Frequently Asked Questions

I hold a Master of Counselling degree from Gonzaga University and have completed Level 2 training in Gottman Couples Therapy. My education and specialized training equip me to provide compassionate and effective support for both individuals and couples. I am also a Registered Clinicial Counsellor (RCC#24138) with the British Columbia Assosciation of Clinical Counsellors.

This is a confidential 20-minute conversation where you’ll have space to share what’s been difficult, ask questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit - without any pressure to commit. It’s recommended that all partners in the couple attend this first connection so everyone begins on the same page.

All couples are welcome at my practice from long term partnerships, to engaged couples, to newlyweds, to LGBTQ2SIA+ couples, to married couples, to intercultural or interfaith couples, to senior couples, and much more! Whether you want to learn some skills, have recently experienced a major betrayal, looking to work on your communication and more, you are welcome.

• Strengthening communication and deepening understanding
• Navigating conflict with respect and clarity
• Building healthy approaches to money and shared decisions
• Exploring future dreams, direction, and long-term goals
• Healing from breaches of trust, including infidelity
• Enhancing intimacy, connection, and sexual wellbeing
• Coping with life transitions, stress, and major changes
• Supporting parenting, co-parenting, and blended family dynamics
• Balancing roles, responsibilities, and expectations at home
• Integrating spiritual, cultural, and personal values
• Improving emotional closeness and everyday connection
• Repairing patterns that keep you stuck
• Strengthening teamwork and partnership  

All couples start with three initial sessions. First, there will be an in depth intake together. Second, each individual of the couple will have a one on one session with Aftin. Third, there will be a feedback session together to create a personalized plan for your therapy journey. After these first sessions, I recommend meeting weekly to build momentum, deepen awareness, and strengthen your connection. The total number of sessions varies based on your unique goals, challenges, and readiness for growth. Throughout therapy, we will regularly check in together to reflect on your progress and adjust the focus and pace to ensure the process feels supportive and meaningful for both of you.

Initial and ongoing couples session are 80 minutes in length and individual sessions are 50 minutes long. 

I currently offer sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays with availability from 3:30pm to 8:00pm. And I also offer sessions on Saturdays and Sundays with availability from 11:00am to 3:30pm.

Booking an appointment is simple and secure. Just click the link below to view availability and book directly through Jane, the online platform I use to manage all appointments. You’ll be able to choose a time that works for you, fill out your intake forms, and securely add your payment details.

👉 Click here to book your session through Jane

If you're unsure where to start, I invite you to book a free 20 minute consultation call - it’s a great way for us to connect and see if working together feels like a good fit.

Life happens, and I understand that sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours before your appointment time to avoid any charges. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged 50% of the session fee. This policy helps keep the schedule fair and available for all clients.

 Yes, your privacy and confidentiality are deeply respected and protected. Everything you share in session is kept confidential, and I use Jane, a secure, encrypted platform, to manage appointments, notes, and payments in line with Canadian privacy standards.

However, there are a few legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. I am required to break confidentiality if:

• You are at risk of seriously harming yourself or someone else
• A child or vulnerable person is at risk of harm
• I am ordered by a court to share information

These situations are rare, but if they arise, I will always aim to handle them with care, transparency, and as much collaboration as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about privacy, I encourage you to ask me, we can talk about it at any time.

 My session rates are $183 for couples sessions  (80minutes) and $138 for individual sessions (50 minutes). I also offer a free 20 minute initial consultation call. All payments are processed securely through the Jane app, where you will be asked to keep a credit or debit card on file. 

I do not offer direct billing for couples or individual sessions, but I’m happy to provide an invoice that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, depending on your coverage. Most clients find that their sessions are covered fully or partially; however, every coverage plan is different so cannot be guaranteed.

All payments are processed securely through the Jane app. I require clients to have a credit or debit card on file, which will either be charged at the time of booking or after each session. This helps keep the payment process simple and secure.

Before your first session, you will receive intake forms that go over confidentiality agreements, and practice policies through the Jane app during the sign-up process. Completing these forms ahead of time helps us use our session time effectively and ensures you feel comfortable and informed about your counselling experience.

All sessions are currently offered virtually through Jane, a secure and user-friendly platform designed to protect your privacy while making it easy to attend sessions from the comfort of your own space.

That's very common. My free 20 minute consultation can help clarify concerns and expectations. Also, throughout the journey I openly discuss with couples what is and isn't working for them, allowing a space of openness and transparency to the counselling process.

No, referrals are not needed. You’re welcome to reach out directly and book a free 20-minute consultation to see if working together feels like a good fit.

Therapy is a very personal experience and the relationship between you and your counsellor is important for it to be effective. If at any time it feels like our work together is not helping you grow, I encourage an open and honest conversation about it. Sometimes small changes in the way we work can make a big difference and I am here to support you through that process.

If it becomes clear that I am not the right fit for you, I will fully support your choice and can provide referrals to other trusted professionals. Your comfort and well-being are the most important and finding the right support is an important part of your healing journey.

If you ever feel like you are in immediate danger or you are worried someone else is at risk, please call 9‑1‑1 or go to your nearest emergency department right away.

For non‑emergency but urgent mental health support in British Columbia:

• Call or text 9‑8‑8 to reach the National Suicide Crisis Helpline.
• Call 1‑800‑SUICIDE (1‑800‑784‑2433) for the BC Suicide Prevention & Intervention Line (available 24/7). 
• Call 310‑6789 (no area code needed) for the BC Mental Health Support Line (free, 24/7).
• You can also visit the online chat service at Crisis Centre Chat via crisiscentrechat.ca for confidential support.

Please do not wait or suffer in silence. Reaching out and talking with someone can make a meaningful difference. You are not alone and there is support. If you’re unsure what to do, call one of the lines above and they will help you take the next step.

Yes! While my primary focus is couples counseling, I also work with individual clients - particularly adults 19+. Individual sessions provide a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences, build coping skills, and develop strategies to navigate challenges in your personal life and relationships. If this fits you, schedule a free 20 minute consultation call.