The ritual of tea enters the counselling space.

There are a number of reasons for why running late for a therapy session could be more complex than in seems on the surface.

Obscure topic? Yes! Can it happen? Yes!

Therapists’ scheduled time can impact clients. Proactive steps can help reduce the impact.

When random therapy schedules don’t support your growth (and what to do instead).

Addressing the common question of how often should you ideally be meeting with your therapist.

A dive into the generally untalked-about world of unpaid counselling sessions.

Understanding how Zoom fatigue can show up in the counselling context and exploring strategies to mitigate its effects.

An exploration of some of the reasons why you might choose self-help, therapy, or a combination of both.

Could there possibly be anything negative about online booking? It’s complicated.

The rise of virtual therapy leaves an old-time counsellor continuing to contemplate the future of in-person counselling.

The changing counselling landscape has also witnessed an uptick in multitasking during counselling appointments. We explore that here, without judgement.

An in-depth look at the relatively uncommon problem of client exploitation by therapists. Next steps for accessing help are also discussed.

As private counselling options have increased to meet public demand, some of us wonder whether we should see a solo therapist or alternatively, choose a counselling clinic.

There’s no rule that says that you can’t contact a therapist in between sessions. But it’s not always clear about whether or not this is the best course of action.

I revisit this topic 12 years later and in the process learn that teaching others how to find a therapist and finding one myself are two very different experiences.

Counsellors have their own life issues: it’s part of being human. What does this mean for counselling clients?

The normalization of therapy in our society, including “proactive therapy,” is all good, right? Yes! (mostly).

The many aspects of crying (or not) in therapy.

When you’re wondering whether you should give up your counselling appointment for another client you don’t even know.

Everything you ever wanted to know (or not) about counselling consent forms.

When engaging in counselling is, or feels forced, it’s rarely a good thing.

Reasons for counsellor absences with some possible benefits for clients too.

Navigating the sometimes-difficult choice of talking about a loved one in counselling.

Tips and tricks for securing a counselling appointment when times are tough.

A counsellor’s attempt to take the mystery out of what happens after you reach out to a therapist. Possible solutions to common problems are provided too.

An in-depth look at how to contact a counsellor and book a counselling session.

When we don’t know what to talk about in a counselling session: reasons and solutions.

What do you do when you spot your counsellor in public? The answer has more to do with your counsellor’s response, than yours.

What happens to the counselling room when we take the therapy experience online or by phone?

The decision to talk about what happens in your counselling sessions with another human being is a personal one.

A deep dive into why counselling waiting lists exist and how to navigate them.

The pluses and perils of seeing more than one counsellor at a time.

A counsellor’s lowdown on some hard truths about couples counselling; when we’re aware of our biases we can change up couples counselling in positive ways.

Understanding the seemingly paradoxical, yet common, dilemma of being too upset to go to counselling.

When your therapist suggests that your counselling end: why this can happen and what to do next.

Understanding when and why it might be appropriate to fire your therapist.

Understanding the single-session phenomenon and how to proceed to session two.

Enter (and be comfortable) in the Willow Tree Counselling world.

Figuring out what ‘type’ of counsellor or counselling you need is often not as straightforward as it would initially seem.

A checklist to help you navigate the adventure of finding a counsellor.

The clock in your counsellor’s office: what it’s about and why it matters to your therapy.

My lowdown on strategies that will help you save money on counselling costs and maximize the value you receive from your counselling.

An in-depth look at the situation of dual relationships in a counselling context.

It can be common to approach counselling thinking that one has to present a curated image—the kind of image we might pull out when company’s […]

Self-stigmatization can be a big barrier when seeking counselling. We can move through these feelings and surprise ourselves along the way!

Understanding the differences and similarities between getting help from a counsellor versus a crisis service.

This article is for anyone who has felt wiped by a counselling session and wondered about it, or for those who might be holding back from counselling because of this fear.

There are a number of components that can influence the choice to proceed with therapy.

Defining a therapy vacation may seem a little obvious, as in, it’s time away from therapy…But when I ponder this question, I pick up on a number of elements that make this question more nuanced than it actually seems at first glance.

In assessing therapeutic fit, a key question is whether you wish your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and experiences to be challenged by the counsellor and if so, how much?

The question of what ‘kind’ of person goes to counselling is one that may come up when trying to decide if counselling is right for you. It is, however, a question with no definitive answer, because there is no typical counselling client: it could be anyone. 

Understanding and moving past stigma.

The fear of self-disclosure may be one of the biggest barriers to choosing counselling. But there are options.

If seeking help were easy, people would just do it; it takes a lot of fortitude to reach out to a therapist. 

Digging deep into the topic of confidentiality in counselling.

What makes a counselling relationship strong, why that’s so important and what to do when the fit isn’t right.

People are diverse and their emotional responses to counselling are just as diverse.

When and how to know when your counselling is done.

Phone counselling may have the power to break down the emotional barriers that keep some of us out of counselling offices.

Ruptures in the therapy relationship do happen. What’s a client to do?

Deciding which option works best for you–whether it be homework or homeworklessness–can spark self-reflection around what you want out of counselling.

When your counselling has gone well but you’re not sure when to end things.

How to prepare for an initial meet-and-greet with a therapist.

Things to look for in finding a counsellor who is the right fit for you.

On making the mental leap to discuss deeper, personal issues with the counsellor, who is also technically a stranger.

Knowing your coverage options when it comes to counselling.

You’ve begged, you’ve cajoled, you’ve reasoned, you’ve researched and you’ve even offered to call yourself and transport them there. And still they say no.

Understanding boundaries in the therapeutic relationship.

How much counselling do you need?

Counselling is not for everyone; it works best when the person believes that it could help them or is an approach that inherently makes sense to them.

How client and counsellor honesty affects the counselling experience.

You may feel tremendous fear that your counsellor will judge you, but will they?

Because distress is often high when we start counselling, it’s normal to say to the therapist, “Please tell me what to do!”  You want things to be better. Yesterday.

When committing to counselling, it is important to know your rights.

This article is intended to speak to those who may benefit from counselling off and on throughout the life cycle, whether that is twice or several times.

When you help people for a living, it can be difficult to ask for help.

If I’ve done my job correctly, I will have helped clients help themselves, ultimately rendering my role as a counsellor obsolete.

So you’ve gone to all the hard work of finding a therapist. Now what?

I’m writing about the attitudes that many of us bring to the start of therapy.

Strategies to augment your therapy experience.

Whether you are seeing a physician, counsellor, physiotherapist or other health professional, here are my tips for getting the most out of your visits.

Things to look for in your search for a therapist who is right for you.