Fequently Asked Questions

The quickest and easiest way to book an appointment is through the online booking site. Once you select your session on the left, you then choose a day and time from the calendar on the right. Your appointment will then be booked and you will be asked to set up your account, if you haven't already. The following steps are found under the next question, "Do I need to prepare anything before my first appointment?" 

You can also:

•  fill out the contact form at the bottom of the Booking & Contact tab and let us know in the message that you would like to book an appointment,

• send us a direct email at admin@rafter46bondsinharmony.ca requesting an appointment, or

• call us at (403) 895-7981 to discuss booking an appointment.

No special preparation is needed. You can set up your Jane App account first or book your appointment first, which will then prompt you to do the set up. After booking, you will receive a message with a link that takes you to a consent and intake form. You can take your time filling this out as it will save data as you go, however, it must be completed before your first session. This form simply helps us use the session time to focus on what you would like to talk about.

You can see the process on the Services & Fees page.

We currently accept:

• major credit cards like Visa, Master Card, American Express, etc. 

• debit cards with a major card brand logo, like Visa Debit

• etransfer

More information about sessions, cost, and other professional offers can be found on the Services & Fees page.

Depending on your current health insurance provider and individual plan, counselling services at Rafter 46 Bonds in Harmony may be covered in full or in part. Please check your benefits documentation or contact your benefits provider to verify what your coverage includes. Additionally, some employers offer Health Spending Accounts (HSA) or similar funding programs that may be available and used.

Direct billing is available for many insurance providers, and others require the client to pay first and then submit receipts for reimbursement. 

If your insurer does not allow direct billing, payment is made before or at the end of each session and you will be able to download or print a receipt from your Jane account. 

Please see the coverage information on the Insurance & Direct Billing page for a list of providers that offer coverage and/or direct billing for counselling in Alberta with a registered CCC.

A limited number of reduced-fee or flexible payment arrangements may occasionally be available. These are offered in specific circumstances and cannot always be guaranteed.

We do offer a 10% discounted fee for seniors (60+).

If cost is a concern, it can be mentioned when reaching out or during the consultation, and options can be discussed if appropriate and available.

All you need is a private space, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone - such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. There is no software to download or purchase when using a desktop or laptop computer. For easier access on tablets or smartphones, you can download the free Jane App.

Desktop: https://jane.app/sign-in?locale=en-CA

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/jane-for-clients/id1590241313

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.jane.mobile&hl=en&pli=1 

If the connection drops, we will simply use the 'join session' link from within the Jane App again to reconnect and continue the session. If needed, we can switch to a phone call for the remainder of the time or reschedule.

That’s completely okay and there are no hard feelings. Finding out if Shelley is the right counsellor matters and you are never obligated to continue if you don't want to, for any reason. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, we can talk about a referral or whatever might make the most sense for you. However, consults are free but you are still responsible for paying for any sessions beyond that.

You never need to have the right words or a clear explanation. Many people begin just knowing something isn’t sitting right. We can sort through it together.

It is common to worry about this, especially in small, rural towns.

Your privacy is extremely important. If you happen to see Shelley in public, she will never make it known that you see each other for counselling. If you cross paths, she will let you make contact first, if you feel comfortable with it. Any contact from Shelley would simply be a normal everyday greeting, the same as it would be with anyone else or at any other time.

Virtual sessions can also make it easier for people in small or rural communities to attend counselling privately without needing to travel or being seen going to an office.

Shelley does not practice under the title of Christian Counsellor.

Although her personal background includes Christian faith, her counselling approach and the Rafter 46 Bonds in Harmony clinic is not built around a religious framework. Shelley's beliefs do not affect her time in the office, virtual or in-person. The work we do follows each client’s own beliefs, values, and what matters most to them in their life.

If faith or spiritual practices are important to you, there is a space on the consent and intake form to make them known. They can absolutely be part of the conversation, but only if you choose. For example, some clients may want prayer or smudging included. That only happens if a client asks for it and feels it would be helpful.

Indigenous cultural practices are welcome. If there are cultural teachings, traditions, or ways of healing that are important to you, those can also be included in the consent and intake form and the work we do together.

Phone calls are not answered during counselling sessions. If you leave a message, calls are usually returned within 24 hours on business days.

Emails are typically returned within 24–48 hours on business days.

If you have not heard back after two business days, it is okay to reach out again in case a message was missed.