604-229-2230
Susanne Leach, Clinical Counsellor
Registered Social Worker #12698
COMMON QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Once you decide you would like to find out more, please give me a call. I will discuss my experience, style and way of working and you decide whether I am a good fit for you. Once you decide to go ahead, we set up our initial meeting at a time that works best for both of us. The first several sessions are me to do an assessment and create a treatment plan. Then we create goals and start getting into the worrk!
WILL THIS JUST GIVE ME MORE WORK? I AM ALREADY OVERWHELMED!
This approach is about easing the load on you and your family. It's about reducing stress and upset, and providing relief. I will provide you practical support and strategies that will help overcome distressing dynamics and behaviours.
I HAVE A FRIEND WHO REALLY NEEDS THIS. HOW DO I BRING THIS UP?
This kind of conversation can be tough. Let me do it for you. Send me an email and I'll forward you a business card you can give your friend. When they call, I can explain what counselling is about and how it can benefit their family.
WILL I BE REQUIRED TO SHARE THINGS I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT?
The decision about what to share and what not to share will always rest with you. And we will always work at a pace you are comfortable with.
IS CAREGIVING-CENTRED COUNSELLING ABOUT BLAMING THE CAREGIVER?
Not at all. This is about supporting and empowering you. As a parent, you are on the front lines every day, and spending dozens of hours each week with your child. With this approach, I work directly with you so that you an process and understand the challenges your child is facing. Then we work together to equip you with the strategies and tools to bring about positive, transformational change for your child, yourself and your family.
ARE COUNSELLING SESSIONS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Most health insurance providers will cover the services of Big Tree Counselling. Please check with your insurance provider if they cover Registered social workers with Master of social work.
I am a qualified mental health provider under the First Nations Health Authority I am able to accept funds from the Autism Funding Unit (AFU). AFU will pay for counselling for both the individual with autism and their family members. I also work with the SAJE program.
Please ask me about my sliding scale for those who are not covered by insurance.
USEFUL RESOURCES
KELTY MENTAL HEALTH
WWW.KELTYMENTALHEALTH.CA
A provincial website based out of BC Childrens Hospital providing a range of mental wellness information and resources.
MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATIONS WEBSITE
HTTPS://WWW.MENTALHEALTHFOUNDATIONS.CA/
A resource for caregivers ; videos to help caregivers emotion coach difficult emotions using Emotion Focused Family Therapy.
CANADIAN ADHD RESOURCE ALLIANCE
WWW.CADDRA.CA
Useful information about ADHD, the SNAP 26 form may be helpful
FAMILY SMART TOGETHER CENTRED
WWW.FAMILYSMART.CA
Helpful to connect with other parents and youth who have lived experience. They offer useful free workshops on a variety of mental health topics.
MINDFULNESS FOR TEENS
WWW.MINDFULNESSFORTEENS.COM
Mindfulness website providing teen (and parent!) friendly ideas
HELPFUL BOOKS:
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Parenting a teen who has intense emotions; DBT skills to help your teen navigate emotional and behavioural challenges by Pat Harvey and Britt Rathbone
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Quick Calm: Easy meditations to short circuit stress using mindfulness and neuroscience. by Dr Jennifer R Wolkin
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Self-Reg; How to break your child (and you) break the stress cycle and successfully engage with life by Dr Stuart Shanker and Teresa Barker
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The Resilience Recipe; A parents guide to raising fearless kids in the age of anxiety by Drs Muniya S. Khanna and Philip C. Kendall
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Raising a secure child by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper and Bert Powell with Christine M. Benton