Your first session
What to expect, start to finish.
Knowing what happens in the room makes it easier to walk in. Here is the first session, from the moment you send a request to the drive home afterwards.
Before
- A free 15-minute call to check we are a good fit.
- We agree on a time, in person or by video, and who will come.
- You get a short intake form by email. It asks for contact details and consent, not your whole story.
- For video, a link arrives the day before. For the office, directions and the door code.
During
- We start with how confidentiality works, so you know what stays in the room.
- Each person gets time to say what brings them in, without being interrupted.
- We ask about what you have already tried and what a better week would look like.
- Near the end, we share how we would suggest working together.
After
- It is normal to feel tired, relieved, or a bit raw. Plan an easy evening.
- Talk it over at home if you like, or leave it until next time.
- Decide whether to book again. There is no pressure either way.
- You get a receipt for your extended health plan, if your plan covers it.
Confidentiality, in plain words
What stays in the room, and the few times it can't.
We will go through this at the start of the first session too, and you can ask questions about it at any time.
What stays private
- What you say in sessions, and the fact that you come at all.
- Our notes, which are kept securely and are not shared with employers, schools or family.
- Anything you tell us in an individual session. We talk with you about how, or whether, it comes into joint sessions.
When we have to share
- If someone is at serious risk of harming themselves or another person.
- If we learn a child may be unsafe, which by law we must report.
- If a court orders us to release records.
If one partner is unsure
One of you wants to come. The other isn't so sure.
That is very common, and it isn't a bad sign. Often the unsure partner worries the session will become two against one, or that they will be blamed. We work hard so that doesn't happen: each person gets equal time, and we don't take sides.
A few things that help:
- Let the unsure partner have the free 15-minute call, on their own, to ask us anything.
- Agree on just one session, with no promise of more.
- Choose video if coming to an office feels like too much at first.
If your partner still says no, you are welcome to talk with us about what to do next. We may suggest a therapist who sees individuals.
Practical questions
The small things people ask.
Is there an elevator to the office?
Yes. The building has an elevator to the second floor, and the office door and washroom are wide enough for a wheelchair.
Where do we park?
There is street parking on Ashdown Lane and a paid lot one block east. Several bus routes stop within a five-minute walk.
Can we each join the video session from a different place?
Yes. Each person gets the same link, and joining from two homes works fine, including for co-parenting sessions.
Do we need to prepare anything?
No. If it helps, each of you can jot down one thing you hope will be different in a few months. That's all.
What if the weather is bad?
On a Winnipeg storm night, we can switch your session to video at no extra cost. Just let us know before the session.