Hello, I'm Lukas. I've been worked in human services since 2011 and have a strong affinity for helping others who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives to learn, grow, and cope with their circumstances in a healthy and productive manner. I hold an MA in Counselling Psychology (MACP), a BA (Hons) in Psychology where I studied sex research, and a diploma in Addictions Counselling - maybe it's time to study Rock'N Roll to complete the trifecta! I am licensed with the Canadian Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as an RP-Qualifying, though I live in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia. I primarily work with adults, but I'm fortunate to also have a diverse background working with adolescents, people with cognitive or behavioural challenges, people managing addictions, and people from differing ethnic and religious backgrounds.
My style as a therapist is both exploratory and collaborative. I like to learn the gritty details of a person's experiences to be able to see how their emotional tapestry is woven together to help us navigate a way forward that is both reflective of your personal values and doesn't ask of you things you aren't willing nor able achieve. I don't like using the term "homework", but my clients and I commonly collaborate on small goals to work toward week-to-week, even if it's as minor as being mindful when certain events happen or emotional triggers come up, helping you get in touch with your experiences and take charge of your responses.
Clients have expressed that what they appreciate about our sessions is that I am consistent, I take great strides to both listen carefully and understand their perspective, and I allow room for people to reflect and see matters from another vantage point. It's very important to me that we move forward at your pace so you are never left feeling as though we're dwelling on matters you want to move beyond, nor rushing past important topics you would like to explore further. It is my hope that you will come away from our sessions feeling optimistic about the coming week, and better prepared to face the challenges that await you!
That's enough about me - let's talk about you.
I offer online therapy sessions to Canadians from Monday to Thursday (Fridays reserved for missed sessions at no additional cost), from the comfort and privacy of your own living space.
If you live in the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia and would prefer to meet in-person, we can arrange walk-and-talk sessions or book a private room.
If you are anxious about meeting face-to-face or have personal reasons for not being able to meet but would still like to receive therapeutic services, we can discuss options for a text-based therapeutic relationship.
Making meaningful and lasting changes to how you live your life can seem daunting, like climbing an insurmountable mountain. Change is possible, however, and may come easier with the assistance of a therapeutic professional.
Our sessions will be tailored to your personal needs based on the areas of your life you would like to prioritize. We will focus predominantly on talk therapy; my background is in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) so we will often start with getting a lay of the land, digging into the details of your past, present, and future to identify patterns and behaviours that may not be serving you well. Learning mindfulness is key - when you are able to thoughtfully respond to the stressors in your life rather than react impulsively, you are taking the reins and steering your life in the direction you want to go, rather than being swept away where life takes you.
We may also delve into Narrative Therapy, examining the stories you tell yourself and understanding how they impact not only your daily life, but your future outlook as well. For clients who are interested, we practice breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation techniques you can take with you outside our sessions to help manage stresses and anxieties in daily life.
How long does therapy take? That's entirely up to you! Some clients prefer a few weeks of shorter term SFBT (Solution Focused Brief Therapy) where we discuss less about "why" and more about "what are you going to do from here". Other clients find tremendous benefit in having a therapist just to listen and be their sounding board each week. The process is about finding and meeting your personal needs, not following a script and going through the motions.
Sessions are $150 per 50 minutes, with optional extended 75 minute sessions for $225. Sales taxes are not charged for therapy. Rates are billed direct to your credit card. Receipts will be emailed for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
If you do not have mental health insurance coverage but are interested in beginning therapy, please reach out and speak with me.
I see a set number of clients who are paying out of pocket at reduced rates, however, this may require being put on a wait list.
If you have any questions or are interested in booking sessions, please reach out to me at lukas@sancpsych.ca