Gisele Harrison MSW, RSW
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Gisele Harrison MSW, RSW, RYT

My Ideal Client Profile
Please note that I am not accepting new clients at the moment, past clients will be placed on a wait list until an appointment time becomes available. Past clients must still complete a new contact form

The picture in the upper left hand corner is of my therapy dog Molly (and no.....dogs are not my ideal clients).  That said, I did choose this picture of Molly playing tug of war, because it shows the tenacity and commitment required to find peace and liberation through counselling.  

Therapy can be a very powerful and effective way to find meaning, depth, and purpose in living.  Since the therapy relationship is of utmost importance it is important to find a therapist that you "click" with.  Someone you can trust with intimate information about your outer and inner world.  

Because the client/therapist relationship is so important and since we may be spending considerable time together, below are some of the qualities I believe make up my "ideal client".  I made one list for individual counselling and another for relationship counselling.  I would like to suggest that you make a list of qualities for your "ideal therapist" and compare your list to mine to see if we would be compatible.  If you think we would be a good match and you have also read my fees and cancellation policy - please contact me to schedule an appointment. 

My Ideal Client is someone that:
  • Understands the 90/10 law, whereby 10% of the healing work is achieved during counselling sessions, while the remaining 90% is achieved by you in between appointments.  The 90% is achieved by completing assigned homework; incorporating one or more of the 10 Great Coping Strategies (found on this website); eating well; exercising; and getting enough sleep.
  • Has an open mind and is willing to stretch, take risks, and try new things.
  • Can let me be the coach.
  • Is self-motivated to make lasting change.
  • Values direct and honest feedback from me.
  • Will provide me with honest and direct feedback about me and the counselling process.
  • Is willing to use the material covered in counselling in a way that is right for them.
  • Appreciates the process of personal growth.
  • Values physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
  • Understands the importance of regular appointments and provides at least 24-hours notice to cancel or re-schedule an appointment and 72 hours notice for appointments scheduled on Mondays.
  • Will engage in a self-care practice that may include all or part of the tools outlined in the "10 Great Coping Skills" link found on this website. 
  • Commits to weekly/bi-weekly sessions for a minimum of 3-6 months. 

My Ideal Relationship clients are people who embody the characteristics above and who are willing to:
  • Abide by the fees and cancellation policy on this website.
  • Understands the 90/10 LAW, whereby 10% of the healing work is achieved during counselling sessions, while the remaining 90% is achieved by you in between appointments.
  • ​Values direct and honest feedback from me.  
  • Discuss sex, finances, religion, values, beliefs, past trauma.
  • Identify and give up losing relationship strategies that include:  being right; controlling your partner; unbridled self-expression; retaliation; and withdrawing
  • Consciously replace losing strategies with winning strategies that include:  asking for what you want; complaining constructively; listening and responding generously; empowering one another; and cherishing what you have.
  • Take a serious look at their self-esteem and whether their esteem "on a bad day" is more shame based or more based in grandiosity.
  • Take a serious look at their boundaries to determine if "on a bad day" they become boundaryless or more walled-off.
  • Learn new skills to improve relational self-esteem and boundaries that contribute to a happier relationship.  
  • Commit to weekly or bi-weekly sessions for a minimum of 3-6 months.​
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