CALGARY COUNSELLING & THERAPY SERVICES

We’ve made booking as simple and stress‑free as possible—because your focus should be on your healing, not logistics. You can schedule anytime through our secure Jane booking portal, which shows real‑time availability so you can choose a time that works best for you. If you need to make a change, we ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows us to offer your time to another client who may be waiting and helps maintain consistent care. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed sessions, are billed at the full session fee ($150 CAD). You can reschedule directly through your Jane account or by emailing us—whichever feels easiest. And if you ever feel uncertain about the process, we’ll guide you through step‑by‑step.

We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This helps us keep sessions available for other clients who may be waiting and supports the consistency that makes therapy most effective. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are billed at the full session fee ($150 CAD). Missed appointments (no‑shows) are also billed at the full fee. Your card on file may be charged for late cancellations or no‑shows without additional notice. You can cancel or reschedule any time before the 24‑hour window: Through your Jane booking portal. By emailing us at compassionatecentral@gmail.com If an unexpected emergency comes up, please reach out—we understand that life happens and will review situations on a case‑by‑case basis. This policy helps protect the integrity of your therapeutic process and ensures we can offer timely care to all clients.

We offer flexible appointment times so therapy can fit naturally into your life. Most sessions are available Monday to Friday, with a range of daytime and early evening times to suit different schedules. Our Jane booking portal always shows the most current openings. If you need a time outside our regular hours, let us know—we’ll explore options with you where possible. Many clients choose a consistent weekly or bi‑weekly time to build momentum, but we’ll collaborate on a rhythm that works best for your needs and pace. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to attend regularly, so therapy becomes a steady source of support rather than another stressor in your week.

We offer in‑person therapy only, because we believe the face‑to‑face connection in a shared space can create a deeper sense of safety, presence, and therapeutic momentum. Meeting in person allows for subtle, real‑time communication—body language, facial expressions, the shared energy of the room—that can strengthen the therapeutic relationship and support meaningful progress. Our sessions take place at our Calgary office in a comfortable, private space designed to help you feel at ease. For many clients, simply arriving in a dedicated space for therapy helps signal to the mind and body that this is time set aside for your healing and growth.

Our office is located in Macleod Place II, Suite 500 (5th floor), 5940 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB, T2H 2G4. View on Google Maps We’ve made arriving as easy and stress‑free as possible: Free 1‑hour parking is available right at the building’s main entrance. Simply scan the QR code at reception to register your license plate. If those spots are full, there’s also free 2‑hour street parking along 3rd St SW. View parking map When you arrive, take the elevator to the 5th floor. During business hours, the receptionist will greet you and check you in. If reception is momentarily unattended, you’re welcome to relax in the lounge—I’ll come meet you there.

Yes—our office is wheelchair accessible and designed to be as welcoming and comfortable as possible for all clients. Macleod Place II offers elevator access from the main floor to our 5th‑floor office, as well as accessible restrooms within the building. The free parking area at the main entrance includes accessible parking spots close to the door for your convenience. If you have any specific accessibility needs—such as extra time for arrival, assistance navigating the building, or other accommodations—please let us know in advance. We’ll do our best to make your visit smooth, comfortable, and stress‑free. Our goal is that every client feels safe, respected, and fully supported from the moment they arrive.

Each 1 hour booked therapy session is $150 CAD. This rate reflects the depth of training, experience, and care you receive at Compassionate Central, as well as the time spent preparing for and following up after your session to ensure continuity of care. We believe in being upfront about costs so there are no surprises. The fee is the same whether your session focuses on long‑term personal growth, addressing a specific concern, or working through a challenging life event. If you have extended health benefits, your plan may cover part or all of the cost—see our FAQ on insurance coverage for more details.

Yes — we do offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots specifically for students and clients experiencing financial barriers. At Compassionate Central, we believe therapy should be accessible. While our standard rate is $150 CAD per 1 hour session, we reserve a small number of reduced-fee spaces for those who need support but may not afford the full rate. If cost is a barrier for you, simply reach out to discuss the options. We’ll explore whether you qualify for one of our sliding-scale spots. If availability is limited, we can explore alternative supports and affordable referral options—your access to care matters most to us. Everyone’s situation is unique, and we handle these conversations with confidentiality and compassion.

We accept convenient, cash‑free payment options for all sessions. You can pay securely: Online through the Jane booking portal at the time of booking or after your session. In person using our card terminal (credit or debit). We do not accept cash payments. All transactions are processed through secure, encrypted systems, and receipts are provided by email—making it easy to submit to your insurance provider if applicable. If you have any questions about payment before your session, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to walk you through the process so you feel completely at ease.

Many clients are able to use their extended health benefits to help cover the cost of therapy. Sessions with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) or Counselling Therapist (CT)—the designations I hold—are covered by many major Canadian insurance providers, including: Alberta Blue Cross Canada Life / Great‑West Life Sun Life Manulife Green Shield Medavie Blue Cross Chambers Plan The People Corporation …and others. Since every plan is different, it’s important to confirm your coverage directly with your provider. Ask whether your plan reimburses for counselling with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) or Counselling Therapist (CT). I do not bill insurance companies directly. After each session, you’ll receive a detailed electronic receipt you can submit to your provider for reimbursement. If you’re unsure how to check your coverage or submit claims, I’m happy to walk you through the process before your first appointment.

Yes—receipts are automatically provided for every session. Through our secure Jane booking portal, you’ll receive an itemized electronic receipt immediately after each payment is processed. This receipt includes all the details your insurance provider may require for reimbursement, such as: Your name Therapist’s credentials (Counselling Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor) Session date and length Service description and amount paid You can download or print receipts anytime from your Jane account, making it simple to keep organized for insurance submissions or personal records. We do not issue cash receipts, as we are a cash‑free practice. If you ever have trouble finding your receipt in Jane, just let us know—we can resend it instantly.

You may be able to claim therapy costs on your Alberta tax return—but only under specific conditions. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows eligible medical expense claims for sessions with certain regulated mental health professionals. However, in Alberta, “Counselling Therapists (CT)” and Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) are not recognized as authorized medical practitioners for the Medical Expense Tax Credit program. This means therapy sessions with a CT or CCC cannot be claimed on your federal or provincial tax return in Alberta.

No—what you see is exactly what you pay. At Compassionate Central, transparency is part of how we build trust. Our standard rate is $150 CAD per 50‑minute session, and there are no surprise charges beyond that. The only additional cost you might incur is if: You cancel or miss a session with less than 24 hours’ notice (full session fee applies). You request extra administrative work beyond standard documentation (e.g., detailed third‑party reports), which we would always discuss and quote in advance. There are no intake fees, no “first session” surcharges, and no required materials to purchase. If we ever suggest optional resources—such as books or self‑care tools—you’re free to decide whether to get them. We want you to feel completely at ease knowing exactly what to expect, both in your therapy and in your billing.

Therapy is a collaborative process designed to help you understand yourself better, heal emotional pain, and move toward meaningful change. At Compassionate Central, therapy isn't something done to you—it's a partnership built on safety, trust, and compassion. We slow down enough to explore your experiences deeply, create space for authentic growth, and ensure you're genuinely heard, without rushing or reducing your struggles to simple solutions. You don’t need to wait until things feel “serious enough” to start. In fact, research shows that 1 in 5 Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem in any given year (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2024), and many benefit from support well before reaching a crisis. Therapy can help with many concerns, including: Anxiety Depression Trauma Addiction Relationship issues Major life transitions Feeling stuck, numb, or overwhelmed You don’t need a diagnosis or clear labels to begin. If you’ve wondered whether your struggles are “enough” to seek support, chances are, therapy could be a helpful next step. If you’re still unsure, we offer a free, no‑pressure 20‑minute consultation to help you decide if our approach feels right for you.

Therapy can be profoundly effective—especially when it’s built on genuine connection, skilled guidance, and a personalized approach. At Compassionate Central, we integrate evidence‑based methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and trauma‑informed care tailored specifically to your unique experiences and goals. While outcomes vary based on your readiness, personal circumstances, and the therapeutic relationship, research consistently shows that therapy helps many people significantly improve their mental health, relationships, resilience, and overall quality of life—with 75–80% of clients experiencing meaningful improvement according to the Canadian Psychological Association. Clients often experience relief from symptoms like anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm, and trauma‑related distress. More than symptom reduction alone, therapy here aims for deep, lasting change—helping you reconnect with a sense of purpose, agency, and meaningful connection. If you've been hesitant or unsure, you’re not alone. Our approach prioritizes creating safety and trust first, so therapy becomes not just effective—but transformative.

There’s no threshold you have to reach before seeking therapy—if your feelings or experiences are affecting your well-being or quality of life, that's reason enough to reach out. Many clients wonder if their struggles are “serious enough,” often believing they need a specific diagnosis or crisis to justify seeking support. In reality, research shows that nearly half (46%) of Canadians will experience a mental health challenge by the time they reach age 40 (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2024), and many seek therapy long before reaching a crisis point. At Compassionate Central, therapy isn’t reserved for extreme cases or neatly labeled problems. It’s for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply senses something isn’t quite right—even if they can’t fully name it yet. Common signs that therapy might help include: Ongoing anxiety or sadness Relationship tensions Difficulties coping with stress Lingering impacts from past experiences Feeling lost, unfulfilled, or disconnected Our approach is deeply compassionate and collaborative, providing a safe, judgment‑free space to explore what you’re facing and how to move forward. If you’re uncertain, we encourage you to book a free, no‑pressure 20‑minute consultation. We’ll help you determine if our therapeutic approach feels right for you—no labels, expectations, or judgments required.

Therapy can help with a wide range of challenges—whether they’re long-standing struggles, recent life changes, or feelings you can’t quite explain. At Compassionate Central, we work with adults in Calgary facing concerns such as: Anxiety & stress – racing thoughts, constant worry, feeling on edge Depression – low mood, loss of motivation, emotional numbness Trauma & PTSD – the lasting impact of painful or overwhelming experiences Addiction & recovery – breaking cycles, regaining control, rebuilding trust Emotional regulation – managing intense feelings without becoming overwhelmed Relationship challenges – communication issues, conflict, feeling disconnected Life transitions – career changes, grief, loss, or major shifts in identity or roles Personal growth & self‑esteem – building resilience, clarity, and confidence We also support ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD), anger management, self‑harm, suicidal thoughts, and more. You don’t need a diagnosis or a “big” crisis to benefit. The World Health Organization reports that untreated mental health challenges are among the leading causes of lost productivity and life satisfaction worldwide—and early therapeutic support can significantly reduce their long‑term impact. Therapy can also help when you’re searching for meaning, wanting to live with greater ease, or hoping to deepen your connection to yourself and others. If you’re unsure whether therapy can help with your specific concern, we offer a free 20‑minute consultation to explore your needs and answer any questions.

Yes—therapy can help even if your struggles have been part of your life for a long time. At Compassionate Central, we often work with people who have carried emotional pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, or unhealthy patterns for years—sometimes decades. Deeply rooted challenges don’t mean change is impossible; they simply call for a therapy process that is patient, intentional, and tailored to your pace. In fact, research shows that psychotherapy can lead to meaningful improvement for people who have lived with mental health challenges for many years—with studies finding that even those with long‑term conditions report better functioning and quality of life after treatment (National Institute of Mental Health). Our approach is relational and trauma‑informed, using evidence‑based methods such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These allow us to work safely and steadily, addressing the layers beneath the surface so real, lasting change can take root. Healing is rarely linear. It may not be about “erasing” the past, but about transforming your relationship to it—so it no longer defines or limits you. Even long‑standing struggles can shift when you’re met with compassion, skilled guidance, and a space where you truly feel seen.

Your first session is about creating safety, clarity, and connection. At Compassionate Central, we know starting therapy can feel both hopeful and uncertain. That’s why your first 50‑minute meeting is paced with care—so you can arrive, settle in, and begin sharing only what feels right for you. We’ll start with a warm welcome and a brief review of informed consent, which outlines how therapy works, your rights, and the confidentiality protections in place. From there, we’ll explore what’s bringing you to therapy, your history, and what you hope will be different in your life. This is a collaborative conversation—not an interrogation—guided by curiosity, compassion, and respect for your story. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the approaches we might use (such as Internal Family Systems, CBT, or DBT), and discuss how we’ll work together toward your goals. By the end, you should have a clearer sense of whether our style and approach feel like a good fit for you—and we’ll map out possible next steps. You might be reassured to know that research shows the quality of the relationship you build with your therapist is the single strongest predictor of therapy success (American Psychological Association). That’s why our priority in the first session is creating a safe, trusting connection—not rushing you through details or pushing you to share more than you’re ready for. There’s no pressure to “tell it all” in the first session. Therapy is a relationship that unfolds over time, and the first session is simply the doorway in.

Most therapy sessions at Compassionate Central are booked for 1 hour. 55 minutes is for our time together, and the remaining 5 minutes is for clinical documentation. Some specialized sessions, such as trauma‑focused work or extended assessments, may be longer. If you feel you’d benefit from more time, we can discuss extended session options together. Your needs and goals will always guide the pacing and structure. Consistency matters. Research shows that attending therapy regularly—often weekly or bi‑weekly in the early stages—significantly increases the likelihood of achieving meaningful progress (Journal of Counseling Psychology). Many clients begin with weekly or bi‑weekly sessions, then adjust as progress is made.

Yes. What you share in therapy is private and protected by law. At Compassionate Central, confidentiality is a core part of creating a safe, trusting space where you can speak freely without fear of judgment or unwanted disclosure. As a licensed Counselling Therapist (CT) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), I follow strict professional and legal confidentiality guidelines under Alberta’s Health Information Act (HIA) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s Code of Ethics. Your personal information will never be shared without your written consent, except in a few rare situations required by law: If there’s an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others. If a child or dependent adult is in need of protection. If your records are ordered by a court. We’ll review these limits together in your first session as part of the informed consent process. You’ll always know exactly how your information is protected and under what circumstances it could be shared. It may reassure you to know that confidentiality is one of the top factors clients value in therapy—in one Canadian survey, 92% of people considering counselling said privacy was essential to feeling safe enough to participate (Mental Health Commission of Canada). Confidentiality isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise that your story stays yours.

The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy—so your comfort and connection with your therapist truly matter. At Compassionate Central, we understand that not every therapist is the right fit for every person. If, after a few sessions, you feel we’re not the right match, we encourage you to tell us openly. This is not taken personally—it’s an important part of ensuring you get the support you need. We’ll discuss what’s not working, explore adjustments, and if necessary, help you connect with another therapist who may be a better fit. We also offer a free 20‑minute consultation before you commit, so you can get a sense of our style, approach, and personality in a no‑pressure conversation. This way, you can make an informed choice before investing in ongoing therapy. Your therapy should feel like a safe, collaborative space where you can be fully yourself. If it doesn’t, we’ll work together to find the right path forward—because you deserve support that truly fits you.

Therapy can sometimes feel challenging—but those moments are often where meaningful growth begins. At Compassionate Central, we work gently and at your pace, knowing that exploring certain experiences, feelings, or memories may bring up discomfort, sadness, or vulnerability. We won’t push you faster than you’re ready to go. Our role is to create a safe, grounded space where you can process difficult emotions with support, rather than face them alone. We’ll also help you develop tools for self‑care and emotional regulation so you can leave sessions feeling contained and steady, not raw or overwhelmed. It’s important to remember: therapy isn’t about “digging up pain” for its own sake. It’s about making sense of your experiences, finding healthier ways of relating to them, and reducing their power over your present life. And while there may be hard moments, there can also be deep relief, clarity, and even lightness as you move forward. In fact, research shows that temporary emotional discomfort is a common and normal part of effective therapy—and is often linked to better long‑term outcomes (American Psychological Association). This means that while difficult moments may arise, they are often stepping stones toward lasting healing. If you’re concerned about how intense therapy might feel, we’ll talk openly about your pace, boundaries, and comfort level from the very beginning. This way, you stay in control of your process at all times.

No—you are always in control of what you share in therapy. At Compassionate Central, your comfort, safety, and sense of agency are essential. While therapy can be most helpful when we explore the experiences and feelings that matter to you, it’s never about forcing you to talk about something before you’re ready. You can choose to share only what feels safe in the moment. If certain topics are difficult, we can approach them gently and gradually, or work on building the coping skills and emotional resources you need first. Sometimes, we may focus on the “edges” of a painful topic before diving deeper, so you stay grounded and supported. If you’re concerned about a particular subject, let’s talk about that openly. We’ll collaborate on a pace and approach that feels right for you, so you can work through important issues without feeling pressured or retraumatized. Therapy is a partnership—you set the boundaries, and we honour them. In fact, research shows that clients who feel a strong sense of control and collaboration in therapy are significantly more likely to stay engaged and achieve meaningful progress (National Library of Medicine).

Sometimes—but only if it supports your goals and feels helpful for you. At Compassionate Central, we may offer “between‑session” practices to help you apply what you’re learning in therapy to your everyday life. These can take many forms: journaling prompts, mindfulness exercises, skill‑building practices, or simply paying attention to certain patterns in your thoughts, feelings, or relationships. ·Homework is never about grading you or adding pressure. It’s about offering tools and experiences that can deepen your insight, strengthen coping strategies, and keep your progress moving between sessions. If something we suggest doesn’t work for you, we’ll adjust or skip it entirely—therapy is always a collaboration. For some clients, between‑session practices are a powerful way to accelerate change. For others, the most important work happens right in the session itself. We’ll decide together what’s most effective for you.

Yes—you can have a say in the type of therapy we use. At Compassionate Central, therapy is a collaborative process, and your preferences matter. Some clients come in already familiar with certain approaches—such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, or Psychodynamic Therapy—and want to work within that framework. Others simply want to focus on what will help most, without worrying about labels. We integrate multiple evidence‑based approaches and tailor them to your unique needs, goals, and pace. If you have a preferred modality, we can incorporate it into your treatment plan. If you’re unsure which approach is best for you, we’ll discuss the options, explain how they work, and recommend what might be most effective for your situation. Our goal is to create a therapy experience that feels both comfortable and effective for you—whether that means focusing on one specific approach or blending methods for a more personalized path to change. In fact, research shows that matching therapy approaches to client preferences can significantly improve engagement, satisfaction, and overall treatment outcomes (American Psychological Association).