ABOUT
Karen Skinner, MSW, RSW, PMH-C
Karen is a registered social worker. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work Degree at Wilfrid Laurier University (2017) and her Master of Social Work Degree at University of Windsor (2019). Karen has been providing one-on-one counselling both in person and virtually for the last 6 years throughout various community and healthcare roles. Karen is excited to be able to offer her services privately to you!
A little more about Karen; she grew up on a dairy farm. This has prompted an additional passion in her to work with individuals from rural communities. Karen is an affiliate counsellor with the National Farmer’s Mental Health Alliance (NFMA) and has a strong passion to advocate for mental health support among rural communities.
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Karen has also developed a passion for working with clients experiencing perinatal mental health challenges. Karen recently completed her Canadian Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health (CC-PMH).
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In her free time she enjoys reading, crafting, baking, and spending time with friends, family and her Bernedoodle dog named Carl.
SERVICES
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, grief, or are going through a difficult transition, there are strategies out there that can help you.
Karen provides a person-centered, strength-based approach within her practice. As each one of us are unique individuals, therapy cannot be a “one size fits all” approach. If you allow her to, she will meet you where you are at. Karen will provide you with a safe and nonjudgmental space to reflect on your experiences and develop strategies to navigate your life with more ease.
CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT
Starting with a counsellor for the first time can be intimidating. If you allow Karen to, she will provide a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental space to discuss and work towards your goals with you.
To ensure Karen is the right fit for you, she offers one free 15-20 minute virtual (phone or video) consultation appointment. During this appointment Karen will hear more about what your goals and expectations of counselling are.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
Counselling is a confidential process individually designed to meet your specific needs. Counselling can help you address specific concerns and develop a greater understanding of yourself.
Appointment Type:
Karen offers virtual appointments to individuals within Ontario. These appointments are available by video or phone.
Tele-Health (Video) Appointments: Jane Apps, an encrypted teletherapy platform is used for tele-health appointments. This platform is a PHIPA and PIPEDA compliant video application. It is very simple to use. It is compatible on computers through a web browser or the app on both iOS and Android devices. You will receive an email prior to the appointment with a link to the video appointment. if you do not arrive within 5 minutes of the allotted appointment time Karen will phone you to check in.
Phone Appointments: You will receive a call from a blocked number at your allotted appointment time. If you do not answer the call on the first try Karen will leave a message for you and try calling again 5 minutes later. If she still have not gotten in touch with you she will try one last time, 5 minutes later. It will then be up to you to reach out to Karen to reschedule the appointment.
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CONFIDENTIALITY
Counselling involves sharing personal information. Information discussed during appointments is considered confidential. Your privacy is important to me and your records will not be shared without your consent. There are some limits to confidentiality as a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I will respect your privacy by holding in strict confidence all information provided by you.
Legal Limitations of Confidentiality
I am obligated to break confidentiality under the following circumstances:
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If I become concerned that you may be at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else.
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If I am concerned about the safety and welfare of a child based on something that you have shared.
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If I have been subpoenaed by the courts.
Appointment Fee's
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Many insurance plans will cover counselling sessions by a registered social worker (RSW). A receipt will be issued following the session for you to submit to your insurance company. Payments are through e-transfer to karen.skinner.rsw@gmail.com. I do not charge HST. The cost of appointments are listed below:
Appointment Length:
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30 minutes $60
50 minutes $120
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A sliding scale options is available for select individuals. If you would like to find out if you qualify for this please bring it up in the consultation apppointment.
