Lauren Byrne, M.C.
Registered Psychologist
Individual Counselling
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Therapy Benefit Me?
Therapy can provide many benefits such as:
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increased self-awareness which helps to form and achieve goals
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new perspectives on life that can make problem solving more achievable
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healthier coping skills for dealing with all forms of emotional distress
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healthier interpersonal relationships
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increased resiliency when dealing with stress
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personal and professional growth
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increased self-confidence
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etc.
What is Therapy like?
Therapy is a very personalized process. In general however, therapy will begin by exploring the current and/or past situations that have brought you to therapy, as well as, your relevant personal history. From there your psychologist and you will work together to form specific goals for therapy. Therapy can be a short term or long term depending on your personal goals and how long it may take to achieve them, again everyone is different! Appointments can be made weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on how much support you feel you need. Oftentimes counselling appointments are booked weekly or bi weekly in the beginning and then taper off once progress has been made. The more you participate in the counselling process, which may include practicing skills between sessions, or other homework tasks, the more likely you are to benefit from therapy. The overall goal of your psychologist is to equip you with the knowledge, skills and/or experiences to help you live your best life.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
Lauren Byrne currently does NOT direct bill individual insurance carriers. However, an official receipt will be provided for all services provided. Provisional psychologist services are recognized and accepted through most insurance plans. It is always a good idea to check with your provider prior to starting counselling on whether your insurance plan includes psychologist fees as well as how much coverage you may have.
Confidentiality
Everything that you and your psychologist discuss remains confidential. Your psychologist will not share any personal information without your prior written consent. However, the law and the College of Alberta Psychologists Ethics require psychologists to break confidentiality for the following situations:
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Suspected abuse or neglect of children and elders to the relevant authorities (family services and law enforcement), based on information provided by the client.
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If the psychologist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or another person. the relevant persons and authorities will be notified.
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When the court issues a subpoena regarding information that has been shared in therapy.