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Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Vesna" mean?
Vesna is the Ukrainian word for spring, which has always been my favourite time of year. To me, spring feels hopeful and positive after a long, cold winter. Every year, I feel relieved to see the end of another Edmonton winter and am excited for the summer ahead. It made sense to me to name my therapy practice something related to "spring." For me, this word means triumph through difficult times and promise for a growth and change. My hope is that I can help you find YOUR spring- that feeling of hope and excitement after what may have felt like a very long winter.
Ready to find your spring? Let's talk!
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How long is a session?
A clinical hour is considered 50 minutes, which provides your therapist with some time to gather resources, make notes, complete billing, and do any other work for you that is required (i.e. writing letters for insurance).
What can I expect when I arrive?
You can park anywhere that does not have an 'impark' sign. We are located in building 3 of the Whitemud Business Park, and our office is on the main floor past the elevators- you will see "Vesna Psychology" on our door. When you arrive in our space, please have a seat in the reception area and your therapist will greet you at your scheduled time. We have water, tea, and coffee that are available for you.
What happens in a first session?
Our first session together will be a bit different than other sessions as we will spend the first 10 minutes or so going over important information like consent, confidentiality, session fee, and the risks and benefits of therapy. I can then provide you with some information about myself and how I like to work, and you are also able to ask any questions that you may have (as a side note- questions are ALWAYS welcome!). We will then start to get to know you and what brings you into therapy at this time in your life.
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How much does a session cost?
As recommended by the Psychology Association of Alberta (PAA) fee guidelines, the session fee per clinical hour is $235. If this fee is prohibitive, please have a conversation with me as sliding scale fees may be available.
I also offer direct billing with many insurance providers.
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What does it mean to be a registered psychologist (RPsych)?
In the province of Alberta, registered psychologists are regulated health professionals who have completed an advanced degree (either a Masters or PhD). Further, registered psychologists must be in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), write multiple examinations, complete 1600 hours of supervised practice, adhere to strict ethical standards, and meet yearly requirements for training and skill enhancement. The services provided by a registered psychologist are covered by insurance. The title of "psychologist" is protected by law, meaning only those who meet qualifications and maintain good standing with the provincial regulatory body can hold this title.
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Is everything we talk about confidential?
By law, psychologists are required to maintain client confidentiality. I will not share information without your written consent, however there are a few limitations to this confidentiality. These include:
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​if there is concern regarding the safety of yourself or another, particularly a vulnerable person
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if there is a subpoena for the information
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if you ask me to share information
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if work is being missed due to psychological injury and a report needs to be made to WCB
During your first session, we will have a conversation about limitations, and you are welcome at anytime in your therapy journey to ask questions about this.
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Do you work with kids?
I am happy to work with teens, youth, and children over the age of 5 with a variety of presenting concerns. I can support children and youth who are experiencing/have experienced: trauma, anxiety, low mood or depression, grief, low self esteem, suicidality, and emotional dysregulation. When working with children and youth, I adapt the pace and content of sessions to meet the individual needs of the child. My primary goal when working with children and youth is to build rapport and provide a space that feels safe. For some children, this comes very quickly while others need more time to experience a felt sense of safety. For many clients, and children especially, it can feel overwhelming to talk about the things that cause distress and worry, reinforcing the need to follow the child’s lead.​
When working with children and youth, I use therapeutic stories, art, crafts, play, games, and psychoeducation. I also have a certificate as an EMDR Child Specialist. I firmly believe that fun and laughter are an important part of healing and I invite your child to bring their silly selves to session.
​I believe that parents and caregivers can be important participants in a child’s healing and growth. By including caregivers in the treatment plan and using attachment framework, we work to repair bonds and connections between the child and caregivers which can also promote healing for the whole family. We further create pathways to well-being by inviting the caregivers to gain skills and tools to support their child and share information on how patterns in the home may inadvertently be contributing to the concerns seen in the home.
​Here are some things to know before getting started:​
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Prior to meeting with your child, I like to have a session with at least one of the parents so that we can speak about the concerns you are noting at home or school. This session is done without the child present, so that we do not add to your child’s distress.​​
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After meeting with the parent(s) alone, I will spend the first few minutes of the initial child session with both the parent and child present. We will go over consent, confidentiality, and what to expect in therapy. I find this beneficial as then everyone hears the same message, and the expectations and limitations are clear to all.
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​​As a child therapist, I strive to create a space where children are free to process and share their feelings, without the worry of that information being shared. This means that I will not share information with you unless your child has consented to me sharing, or if there are safety concerns or risk of harm to your child or another person. Often, information in session is helpful for parents to know and I will work with your child to see how we best get that information to you.
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​​I do not work with children whose parents are in high conflict separations/divorces or will require court involvement.​
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