Booking an appointment is easy and fully online. I use Jane, a secure, Canadian-based booking system that’s PIPA and PIPEDA compliant to protect your privacy.

To schedule a session, simply click the “Book Now” button anywhere on this website. You’ll be guided to my online calendar where you can view availability and select a time that works best for you. New clients will be prompted to create a secure account and complete a brief intake form before the first session.

If you don’t see a time that works for you, feel free to join the waitlist or reach out directly — I’ll do my best to accommodate you.

Email: annemariesylvestercounselling@gmail.com

Book Now

Join the session using the Jane link provided in your appointment reminder email that you will receive 30 minutes prior to each appointment — no app download required.

Recommendations:

• Test your internet connection and find a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable.

• Use a laptop or desktop if possible for the best video quality (though phones and tablets also work).

• Use Chrome as your browser if you can. Here is a helpful link with additional guidance if needed: https://jane.app/guide/how-to-join-your-1-1-online-appointment-for-clients

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin to understand what’s bringing you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your goals, current concerns, and relevant background (such as stressors, health issues, or past experiences with therapy), all at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you like — the session is collaborative, not clinical or scripted. Together, we’ll begin to identify what you’d like to work on and outline a plan for moving forward. You’ll also have space to ask any questions you may have about the process, my approach, or what to expect.

At the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer sense of what working together might look like. If it feels like a good fit, we can schedule next steps if and when you are ready. There’s no pressure — you're welcome to take some time to reflect and decide how you'd like to move forward.

Therapy length depends on how long you want it to be, your needs, your schedule, and your goals. Some folks feel satisfied with the progress within short-term time-lines, and others could benefit from, or prefer, longer term. It is unique with each person! We will find the right pace for your journey together and have on-going check-ins on this.

Payment is accepted via credit card or e-transfer, and receipts are issued promptly for all sessions.

Yes, I currently offer direct billing for clients covered by ICBC and Pacific Blue Cross (PBC). If you are with a different provider, I’m happy to provide you with a detailed receipt with information needed so that you can submit for reimbursement.

My standard rate is $160 per 50-minute session, consistent with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors’ recommendations. I offer various other session lengths and their rates are proportionate to this standard rate and are posted when selecting your appointment length.

I also offer a limited number of sliding-scale spaces for clients experiencing financial barriers or without insurance coverage. If cost is a concern, please reach out to discuss availability or to be notified when a space opens.

Yes, I’m an approved vendor with ICBC and offer direct billing for clients with active ICBC claims. If you have a current claim, I’m happy to coordinate treatment in alignment with your recovery plan.

At this time, I do not work directly with WorkSafeBC (WSBC) claims.

In my practice, I offer therapy exclusively through secure, video-based sessions or phone calls. Not only does this make therapy more accessible to those in rural areas (like myself), but many clients find virtual therapy more convenient, less stressful, and easier to fit into their daily lives.

Yes — research shows that online therapy (also called virtual therapy or telehealth) is just as effective as in-person therapy for many common concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related issues.

Many clients even find online sessions more effective because they can:

• Feel more at ease in a familiar environment, which helps the brain regulate and engage more openly

• Access therapy consistently without commute time, weather, or scheduling barriers

• Integrate tools and strategies directly into their home or work setting, making it easier to apply what they learn between sessions

• Choose from a wider range of therapists without being limited by geography

• Reduce stress and fatigue, especially for those managing chronic pain, injury, or high workloads

I’ve found that the virtual format often makes therapy easier to fit into real life without compromising quality of care.

A large meta-analysis of clinical trials found no significant difference in outcomes between video-based and in-person therapy. In fact, video sessions were shown to offer the same therapeutic benefits, such as symptom reduction and a strong working relationship with the therapist.

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357436679_The_efficacy_of_synchronous_teletherapy_versus_in-person_therapy_A_meta-analysis_of_randomized_clinical_trials

I work with individuals - either youth, adults, or seniors. While I do not work with younger children, I’d be more than happy to refer you to some trusted colleagues who do specialize in working with children!

My primary focus is individual therapy. While I do not offer couples or family therapy, I recognize that healing and growth often occur within the context of relationships. If you believe a loved one may benefit from being involved in the therapeutic process—whether briefly or more actively—please let me know. I’m happy to explore what level of involvement might be clinically appropriate and supportive of your goals.

Counselling is confidential! What you share stays private, except in rare cases where safety is at risk. If your sessions are funded by an insurer like ICBC (but this is not the case with extended benefits insurance), I may need to provide limited updates or reports related to your claim. I will ensure that we discuss this at the beginning so you know what this may look like and what to expect.

Yes - Please provide at least 24 business hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows time for other clients to book the slot. Late cancellations or no-shows are subject to a cancellation fee. The late cancellation fee is 50% of the rate of the appointment, and no-show fee is 100% the rate of the appointment.

If you have any questions about scheduling or policies, feel free to reach out via email.

It’s so normal to feel unsure about pursuing this and many people wonder if therapy is the right step. Our first session is a chance to explore what you’re wanting out of this without any pressure. Together, we’ll decide if this feels like the right fit for you— and if not, I will happily provide referrals or resources that may be more suitable.