FAQs

In this section, I answer common questions.

How does insurance work?

I have a completely private pay practice. However, many extended health benefits cover some or all of the cost of my services. Confirm with your health insurance provider (either through your employer or the employer of one of your family members) to see if services for Registered Psychotherapy are covered. If you’re outside Ontario and still within Canada, check to see if services for Counseling or a Certified Counsellor are covered. I will issue you a receipt so that you can submit it for reimbursement.

What is a Registered Psychotherapist?

In Ontario, the act of psychotherapy is controlled by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. A Registered Psychotherapist (RP), as defined by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), is a regulated mental health professional authorized to provide psychotherapy services within the scope of practice outlined in Ontario's Psychotherapy Act, 2007. This involves using a therapeutic relationship to help clients make positive changes in thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and overall mental well-being. RPs work collaboratively with clients to address emotional, psychological, and interpersonal challenges through evidence-based techniques and approaches. They adhere to the CRPO's professional, ethical, and competency standards to ensure safe and effective care.

Are you a Registered Psychotherapist ?

Yes, I have completed my Master's degree in psychotherapy, along with the required direct client hours, supervised practice hours, and the exam mandated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) to become a Registered Psychotherapist.

I’m not living in Ontario, can I still work with you?

It’s very possible. I can provide therapy or psychotherapy services to clients living in most provinces and territories in Canada, as I am registered in the province of Ontario, which is a regulated province for Psychotherapy.

When are your session hours?

I have both day and evening appointments available. Please contact me to find a time that best suits your needs.

What are your rates?

For a standard 50-minute session, my fee is $160 per session for individuals and $170/couple.

How long will I be in therapy?

In the initial stages of therapy, my approach is geared towards offering you immediate support. This enables us to address short-term concerns and lay the groundwork for sustainable, long-lasting changes.

It's important to understand that therapy is not a linear process with a fixed timeline. Human experiences are multifaceted, and the full impact of therapeutic interventions may unfold over weeks, months, or even years. Some individuals choose to engage in therapy for an extended period to maintain progress and accountability, while others prefer to acquire tools and return periodically for check-ins.

The beauty of therapy lies in its adaptability to individual needs. While I am committed to supporting you for as long as necessary, I also believe in empowering clients to develop self-efficacy. Together, we can determine a suitable timeframe for your therapeutic journey, typically ranging from 6 to 12 sessions, although this may vary based on your unique circumstances and goals.

What can I expect from my first session?

During your initial session, we'll cover some administrative details related to the therapeutic process, including virtual counseling, as well as confidentiality agreements. Following this, I'll dedicate time to understanding you better and your aspirations for therapy.

Expect to share aspects of your personal history, current challenges, and areas of struggle, which we'll align with your goals, relationships, interests, and strengths. If you feel comfortable opening up about your personal concerns and we mutually agree to continue our collaboration, we'll outline a treatment plan together.

Many individuals experience a sense of momentum and relief right from their first session, as we begin to explore avenues for change and growth together.

How often do I need to attend therapy?

The short answer is — assuming you’re not coming for a single-session appointment — regularly. I can suggest what would make sense, but often it’s having a session every week or every two weeks to start. The regular, consistent attendance of therapy ensures we get and keep the momentum and effectiveness of the therapeutic work.

What kind of therapy do you do and how does it work?

I use an integrative approach, blending humanistic and psychodynamic psychotherapy modalities. My guiding philosophy is to view and assist you as a complete individual, encompassing mind, body, and soul, rather than merely through the lens of a specific diagnosis.

This means that I prioritize grasping your unique worldview. With this understanding, I create a supportive environment for you to explore your challenges. Through deliberate and insightful questioning, I guide you towards actionable steps aimed at cultivating confidence, self-advocacy, motivation, healthy boundaries, and fulfilling relationships. I carefully attend to your language and, when appropriate, gently encourage you to consider alternative perspectives on your thoughts, emotions, and circumstances. By highlighting your strengths and adaptive abilities, I help you recognize the resources and strategies available to navigate your daily life and progress towards your overarching goals.

Together, we engage in practices such as values exploration, mindfulness techniques, fostering regulation of your nervous system and fostering a sense of compassion and tranquility.

Throughout our collaboration, you may undergo transformative experiences as we explore shifts in your perceptions of yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. Our focus extends beyond immediate relief to facilitating lasting and sustainable changes that promote your overall well-being.