Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing to work with a psychotherapist and make a commitment to therapy is an important decision, and not always a straightforward one to make.  To help you in your process I’ve put together some common questions people have when looking for a therapist. 

Therapy costs, is it worth it?

Yes, therapy does cost money. It’s an investment in yourself – your relationship with yourself, with others and your emotional and psychological well being. In the same way we invest in our vacations, homes, cars, education and physical health – psychotherapy is an investment in you and your life. Investing in psychotherapy is a courageous act of self care.

What makes psychotherapy successful?

The two most important pieces in successful psychotherapy are finding the right therapist and being committed to invest in ourselves (or our teenagers if they’re coming to therapy) in order to bring about and create deep and lasting change.

What happens in the initial consultation?

We’ll meet, you’ll tell me more about yourself, your history, your current life, what’s brought you to therapy today, your needs and goals in therapy. In us meeting, you’ll get a sense of who I am and how I work, you’ll also see how experience talking with me, and being in my office – this will help you decide if you want to work with me. If you decide that you do, and it seems like a good fit from my perspective, we’ll look at how we go forward with therapy. If, for whatever reason, you or I decide it’s not a good fit (I’m not offended if you decide I’m not the right therapist for you), I will give you some names of other therapists that might be.

If you are a parent/s looking for therapy for your son or daughter, you and I will meet at this appointment –  your son or daughter doesn’t come. This is because we’ll cover a lot of ground at this meeting that can be boring for teenagers. 

How does on-line psychotherapy work?

We meet via an online secure, HIPAA compliant site. I’ll call you from my office at the appointment time and end the call at the end, just as happens at an in-person appointment. You’ll need a safe and quiet room for privacy, using your computer, iPad or smart phone. 

Some people are concerned that on-line therapy will feel impersonal, however research shows that on-line therapy is just as successful as in-person therapy. I engage in personal therapy on line, so can let you know from personal experience that it is different doing therapy from the comfort of my own home rather than travelling to a therapists office, and it’s just as good!  Nonetheless, some people do like to come to an in person appointment when they can, which you are welcome to do so. As a Registered Psychotherapist, I am able to work with people living in Ontario, not other provinces or countries. 

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a talking therapy where you and the world can slow down for an hour. You can deeply connect, reflect and explore yourself as a unique person. This leads to deeper clarity and understanding of you and your needs so that you can begin to heal and make that are holding you back from moving towards your goals. Psychotherapy is a safe, supportive, non judgemental and confidential environment. It is a collaborative process, you will work hard in your therapy journey and I will support and challenge you.  Though it will be tough and painful at times, you will also experience growth, healing and freedom.

What you need in therapy is unique to you and will change over time. When you first start therapy you may predominantly  need understanding and support ; this may shift to explore strategies to help you reach your goals.  We’ll talk about your needs over the course of your therapy.

What kinds of issues to do you help people with?

There are many issues people struggle with and I can help with –  too many to list here. You may be struggling with pain from your childhood, a life transition, an eating disorder, self harm,  loss, parenting challenges,  betrayal, disappointment, depression, anxiety, lack of boundaries, or a sense of dissatisfaction in yourself and life.

You may not know what you’re struggling with, you just know you’re in pain and want it to stop. That’s ok too – the process of therapy starts where you’re at right now. You may not be in pain or distress but want to grow in yourself and relationships. The most important thing in coming to therapy is a willingness to acknowledge your needs and commitment to yourself.

Is psychotherapy confidential?

Yes, completely confidential. There are limits to this within the law however; for example if you or someone else is at risk of harm or abuse. We’ll go over this in more detail when we meet.

How long and how often are sessions?

Sessions are 50 minutes long. It’s therapeutically best we meet weekly; research and my experience as a therapist shows that this consistency is key to developing a strong therapeutic relationship.

How long will I need to come to therapy for?

This varies, everyone’s needs and goals are different. Some people come for a few months, others a year or longer.

Is coming to therapy a sign of weakness?

Absolutely not! Acknowledging you’re struggling and seeking help is courageous and can take enormous strength. We all struggle at times in our life, and seeking help for your emotional and mental well being is just as important as seeking help for your physical health.  To be human is to struggle, experience pain and need support.

Do you take insurance?

No, I don’t. You will need to contact your provider to see if Registered Psychotherapists are partially or fully covered. I will provide you with receipts so that you can be reimbursed.

What are your fees?

If you go to “Services” on the home page you’ll see this and other useful information there.