Questions are welcome here
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy—or finding the right therapist—can bring up a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. This page is here to offer clarity, ease uncertainty, and help you feel more grounded in your next steps. If there’s something you’re still unsure about, feel free to reach out—we would be happy to connect with you directly.
Counselling, or therapy, is a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the help of a trained professional. It’s a process that helps you better understand yourself, work through challenges, and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.
At Hilm Psychology, therapy is not about “fixing” you—it’s about creating space for reflection, self-compassion, and meaningful change at your own pace.
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other in a calm, supportive space. I’ll ask some questions about your history, what’s bringing you to therapy, and what you hope to gain. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. The goal is simply to begin—gently and without pressure.
We can also use the time to address some of the concerns that have brought you to therapy and get you on your way towards healing and reaching your goals.
Therapy can be helpful whether you’re going through a major life change or simply feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted. If you’re curious about how to better understand yourself, process your experiences, or navigate challenges with more clarity, therapy may be a good next step. You don’t need to have a crisis to seek support.
A Registered Psychologist in Alberta is a mental health professional who has met the education, training, and ethical standards set by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). This means completing a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, supervised practice, and passing required exams.
Registered Psychologists are regulated under Alberta law and are qualified to assess, diagnose, and provide therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns. They are also accountable to a professional code of ethics and provincial privacy legislation to ensure safe, competent, and confidential care.
Yes, we offer secure virtual sessions for clients across Alberta. Online therapy allows for flexibility and comfort, especially for those with busy schedules, new mothers, or individuals who prefer the privacy of their own space.
Yes, we offer in-person sessions at my office in Calgary for clients who prefer face-to-face support. The space is calm, private, and designed to feel warm and welcoming. You’re welcome to choose between in-person and virtual sessions based on what feels most comfortable for you.
I understand the importance that faith has in one’s healing journey. As someone who identifies as Muslim and has training in trauma informed and Islamically grounded treatment, I respect your right to choose to have faith-integrated into your psychological care. This can include psychospiritual strategies that attend to your body, mind, and heart.
I specialize in areas such as perinatal and postpartum mental health, faith-integrated therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, relationships, and the unique challenges faced by newcomers to Canada. Whether you’re navigating a transition, carrying unresolved pain, or seeking deeper clarity, you are welcome here.
Yes, counselling is confidential. As a Registered Psychologist in Alberta, I am bound by professional standards and provincial privacy laws, including the Health Information Act (HIA). This means what you share in therapy stays private.
There are a few exceptions where I may be legally required to break confidentiality—such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, if a child is at risk, or if records are ordered by a court. I will always do my best to discuss these situations with you if they arise.
If you have questions about confidentiality, I encourage you to ask—I’m happy to explain how it works in more detail.
Yes, we offer a free 20-minute consultation to help you decide if therapy is the right fit. It’s a chance for us to briefly connect, talk about what you’re looking for, and answer any questions you may have—no pressure or commitment required.
Yes, we can direct bill to many major insurance providers. If your plan is eligible, we’ll process it at the time of your session. If direct billing isn’t available for your provider, we will issue a detailed receipt that you can submit for reimbursement through your benefits plan.
If cost is a concern, please know that we offer a limited number of sliding scale spots. You are welcome to reach out and inquire—your ability to access support matters, and we are happy to discuss what might work for you.
We also reserve a small number of pro-bono sessions for Palestinian refugees, as part of my commitment to community care and justice.