Getting started with Therapy in Kelowna is simpler than you think
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, whether it’s your first time or you’ve tried it before and it didn’t quite feel like the right fit. My hope is that this space feels different — steady, human, and at a pace that works for you.
Below are a few details to help you feel more at ease as you get started.
“The relationship between therapist and client is itself a form of healing — a place where something begins to shift through the experience of being with someone in it.“
“
Finding the Space
My office is located at 218-1789 Harvey Ave. There is plenty of free parking.
When you arrive, look for “KRSPY Barbershop.” Next door, you’ll find stairs leading to the second floor, where my office is located.
You’re welcome to take a seat in the general waiting area. I’ll meet you at your scheduled time.
Getting Settled
Once inside, you’re invited to get comfortable in whatever way feels right for you.
- You’re welcome to remove your shoes and jacket.
- Tea and water are available.
- You’re free to settle into the space at your own pace.
There’s no “right” way to be here. Just come as you are.
What can I expect in a first session?
Everyone arrives at therapy differently.
Some people come with a clear sense of what they’d like to talk about, while others need time to adjust to sitting with someone new. Both are completely welcome.
You’re welcome to share at your own pace — whatever feels comfortable. As our therapeutic relationship deepens, your sharing often does too.
Some questions I might ask include:
- What led you to reach out now?
- What has your experience of therapy been like in the past?
- What do you notice, just sitting here with me?
There’s no expectation to have it all figured out. We’ll find our way together.
We will discuss consent during your first session. If you’d like to review this beforehand, you can do so here: An Overview of Consent.
How often should I schedule therapy?
There’s a lot to consider when deciding how often to meet, and we can figure that out together. As a general starting point, many people find that meeting every 1–2 weeks helps to:
- Build the therapeutic relationship
- Create a sense of continuity
- Support meaningful momentum
From there, we can adjust based on what feels supportive for you.
Will I have homework?
This depends on what works best for you.
Some people appreciate having things to reflect on or practice between sessions, while others prefer to keep the work within the session itself.
We can decide this together based on your preferences and what best supports your process.
How long can we work together?
As long as you’d like to.
People come to therapy with different intentions. Some are focused on a specific concern, while others are looking for a space to explore more broadly over time.
Many of the people who work with me are interested in longer-term, depth-oriented work, but there’s no expectation.
I hold an open-door approach, meaning you’re always welcome to return, whether that’s consistently or at different points in your life. I’ll be glad to continue supporting you in your process.
AREAS OF FOCUS
You might recognize yourself in any of these.
These are some of the concerns I work with regularly. If yours isn’t listed, reach out. I’m happy to speak to whether I can be helpful.
Anxiety & Overthinking
Persistent worry, unease, or a mind that won’t quiet, even when circumstances don’t warrant it.
Burnout & Depletion
Feeling emptied out by demands that were once manageable, and struggling to find your way back to yourself.
Life Transitions
Relationship changes, career shifts, identity questions, or loss. Times when the ground beneath you has shifted.
Relationship Difficulties
Conflict, disconnection, patterns that repeat. Wanting closeness but finding something keeps getting in the way.
Feeling Stuck
Functioning well on the outside but feeling quietly unsettled, lost, or like something important is missing.
Self-Understanding
Wanting to understand yourself more deeply. Your patterns, your history, your values, and how you relate to others.
A Note on Starting Therapy
It’s completely normal to feel hesitant about beginning therapy. A common reason people don’t seek support is a sense that they should be able to handle things on their own (Psychology Today).
You might find yourself thinking: “I should be able to figure this out”, “It’s not that bad”, “Other people have it worse.” Or simply: “I’m used to doing this on my own.”
For many people, especially those used to being the one others rely on, this can feel particularly familiar. There’s often a lot of strength in that, in being capable, independent, and able to carry yourself through difficult moments.
At the same time, doing things on your own for a long time can also become exhausting.
Therapy offers a space where you don’t have to carry everything alone.