Questions and Answers
All the Answers You Seek, In One Place
About Off the Beaten Path Psychology and Wellness
HOW DO WE GET STARTED?
During the initial phone consultation for therapy, we will chat about what has brought you to consider psychological services and counselling, and what you hope to achieve. If together we decide we are a good fit, we will determine a meeting location for our first counselling session: inside or outside. Each therapy session is typically 50 minutes long. At the first session we will discuss what you can expect, how to manage seeing someone you know during sessions if outdoors in Airdrie and Calgary, and a plan for future sessions.
HOW DOES COUNSELLING OUTSIDE WORK?
For walk and run therapy in Airdrie and Calgary, the healing benefits of movement and exercise are well-established and continue to grow. However, sometimes it can be difficult to prioritize your own self-care and take part in regular movement and exercise. Off the Beaten Path is an out of the ordinary approach to talk therapy that is complimented by running or walking in unison with each other. It is not a get-fit, get-thin, or exercise scheme. Walking or running alongside each other can be less intimidating than sitting across from someone in a typical counselling office. Walking and running has also been associated with greater mental clarity and creativity, so why not combine the two? For those who are not quite ready to take it outdoors, are seeking EMDR or a psychoeducational assessment, or those who would like the option of outside or inside, office appointments are also available.
HOW DO WE DECIDE WHETHER TO WALK OR RUN AND AT WHAT PACE?
Therapy is about building a trusting relationship where communication provides a solid foundation. Together we determine whether we walk or run, and how fast or slow, but we will always aim for being able to run or walk at a conversational pace. This is also known as running or walking at an aerobic level where you are not going into oxygen debt. You will also determine when we take breaks and rest, and may decide that meeting at the office is preferable on a particular day. Part of our role in our relationship is to notice and bring awareness to the mind-body connection, such as what might be going on when breath is laboured, or if legs seem tired. How you walk or run is often a metaphor for our lives that we can discuss during our sessions together. Are you the person who tries to do too much all at once- an overachiever? Do you have a hard time asserting your needs in a relationship- assertiveness? Do you have a hard time listening to your body and being present in the moment- mindfulness? Pacing is an important tool that we will consider in movement and in our therapeutic relationship.
I'M NOT INTERESTED IN COUNSELLING OUTDOORS, WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
We love to provide different approaches to therapy and counselling that support the diversity of our clients. Although Off the Beaten Path Psychology started exclusively outdoors, we've now incorporated many different counselling modalities that you can find on our service pages. For example, we provide EMDR, Emotion-Focused Therapy, couples and marriage therapy, psychoeducational assessments (educational and cognitive assessments), and many more services. We also provide therapy intensives, for those who might be interested in sessions that are longer in duration in order to increase momentum towards meeting your counselling and therapy goals. Have a look on our service pages or reach out to us to find out more.
I'M INTERESTED IN EMDR. WHAT NOW?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a treatment method intended to help relieve the distress connected to past memories that are stuck. These memories might be past traumas, such as bullying, early attachment wounds, or First Responder workplace stressors. EMDR helps by accessing the brain's adaptive information processing system. If this sounds like something that might help, we can discuss what treatment would look like and what to consider.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED, AND WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER IF I WANT TO TRY OUTDOORS?
We provide therapeutic services outside to clients in Airdrie and Calgary, Alberta, with the beautiful Rocky Mountains as our backdrop. In Airdrie, we generally meet at the office on the main level of the Nauton House, 117 1st Street NW and walk or run towards Nose Creek Park. Outdoor sessions are also available in Calgary with Jolene and Christine near Fish Creek Park or at their office at 3130 114th Avenue SE. We can also meet you online anytime!
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We Canadians are known for our resiliency, no matter the weather. There are very few days that you won't see folks running along the paths, but somedays are just too cold to run. If that is the case, we can adjust our pace and walk, meet at our office, or meet online or over the phone using a secure platform.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
Investing in therapy isn't just about addressing immediate concerns; it's an empowering step toward challenging the scarcity mindset and prioritizing long-term mental well-being.
The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) sets the standard for counselling fees:
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Individual Therapy $220 per 50 minutes
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Couples Therapy $220 per 50 minutes
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Assessment $220 per 50 minutes
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Reports or Letters $55 per 15 minutes
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Intensive Therapy Sessions have their own fee and investment scale based on the package selected. As a general estimate, however, you can expect:
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1-Day Intensive: Between $1452-$1859 (approx. 5 - 7 hours)
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2-Day Intensive: Between $2244-$2717 (approx. 8-10 hours)
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3-Day Intensive: Between $3036-$3553 (approx. 11-13 hours)
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We use Jane and Square to process credit card, and debit payments. Cash and e-transfers are also welcome.
Many clients are covered by private insurance. Please inquire with your health insurance provider regarding the details of your coverage. Direct billing is available for members of Alberta Blue Cross, the RCMP, the Canadian Armed Forces, and Veterans.
*A regular session fee will be charged for appointments that are missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice.
OKAY, WHAT'S NEXT?
Reach out to any one of us and we can chat more about any other questions you have.
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You can also view our Policies and Procedures Manual for further information.