Principles of Practice
Effectiveness: Finding a counsellor who is knowledgeable about and capable of helping you resolve your problems is sometimes a difficult process. I am not interested in wasting your time or money. Before accepting any new clients, we will have a short consultation by video chat or email to determine if the sorts of problems you are facing are the sorts of problems I can help you with. If I think so, and if you would like to, we will then go ahead and book our first appointment.
Our first full session will be an opportunity to get a sense of whether we are a good fit, and also explore more about your challenges and your personal history. If it looks to me like there is a faster, cheaper, and more effective way to address your problems (for instance, through coaching, certain forms of psychotherapy, lifestyle change, etc.), then I will recommend this instead of booking any additional appointments.
Confidentiality: The issues that arise in counselling and mediation are typically very personal and often difficult to talk about. I only use encrypted video chat and encrypted email services in order to ensure the confidentiality of all our communications. (I am not currently offering in-person appointments.) All client records are stored on an encrypted hard drive and/or on paper in a locked safe.
For extremely sensitive matters, I recommend using email-based services (and payment in Bitcoin) to further ensure your privacy. This option, however, is not available for mediation clients, as I can only offer mediation through video chat.
Non-judgmentalism: I understand that your beliefs, desires, and actions are a complex product of your unique biology, environment, culture, and life experiences. My only goal is to help you achieve your goals, without moralizing, preaching, or pushing my values onto you.
I have always taken an interest in so-called controversial issues and behaviours. (In law school, I was especially interested in criminal law.) There is very little, if anything, that will shock me. Whoever you are, and whatever the story of your life may be, I want you to feel comfortable to speak freely with me.