Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, diagnosis is not required to access services. I value and support all neurotypes, with most specialization and training in supporting ADHDers.

    I am happy to be a support and resource for you, whether you are exploring your neurodivergence or you are self or professionally diagnosed.

    I recognize the barriers to accessing professional assessment / diagnosis and respect individuals' choice to access counselling whether or not they are able to, or interested in, pursuing a professional diagnosis.

  • No. You can refer yourself by simply calling. While some clients are directly referred (i.e. through their doctor, community agency) a referral is not required.

    When I receive a referral from a source that is not the direct client, I would contact the client to assess their interest and motivation for service.

    Children and adolescents are most often referred by their parents/guardians and I require that people in the family system are aware of and partake in the therapeutic process as required based on the child/adolescent’s specific needs.

  • During the initial session(s), I gather information from the client and or their family pertaining to the presenting concern (e.g. what brings you to counselling, how long have you been dealing with the issue, what contributes to the problem, etc.) and work towards developing a trusting relationship.

    Subsequent sessions focus on helping the client gain a better understanding of their emotional and behavioural patterns, developing problem-solving strategies, and work towards shifting the person in order to meet their goals.

  • Traditional counselling practices often need adjustment for neurodivergent people. In my office this may include:

    • Discussing expectations for the session at the start to decrease anxiety and uncertainty.

    • The therapist asking more closed-ended questions, if open-ended questions are too difficult or stressful.

    • Collaborating with, or suggesting different ways of proceeding if you are unsure what you would like to discuss or work on in therapy.

    • Discussing things other than feelings or working together to redefine feelings in a way that is more relevant to you.

    • Identifying coping strategies that make sense to you.

    • Creating space for hyperfixations about special interests, understanding that this is a valid form of connection with your counsellor, as well as being a major contributor to self-worth and purpose.

    • Exploring specialized topics such as masking/unmasking, meltdowns, burnout, shutdowns/overwhelm, inattention, social breaks, sensitivity, hyperfocus, personalized routines, stimming, creativity, socializing authentically, examining social expectations, societal ableism, internalized ableism, anxiety/phobias.

  • Whether it is an office, video and phone session, I encourage my clients to choose what format feels most comfortable for them and it is common to support my client's with further accommodations.

    Accommodations may include:

    • Turning away from the counsellor or webcam if eye contact is stressful or overwhelming.

    • Turning off video or substituting with phone appointments if visuals are too distracting or intense.

    • Freedom to stim in session without it being judged.

    • Using the fidgets and stim toys in my office.

    • Changing the lighting, turning it off, or adjusting blinds to increase comfort.

    • Dressing for your sessions in a manner that makes you feel most comfortable.

  • Both parents/legal guardians are required to consent to counselling services unless sole custody has been awarded. I request that the parent requesting the services and attending with the child inform the other parent and provide my details.

    That being said, children 12 years and older are often able to make informed decisions about their health and consent to counselling without parent involvement.

  • Please see information on this website pertaining to rates and insurance.

  • Prior to starting counselling services I review confidentiality with my clients.

    The law protects the relationship between a client and a therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

    Exceptions include:

    • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately

    • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim

    • If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety

    • Minors (under 18 y/o) must be accompanied to their first appointment by a parent in order to provide informed consent for services and to discuss the limitations of confidentiality for the minor, unless they are a mature minor

    If my files are subpoenaed by the court of law, I am legally obliged to surrender them.

    Subject to complaint, the BCCSW may obtain relevant personal information, including records and clinical notes contained in my records as part of the complaints process.

    I have an obligation to provide contact information to appropriate health authorities for contact tracing when required by law(eg. COVID19). Please note, I will only provide as much information as is necessary for tracing purposes, as outlined in section 77.6(1)-(7) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

  • Our involvement in your treatment will be strictly limited to the provision of counselling. Thus, we are ethically unable to participate in dual roles, such as acting on your behalf in legal proceedings, including to testify in court, whether in person or by affidavit.

    Please let us know if you require such services and we can make a referral to an additional and/or appropriate professional to meet your needs.

    If you are involved in any legal proceedings, you agree that neither you, nor the lawyer, nor anyone else acting on your behalf, will call on me to testify in court or at any other proceeding, nor request disclosure of your counselling records, nor refer in any court filing to anything staff have said or done.

    Such an agreement may not prevent a judge from requiring my testimony, even though I will work to prevent such an event, including reviewing with you the potential risks in doing so.

    If I am required, I will provide information as needed and only when appropriate release forms are signed or the court order is provided. As your therapist, I am ethically bound not to give my opinion or recommendations about any legal proceeding decisions.

    If I am required to appear as a witness, the party responsible for my participation will reimburse my fees that will be set in accordance with the nature of the service involved.

  • At Divergent North, we prioritize the health and safety of our clients and staff. To help prevent the spread of communicable diseases, we have implemented the following guidelines:

    1. Stay Home if Unwell: If you are experiencing symptoms of illness (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath), please reschedule your appointment or switch to virtual therapy.

    2. Hygiene Practices: Hand sanitizer is provided at our entrance, and we encourage regular handwashing. Surfaces and shared spaces are cleaned and disinfected frequently.

    3. Masking: Masking is optional but available for clients and staff. If you prefer that your therapist wear a mask during sessions, please let us know in advance.

    4. Virtual Sessions: We offer virtual therapy sessions for clients who are unwell or prefer to reduce in-person contact during periods of illness.

    5. Exposure Notification: If you have been exposed to a communicable disease or have tested positive for one, please inform us so we can take appropriate precautions.

    Your health is our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community safe.