Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is your approach neurodiversity-affirming?

Yes. Neurodivergence — whether that's autism, ADHD, FASD, Tourette Syndrome, or other Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions — is understood here as a natural variation in how someone thinks, communicates, and experiences the world, not something to be fixed or minimized. I use identity-first language where that's preferred, and I always follow your family's lead on what feels right for you. The goal isn't to make your child seem "less" neurodivergent — it's to help them understand themselves and build on their strengths.

2. What ages do you work with?

I work with children, youth, and their caregivers. If you're unsure whether my approach is a fit for your child's age or stage, reach out and we can talk it through before booking.

3. What does a session actually look like for a young neurodivergent child?

It depends on the child. Sessions are often play-based rather than purely conversational — connection and regulation come before "working on" anything. Some children are ready to talk things through directly; others need to draw, move, or play their way there. For some autistic youth, for example, I use creative role play to help build self-regulation skills. The pace and structure are built around what actually works for your child, not the other way around.

4. What if my child doesn't communicate the way I expect, or struggles in new places?

That's expected, and it doesn't mean sessions aren't working. Verbal participation isn't required for a session to be meaningful — stimming, scripting, fidgeting, quiet observation, or needing time to warm up are welcome, not something to manage or suppress. However your child communicates, that's how we'll work. If sensory overwhelm, elopement, or meltdowns are a concern, let me know ahead of time so we can plan for it.

5. What kinds of neurodivergence do you have experience with?

My work spans autism, ADHD, FASD, Tourette Syndrome, and complex developmental behavioural conditions, and I take a whole-child view rather than treating traits in isolation — many kids I see have more than one of these alongside things like anxiety, giftedness, or learning differences. I'm happy to talk through your child's specific profile before you book, so you know it's a fit.

6. Do you offer virtual sessions and in-person sessions?

Yes, sessions are available virtually via Jane App's secure video platform — open to clients anywhere in British Columbia — and in person in West Vancouver, BC. For some neurodivergent kids, being in their own space actually makes sessions easier — for others, in-person works better. We can figure out what suits your child.

7. What's your training and experience?

I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, holding a Master of Counselling and advanced training in cognitive behavioural therapy through the Feeling Good Institute. I have training in Collaborative Problem Solving, Narrative Therapy, and anxiety management programs such as Coping Cat for young children. I have over 20 years of coaching experience.

8. What does it cost?

My rates are in line with BCACC guidelines, reflecting the training and specialized experience that goes into this work. Individual sessions are $170 for 50 minutes or $265 for 80 minutes; couples, co-parent, and family sessions are $195 for 50 minutes or $295 for 80 minutes; and the Life Skills, Your Way program is $170 per 50-minute session. You can see the full fee schedule on the Services page. Many extended health plans cover counselling with an RCC — it's worth checking your policy. If cost is a barrier, a limited number of sliding scale sessions are available; please reach out and we can talk about what's workable for your family. If you're looking for a free starting point, The Neurodivergent Podcasts (theneurodivergentpodcasts.ca) is a free resource for North Shore caregivers.

9. What is your Life Skills, Your Way course about?

Life Skills, Your Way is a 10-week program for neurodivergent youth ages 10 to 21. During my initial work with a young person, I identify the lagging skills that are causing them challenges and create a customised course around their own goals, rather than a fixed curriculum. Examples of skills include Executive Function, Self-Regulation, Emotional Regulation, Social Communication, Sensory Processing / Regulation, Daily Living Skills, Self-Advocacy, Interpersonal / Relationship Skills and Academic/Vocational Readiness. Or they can be topic-based — for example: managing screentime or online safety.

10. How can counselling help me support my child without feeling overwhelmed myself?

A lot of the work I do with caregivers is about building your own regulation and communication tools alongside your child's, so you're not carrying it all alone. If you want a free starting point before booking, The Neurodivergent Podcasts is there too.

11. Do you have any free resources for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent kids?

Yes — I produce The Neurodivergent Podcasts (theneurodivergentpodcasts.ca), a free podcast and resource library for caregivers of neurodivergent children on Vancouver's North Shore. Episodes cover a variety of topics and each one comes with a free downloadable handout — no booking required to access any of it.

12. How do I choose the right therapist for my neurodivergent child?

Look for someone trained in neurodivergent-affirming approaches who adapts sessions to how your child thinks and communicates, involves you as the caregiver throughout, and works from a strengths-based lens rather than trying to make your child act "less autistic" or "more typical." That's the approach I take with children and teens managing anxiety, school struggles, or feeling misunderstood — if you're not sure whether it's a fit, reach out and we can talk it through.

13. Do you work with neurodivergent teens across British Columbia?

Yes. I offer neurodivergent-affirming counselling for teens both in person in West Vancouver and online anywhere in BC, with practical, strengths-based strategies for anxiety, self-regulation, and family life.

14. How do I book?

You can book a free 30-minute consultation directly through my online scheduler — no referral or waitlist needed.