FreeBird Counselling offers in-person individual and couples psychotherapy sessions for people living in and around Lanark County and individual virtual services Ontario-wide.
Specialized Services at FreeBird Counselling
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR is a therapy that helps the brain and body process difficult or overwhelming experiences in a healthier way. Sometimes, when something upsetting happens, the memory can get “stuck,” and we continue to feel the distress long after the event is over. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) sets like eye movements, tapping, or audio to engage both sides of the brain, helping the mind do what it naturally wants to do—heal. This process is similar to what happens when we sleep. During sleep, we alternate between regular sleep and REM (rapid eye movement). This sleep pattern helps us process the day’s events and make meaning of them. EMDR recreates this pattern by alternating between BLS sets and brief check-ins with your therapist. As your brain reprocesses past overwhelming experiences they lose the emotional intensity, and you may begin to feel more calm, present, and in control.
What to Expect in EMDR Sessions
EMDR is a structured therapy that uses an eight phase protocol. The phases are: 1) history taking and treatment planning, 2) preparation, 3) assessment, 4) desensitization, 5) installation, 6) body scan, 7) closure and 8) reevaluation. No model of therapy is one size fits all, so I will be pulling from an Integrated model of psychotherapy, bringing all of the tools from my toolbox as we move through the eight phases in order to provide you will the individual care you need.
We begin, as all psychotherapy does, by getting to know one another and building a therapeutic relationship built on safety, trust, and respect. Before moving to targeting distressing memories, we will work together to develop tools and resources to help you feel grounded, calm, present, and supported. You may have tools that you already use that we can incorporate.
During preparation and assessment we will create a target sequence map, identifying memories, experiences, or sensations that feel upsetting or stuck. We will decide what kind of BLS sets to use based on your preferences, choose a “stop” signal, take baseline measures to rate the level of disturbance you feel related to the memories, and address and questions or concerns you may have.
In the next three phases we will be putting your brain to work using bilateral stimulation—like eye movements, tapping, or sounds— to process your memories in a way that eases the distress associated with them, installing a positive belief about yourself, and scanning the body for any lingering disturbances.
Each session ends with closure, ensuring you are returned to a state of calm in the present moment. Each session following will begin with taking time to re-evaluate how things are progressing and to make changes as needed. We will always work at your pace and comfort level.
FAQ’s About EMDR
Do I have to talk in detail about what happened?
No. For EMDR to work, you only need to be able to bring your memories to mind. You can choose to share those memories with your therapist or not. The brain will successfully process events without you having to share any details
Is EMDR like hypnosis?
No, EMDR is not like hypnosis. You stay fully awake and in control throughout the session. It’s a guided process where your brain does the healing work while you remain aware and present.
What if I feel overwhelmed?
We work at your pace. In EMDR we make sure you feel safe and supported before, during, and after reprocessing. We will build in tools and resources to help you stay grounded and in the present moment, check in as we go, and develop a “stop” signal to ensure that you stay within your window of tolerance.
How long does EMDR take to work?
It depends on the person and the complexity of the issues we are working to address. Some people report feeling relief quickly; for others, it can be a longer process. We will take the time needed to support your healing.
Walk & Talk Sessions
At FreeBird Counselling we believe in meeting people where they are, even outside.
Some folks like to multitask. Some are really trying to get their steps in every day. Some feel more connected to themselves when they are connected to nature. Some people need to move to talk. Some need fresh air on their faces to clear their minds.
What we know is that movement is essential. Physical health is intertwined with mental, emotional, and even social well-being. So, why not “kill two birds with one stone” (don’t worry—no birds are harmed in Walk & Talk sessions) and shift your mindset while moving your body?
How it Works
You book a free 20 minute consultation session here to see if we are a good fit. If we agree we are…
We have one session in office to get to know each other. I’ll be asking some questions about your life and together we will create a plan, set goals, and assess if Walk & Talk sessions are right for you. If they are…
We’ll schedule sessions and choose our walking routes. I offer Walk & Talk sessions before and after regular working hours to accommodate your schedule. Our office is conveniently located along the Tay River, with a beautiful walking trail just steps away. Alternatively, we can meet at my home office for a more secluded walk in nature on maintained trails, or if you have a favourite walking spot, I can meet you there.
When you are ready to take the first step, click here to book a free consultation.
Healing from Grief & Loss
Grief & Loss Support
Loss touches each of us in different ways. Whether you are mourning the death of a beloved pet companion, navigating the end of a relationship, adjusting to life after a major change, or grieving someone close to you, your pain is real and deserving of care.
At FreeBird Counselling, I offer a gentle and supportive space to process loss in all its forms. I have a particular interest in supporting people through the heartbreak of pet loss — a grief that is often misunderstood but deeply felt. Whatever shape your grief takes, you’re not alone. Together, we can move at your pace, honour your loss, and find ways to carry your grief that feel a little lighter.
FreeBird Counselling Clinic Policies & Procedures
SESSION INFORMATION
- Initial assessment sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes.
- Standard individual therapy sessions are 60 minutes in length.
- EMDR sessions can range between 60 – 90 minutes.
- Couples therapy sessions are 60 minutes in length.
- Group sessions are typically 1.5 – 2 hours in length.
FEE SCHEDULE
- Initial assessment: $160.00
- Individual therapy: $160.00
- EMDR therapy: $160.00
- EMDR therapy 90 minute session: $240.00
- Couples/family therapy 60 minute session: $210.00
- Group therapy (per session): TBD
- Consultations (up to 20 minutes): No charge
- Report writing/letter writing: $40 per document
- Records review: $40 per hour
- No shows/ +15 min late: full session cost
- Late cancellation fee (under 24hrs): $80 – $120 (1/2 the cost of type of session booked)
Fees are subject to periodic review and may change. You will be notified of any fee changes at least 30 days in advance.
INSURANCE AND PAYMENT
- Payment is due at the time of service
- Accepted payment methods: e-transfer, credit card, cash
- Provincial health insurance: Most psychological services are not covered by provincial healthcare
- Extended health insurance: Mental health services may be covered by your extended health benefits plan. You are responsible for verifying your mental health coverage prior to your first session
- FreeBird Counselling offers direct billing to the following health insurance providers: Blue Cross, Sun Life
- Receipts provided for insurance reimbursement and tax purposes
- Please note: Health insurance benefits will not cover the cost of missed sessions, that is your responsibility
To read FreeBird Counselling’s Informed Consent, Client Rights, and Clinic Policies and Procedures document in full, please click here
Please read FreeBird Counselling’s Privacy Policy and Social Media Policy for more information.
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