Question 1

How many sessions of therapy do I need?

Accepted Answer

You’re not going to like this answer, but—it depends!  It's impossible to give you a magic number because each client is so unique. Your goals for therapy, area(s) of focus, time commitment, motivation for change, and budget all influence the duration of therapy differently from one individual to the next. Some clients report feeling an improvement after one session, and others need more time. Some clients may choose to attend therapy long-term as new goals evolve, or to maintain the positive changes already achieved.

Ultimately, you’re in the driver’s seat. It’s important that we work together to set clear expectations for therapy and check in regularly to assess our progress.

Question 2

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept most major credit cards and e-transfer. You can pay online any time on the day of your session, or I can charge your credit card on file at the end of each session. A receipt is emailed to you automatically upon payment.

Question 3

Is HST still applied to psychotherapy session rates?

Accepted Answer

Good news! As of June 20th, 2024 psychotherapy services are now officially tax exempt, which means I no longer have to charge HST on top of my own rate for sessions! This is a great step toward making therapy more financially accessible for clients.

Question 4

Are your services covered by my insurance / work benefits?

Accepted Answer

You will need to check your policy as coverage varies between employers. Your policy will specify the professional title(s) eligible for reimbursement (i.e., Registered Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Psychologist). My title is "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)" and many of my current clients report that my services are covered.

Question 5

Do you direct bill?

Accepted Answer

No. I do not currently offer direct billing for any insurance plans. Upon payment (credit or e-transfer) you're provided with an e-receipt via email for you to submit for reimbursement.

*Update (June 2024): I am exploring enrolling with Telus eClaims platform to begin offering easy direct billing for those with insurance/benefits coverage to help make accessing therapy easier and more efficient for my clients.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations made within 24 hours of your session start time will incur a fee of 50% of the regular rate billed to your credit card on file. Missed sessions without notice (“no-shows”) and clients who arrive more than 15 minutes late will be billed the full rate amount to your credit card on file and asked to reschedule their session.

I know life can be unpredictable at times. You can always request to switch to a virtual session if you’re not able to make it to the office due to unexpected illness, or childcare, transportation, or weather issues. Otherwise, please do your best to cancel or reschedule your session with a minimum of 24 hours notice.

Question 7

What is the free 15 minute consultation call about?

Accepted Answer

The relationship with your therapist is an important, maybe the most important, part of therapy. It can take time to find the therapist who is right for you. I offer a free 15 minute consultation call so you can get your questions answered and decide if we’re a good fit to work together. If you think we might be a good fit, let's chat!

Question 8

What should I expect at the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session, or “intake session”, is all about getting to know each other and getting comfortable with the process of therapy. I’ll ask you questions about your symptoms or events that brought you to therapy, lifestyle, health history, family and relationships, hobbies and interests, etc. By the end of this session we should have a shared understanding of your goals for therapy and a plan for our next session.

Question 9

How often should I come to therapy?

Accepted Answer

My approach is to leave this decision to you, but we'll discuss this together during your first session. There are several factors to consider, including the severity of your issue(s), your support needs, short- and long-term goals, availability, and coverage / budget.

In the beginning, I  suggest coming bi-weekly to start while we get to know each other and build momentum toward your goals. For clients who are experiencing more severe symptoms impacting their daily life, I recommend weekly as a starting point if that's manageable for you. We will also re-assess the frequency of sessions over time based on the progress made or changing needs or goals.

Question 10

What is psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is talk therapy focused on exploring your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and is intended to improve your mental health, overall wellbeing, and quality of life.

Question 11

Who can practice psychotherapy in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, psychotherapy is a controlled act and only regulated professionals registered with their appropriate College (e.g., College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) are allowed to practice. Currently, regulations and professional titles vary by province.

Question 12

Is psychotherapy covered by OHIP?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. Psychotherapy is not currently covered by OHIP. If cost is a barrier to seeking mental health support, Ontario residents can now dial 2-1-1 to be connected with community and social resources.

Question 13

What modalities of psychotherapy do you use?

Accepted Answer

I use integrative approach drawing on theories and techniques from a range of modalities including:
Rogerian Person Centred Therapy 
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Psychodynamic 
Mindfulness
Attachment Theory 
Ultimately, the research supports that the most important factor influencing outcomes in therapy is the strength of the therapeutic relationship, not the modality used.

Question 14

What is EMDR?

Accepted Answer

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a somatic-based (physical) technique for treating issues related to past trauma and PTSD. Practitioners must be trained and certified through an EMDRIA approved program in order to practice this form of therapy. I currently do not offer EMDR but may pursue certification in the future.

Question 15

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioural therapy is considered the gold-standard evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. CBT techniques help you to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that are contributing to your mental health issues (e.g., anxiety). This treatment approach focuses on understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected and helps you to develop problem-solving skills to manage your challenges and meet your goals.

Question 16

What if my policy doesn't cover psychotherapy or a Registered Psychotherapist?

Accepted Answer

Some employers choose to include only Social Worker or Psychologist in their group benefits packages which limits your choice of providers to work with. Attached is a sample letter that you can edit and send to your employer's benefits administrator and / or the insurance company holding your policy to advocate for expanded mental health coverage to include registered psychotherapists.

Frequently Asked Questions