- What can I expect in the first session?
- How often and how many sessions might I need?
- How much does therapy cost?
- Appointments & Cancellations
- Health Plan Coverage
What can I expect in the first session?
Before the first session can begin, you (the client) will complete two forms: informed consent and client intake. Alana gives space for any questions you may have – but please feel free to contact us in advance with any specific questions.
The first session is for you, the client, to share your story. To offer a glimpse into what life looks like for you and your reasons for seeking therapy. Alana wants to understand your hopes and goals while building trust, and working together to navigate the healing journey.
Your first session may feel uncomfortable. This is completely normal. It’s probably an experience outside your comfort zone. It also often feels vulnerable. Alana’s role is to create a warm, calm atmosphere in which discomfort and vulnerability are held in a safe space.
How often and how many sessions might I need?
The work of therapy is unique to each individual, with their own set of ideas, struggles, life circumstances, hopes, and goals.
For some, therapy is an intense period of growing and healing past and/or present traumas. For others it’s a journey to be proactive and learn new skills and knowledge to engage in life. Some clients see Alana weekly, while others come bi-monthly. Sometimes we finish our work in a couple of months, while others continue more than a year.
We can talk about it in your first session, once you’ve begun to tell your story.
How much does therapy cost?
$130 for a 1-hour individual session, including GST
$195 for 90-minute sessions, including GST
Payment options: E-transfer or Credit Card payments accepted via Square (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, JCB, Discover).
Appointments & Cancellations
If you are 15 or more minutes late, without notice, the session is considered cancelled and subject to the cancellation fee. If you are aware that you may be running late, please let us know as soon as possible to avoid postponement/cancellation fee.
I understand that cancellations are often unavoidable. For emergency cancellations, please contact me as soon as possible. For all non-emergency cancellations, we require 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will be subject to the full session fee.
Health Plan Coverage
Your insurance plan may cover the costs of therapy. It depends upon your provider and the details of your plan. The best way to find out is to call your insurance provider and check with them first. Here’s the information you will need:
Therapist: Alana Buller, MA
Certified CCPA Counsellor # 10002165
You may have coverage for our sessions if you have extended benefits from:
- Blue Cross (if plan includes coverage for Counselling, I can provide my Blue Cross provider number)
- Sun Life (if plan includes coverage for Clinical Counsellor & Psychotherapist)
- Canada Life (depending on your individual coverage)
- Equitable Life
- Greenshield
- Manulife
- Puhl Employee Benefits
Alana is an approved counsellor for the Compensation for Victims of Crime Program – Province of Manitoba.
And a provider for: Arete
Direct billing not available (unless otherwise specified), but a detailed receipt will be provided.