for weekly clients.

• Emailed invoice to pay online after our session.

• Purchase a Prepaid Plan for a discount. Credit is applied to your client account.

Is my session covered by a Third Party?

Possibly! Westcoast Expressive is approved by:

Pacific Blue Cross, Sunlife, Green Shield, ClaimSecure, Equitable Life of Canada, Manulife, Crime Victim Assistance Program, Jordan's Principle

Please ensure that your plan states coverage for counselling or psychotherapy before your first session.  Plans that specifically state psychology are NOT covered. I am happy to provide you with a receipt to submit for reimbursement.

I am First Nations. Am I covered under FNHA?

Yes! I am contracted by Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council to provide subsidized counselling to Tla-o-qui-aht children, youth and adults. Contact me for more details. Not TFN? Jordan's Principle provides coverage for all First Nations under the age of 19. Please connect with any questions. 

What is your registration number?

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor ACCT #2616 
Registered Art Therapist CATA #206-R-16

Would you consider a trade for a session?

Yes! I love to find creative ways to trade services. Please don't hesitate to contact me with your ideas.

What will my first session be like?

Your first session will involve getting to know one another and exploring the art therapy room. The focus will be on creating an environment where you become familiar with art therapy, experiment with different tools while we build a relationship with each other. I offer a shorter Introductory Session that is a great place to start

How is art therapy different from talk therapy?

With art therapy there is a third entity in the room...the art! We use this as a tool to communicate from your unconscious. We still talk during session but the art allows what is hidden to be seen and processed in unique ways.

Why is art therapy used to treat trauma?

When we experience a traumatic event the part of our brain that is responsible for language (the Brocas area) shuts down. At the same time our brain’s danger recognition centre (the amygdala) is on high alert and records the traumatic memory visually and in the form of bodily sensation. Using art to express emotion accesses both visually stored memory and body memory, as not only does it enable people to create images, but the use of art materials such as clay and paint can reconnect them to physical sensation. They may be cut off from their bodily senses, particularly in cases of physical and sexual abuse. Some researchers have suggested that the senses of touch and sight connect directly to our brain’s fear centre which is why art therapy is ideally placed to work with traumatic memory.