Counselling
COUNSELLING SESSIONS
50 minutes: $140
What is Psychotherapy?
It is a general term used to describe a form of treatment based on "talking work" done with a psychotherapist. The aim is to relieve distress by discussing and expressing feelings; to help change attitudes, behaviour and habits that may be unhelpful; and to promote more constructive and adaptive ways of coping. Successful psychotherapy depends on a supportive, comfortable relationship with a trusted therapist. That’s why it’s important to feel that the counsellor and is the right fit for you and to know you have choice in looking for that level of comfort.
Prior to the First Appointment
Before your first psychotherapy session, we will email you a confidential personal information form and a consent form to complete prior to your first appointment. Your psychotherapist will review the information before the first session to prepare. You will review the information together in the first session, and have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.
The Initial Consultation
Together we will review the consent form and intake information, we’ll discuss your reasons for seeking counselling, what your goals are for the process and establish, while establishing a rapport. Also, the initial appointment usually includes the assessment of your presenting concern so that you and the psychotherapist can establish your goals for counselling and work toward developing a plan to follow in the coming sessions. It involves a series of questions about your current concerns, and any relevant history or background to assess the situation. You may be asked about family, relationships, work or school, the progression of your current concern, and any other relevant areas of your life. It's common to feel nervous or unsure at first, but your counsellor will be there to help you feel more comfortable as you begin your therapeutic journey and establish deeper trust. Your psychotherapist may discuss what to expect from therapy, such as how often you'll meet and the type of interventions the sessions will involve.
Benefits of Psychotherapy
The overall aim is to provide an opportunity for people to work towards living more satisfyingly and resourcefully. While the relationship will vary according to need, it may be concerned with addressing and resolving specific challenges, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insights and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others. Psychotherapy promotes mental health by developing and enhancing: personal, relational, career, and spiritual growth and well-being, personal awareness and resources, and decision-making and problem-solving
Our Counselors are available for in-person and online appointments (phone or video) via secure, encrypted portals as needed to support our current clients, as well as availability for new clients. During uncertain times, it is normal to experience increased anxiety and depression. It is also common for these feelings to worsen with social isolation—after all, humans thrive on social connection. If your depression and anxiety become overwhelming, it important to reach out for support.
Appointments can be made online, at www.winterholme.com, or by emailing info@winterholme.com. We cannot offer direct billing to insurance companies but you can self-submit after your visit.
Please note that the Winterholme does not offer crisis or emergency services. If you are feeling unsafe, please call the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-737-4668. Please note that CHANNAL also offers free, non-crisis peer support through their Provincial Warm Line, 1-855-753-2560. These and other provincial mental health services and resources can be found on the website bridgethegapp.ca.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE ARE NOT AN URGENT CARE CENTER
If you feel that your mental health concerns are an emergency, please go to the nearest hospital or contact the
Mental Health Crisis Line: (709) 737-4668
Meet your Counsellor:
LISA HOFFE, MGS., M.Ed, CCC, n.d.
Lisa Hoffe is a trauma-informed counsellor who uses an eclectic approach, drawing on training and experience in Brief, Solution-Focused therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy among other modalities. She uses mindfulness tools and breathwork for grounding, calming and cultivating present moment awareness. She’s assisted clients with anxiety and/or depression, work conflicts and stressors, grief and loss, relationship issues, confidence building as well as those who are interested in personal growth. Lisa has also worked with those experiencing intimate partner violence both in individual and small group sessions.
She’s been working as a Canadian Certified Counsellor since graduation from a Master's degree in Education in Counselling Psychology at Memorial University 2018. She has worked in private practice, as a single session and group counsellor in the community and healthcare sectors. She also has a lived experience of working in other cultures and that informs a cultural humility with those living in a cross-cultural context. She also holds a Master's in Gender Studies, and celebrates diversity in all its forms and creates an emotionally safe space for everyone. She enjoys working with adults in individual sessions and also has a keen interest in existential counselling as a result of a long-held passion for the psycho-spiritual teachings of the Diamond Approach. Lisa is deeply committed to a life practice of meditation, cultivating presence and uncovering our true nature, and this work naturally informs her work with others in helping clients live with authenticity.