When we use the word psychotherapy, we are referring to the process of working with a skilled therapist who uses evidence-based therapeutic interventions to help you explore, understand, manage and cope with difficult experiences, emotions and various life transitions.

Psychotherapy defined The definition of psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, behavior, or emotional problems within a therapeutic relationship. The reality is that many people would benefit from some form of therapy at one point or another in their lives. People choose psychotherapy for a wide range of reasons including life difficulties, emotional distress, relationship problems, stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, nightmares, shame, guilt, isolation, feeling stuck, disturbing thoughts or memories, being ineffective at work, unhealthy behaviors, a desire for personal growth, better self-awareness

Great question! The first session may be a longer (90min) in order to complete the initial assessment process. Sessions are either 60min or 90min based on your choice. In the first few sessions, we will explore what has brought you to therapy, the context of the issues, your life circumstances, and your goals are therapy. You may be asked to complete some questionnaires so that we can monitor your progress in therapy.

Meeting with a therapist will allow you to work through your stressors and help develop healthier, realistic and effective strategies to reach your goals. This is done by several approaches to psychotherapy and some of the therapeutic models used are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-based therapies.

CONFIDENTIALITY

What you share is confidential and it is not shared without your permission. However, there are some rare exceptions including the following:

• If I have information about risk of abuse or neglect to a child

• If I believe that you are at risk of serious harm to yourself or another person

• If I am required by law to release information, e.g. such as receiving a subpoena

• When disclosure is needed to receive professional or legal consultation

• If I perceive the need to report another professional to their professional body

• If I must defend myself against a complaint filed with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario or any other court action

There may be times where I share anonymous information about a client within the confidential context of supervision or consultation, for the purpose of providing the highest quality care in the benefit of the client. However, neither the person's name nor any other identifying information would be discussed.

Nope! You do not need a referral to book an appointment. We welcome everyone seeking assistance reaching life goals.

It depends as each person is different. This can be because people often suppress uncomfortable emotions – the same emotions that may be stirred up in therapy. Although feeling emotions that have been buried is a necessary part of the process, it can be uncomfortable. Ultimately, however, it does provide relief, healing and transformation.

The relationship with the therapist is a critical change factor in therapy. Although trust in the relationship takes time to develop, you should never feel judged or criticized. You need to feel confident that the therapist knows how to guide the process towards recovery. Also, if you have questions or concerns about therapy, the therapist should always be willing to discuss this with you in a respectful way.

While psychotherapy and social work are regulated health professions in Ontario, they are unfortunately not covered under OHIP, OW or ODSP.

The majority of extended health benefits, however, do cover psychotherapy and social work services (typically in your health and dental insurance package from your employer). We encourage you to speak with your insurance provider about counselling services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist to determine your eligibility and approved rates of coverage. If your insurance company does not cover registered psychotherapists, you may want to learn more about what you can do to change this:

http://rptherapybenefits.ca/resources/resources-list.html.

We do not reimburse sessions if it turns out you do not have coverage.

Yes. As of 2015, Psychotherapy services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist are recognized as a medical expense eligible for tax credit by Revenue Canada for non-reimbursed services.

Yes, we do! Face to Face counselling appts are best however phone or online counselling may work better for clients who are not in crisis and have no safety concerns. Phone/Video eTherapy (online) counselling can be useful for clients with geographical or other obstacles for regular in-office appointments.

Phone and Video/eTherapy (online) rate is $160 per 60min session. Phone, video/eTherapy (online) is a viable option for busy professionals. Even in a distant city or town one can always receive help from an emotionally present experienced mental health professional like myself. I have worked with individuals with medical issues that restrict them from coming in. Video or e-Therapy (online) via Zoom, Skype or other safe methods are available. Please inquire if this is best for you.