Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What Happens In Therapy?

During our initial consultation we will explore some of your concerns and worries, and the reasons and expectations for your therapy. A contract agreement will be devised and an intake completed, which contains basic demographic information and personal history questions; this ensures that I have the appropriate information to better support you. This initial consultation will decipher whether or not we would like to continue our journey together.

Why Would I Want To Talk To A Therapist?

A therapist can be there to help support you in moving forward in all areas of life. Therapy can help you learn about what you’re feeling, why you might be feeling it, and how to cope. Therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to discuss their concerns, and create a unique relationship and experience for them. They serve as an alliance to address problematic thoughts and behaviors.

How Can I Find A Therapist?

You have certainly come to the right place if you are looking for a therapist, although, I can respect that perhaps you may have doubts about our rapport. In that case, please refer to Psychology Today or to the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario’s (CRPO) website for listings of other professionals that may be a better match for you.

What Should I Be Looking For?

The most important component of therapy is the therapeutic relationship, or alliance. Although it is important to review the therapists qualifications, memberships, and specializations, the relationship and rapport will likely be the biggest factor to consider regarding efficacious therapeutic outcomes.

Whenever possible, it may be useful to initiate a phone or email conversation with the therapist to judge whether or not you feel that the relationship will be effective for your wanted outcomes. Ask the therapist about your area of concern to ensure that your concerns can be addressed effectively, and then go ahead a book an appointment.

What Happens In Therapy Sessions?

There are times when the therapist will navigate the sessions, and others in where the sessions will be navigated by the client. You are welcome to sit on our (comfortable) chairs or on the ground, or stand/kneel/lean; whichever makes you most comfortable. The sessions have a typical overall structure, but may sometimes deviate from this structure. Although the therapist navigates the sessions at times it is only to ensure the best care of the client, and clients are able to choose their preferences for therapy.

How Long Is A Therapy Session?

A session can last anywhere from approximately 45-50 minutes. Some time before may be needed to complete payment. See below for FAQs regarding payments and insurance.

How Long Will I Or Can I Be In Therapy?

People are unique and have unique experiences, and therefore it is difficult to gauge how long a client may be in therapy as there are many factors at play, including their presenting concerns, therapeutic modality, age, and so on. If you feel that you require therapy, then you are in control of how long you may want to attend.

How Many Sessions Are Required?

There is no definite number of sessions that are required for therapy. Clients are recommended to complete therapy weekly or bi-weekly, and in some instance once a month, to ensure that they receive the most beneficial care possible. You are in control of this.

Can My Therapist Diagnose Me?

Your therapist is not able to diagnose you and does not have the certifications to do so. What your therapist can do is send a referral for you to be seen by a psychiatrist as per needed.

How Does Confidentiality/Privacy Work?

Confidentiality is an ongoing process that will be addressed continuously with the client in therapy to ensure transparency and security of clients’ personal health information. Your therapist will adhere to all PIPEDA and PHIPA standards and regulations, as well as those instated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), in order to keep your information as secured and strictly confidential as possible.

Confidentiality, or disclosure of your personal health information, may sometimes be out of the therapists hands by law, and therefore, the therapist finds great value in being open about these limitations before beginning therapy. Your therapist will review these while devising the initial contract agreement with you, and will address it intermittently in therapy and as per needed.

Are There Other Options Other Than In-Person Sessions?

Please inquire about telehealth options via phone or videoconference. All standard and regulations mentioned in the previous question will be adhered to should you wish to use these methods, although in-person methods are usually recommended.

How Much Does Therapy Cost?

Therapy costs $200.00/session, although I do offer a sliding fee scale for those in need. Please ask me about my sliding fee scale.

What Forms Of Payment Do You Accept?

Acceptable methods of payment include cash, cheque, or e-transfer, as well as Debit, VISA, Mastercard, and American Express for a surcharge.

• Please note that cheques with non-sufficient funds, which often come with a bank fee, will not be covered by your therapist, and therefore you are responsible for covering this fee.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

Time is valuable, thus, in order to respect both of our time, I typically require a 48 hour notice from the client for rescheduling and cancellations. Should the therapist need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, he will provide at least a 48 hour notice as well.

My Insurance Plan Covers Services Provided By A Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist Or Social Workers.  What Is The Difference?

Psychiatrist:  A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has done extra training in psychiatry.  Psychiatrists are able to diagnose a mental health issue, such as schizophrenia, and prescribe any necessary medication.  Some psychiatrists provide therapy to their patients, but due to the shortage of psychiatrists, they typically provide diagnosis and medication management.  Psychiatrists may refer their patients to counsellors for therapy.

Psychologist:  Psychologists hold at least a Masters degree in psychology.  They are qualified to diagnose mental health issues, but not prescribe medication.  Some will do counselling.

Social Worker:  Social workers can be divided clinically (counselling) and community.  Community-based social workers do such activities as working for Children’s Aid Society or housing-based agencies that provide case management and assessments, helping governments or local agencies with social policy, etc.  Social workers can either have a Bachelors degree (BSW) or Masters degree (MSW).

Psychotherapists:  Psychotherapists are clinical counsellors. We hold a Masters degree (or equivalent) in counselling psychology or other equivalents, and must be registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), who has the public’s best interest in mind before therapists, in order to protect you.  If I have a suspicion that a client may be dealing with a specific concern that would benefit from a diagnosis or an exploration of the use of medication, I will suggest that the client talk to their family doctor or psychiatrist.

I Don’t Have Benefits And Can’t Afford To Pay Out Of Pocket.  Is There Anywhere I Can Go?

Publicly Funded / Free Services

Are Psychotherapy Services Covered By OHIP/RAMQ?

Although psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP/RAMQ, they do qualify as a medical expense and can be declared on your tax return.

How Do I Contact My Therapist?

If you would like to reach your therapist, please call (613) 859-7925 or email [email protected] to book an initial consultation. Please also see contact page for other pages such as social media profiles and links.