Protecting your confidentiality is of the upmost importance to us. We are ethically and legally constrained not even to acknowledge that you are a client unless you give your written consent. The only exceptions are the following potential dangers which the law requires us to report:

• Suspected child abuse or adult dependent abuse.

• If a patient poses an imminent danger to another person.

• If a patient poses imminent danger himself or herself. We will make every effort to work with a patient to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

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• Attempt to clarify your goals, and/or what you hope to get out of the experience

• Consider how you feel about the counselling relationship

• Be an active participant

• Focus on what is most important to you

• Recognize and express feelings

• Be patient with yourself

• Ask questions

People come to psychotherapy for varying reasons and with different hopes and expectations. Some have tried psychotherapy before and found it useful. Others have had a mixed or even sub-par experience with therapy but in a difficult time, recognize the need for outside assistance and hope for a better experience this time. Frequently, the impetus for therapy is some kind of a life crisis or difficult passage. Many arrive sad, confused, overwhelmed, hopeless and may be going through a “dark night of the soul.” In such times, a skilled and caring therapist can make the suffering bearable and help facilitate change.

Some clients are already doing quite well in their lives and are looking to uncover additional energy and creativity with the help of a trained guide. Together, we carefully investigate potential blocks and defenses that are no longer working, discovering new ways of being in the world. A renewed and deeper sense of self begins to emerge.

The severity of the issue(s) and the level of need determine the course and length of your treatment. We provide both short-term (typically less than 15 sessions) or long-term individual psychotherapy. Short-term psychotherapy can be very helpful for a specific problem, while more complex concerns (such as trauma, abuse, etc.) usually require longer-term therapy. The length of therapy will be discussed early on your treatment, and will be revised as needed as treatment progresses. Some indicators that it may be time to end therapy:

• You have found positive or rewarding ways to take care of yourself such that your distress is reduced or eliminated.

• You have gained enough insight into your behaviors such that you can be clear about what you want from the world

• and from yourself.

• You notice that you are free of the problems you first brought to therapy.

• You have a life that works on many different levels and is satisfying, most of the time

Therapy and counselling can provide numerous benefits for individuals seeking to improve their mental health and well-being. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:

1. Provides a safe space to express emotions and thoughts: Therapy provides a confidential and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions and thoughts without fear of criticism or repercussion.

2. Helps to develop coping skills: Therapists can help individuals develop healthy coping strategies to deal with life stressors and difficult situations.

3. Increases self-awareness: Therapy can help individuals gain a better understanding of themselves, their behaviors, and their patterns of thinking.

4. Improves communication skills: Therapy can help individuals learn effective communication skills that can improve their relationships with others.

5. Reduces symptoms of mental health disorders: Therapy can be an effective treatment for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

6. Enhances problem-solving skills: Therapy can help individuals develop problem-solving skills and identify solutions to challenges in their lives.

7. Promotes personal growth: Therapy can help individuals work on personal goals and achieve a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their lives.

8. Develop a stronger support system of friends, family members, and other healthcare professionals that can help you in times of need.

These mental health professionals all support emotional well-being, but their roles and training differ:

• Psychotherapist
  A psychotherapist is trained to help individuals explore emotions, behaviours, and patterns using talk therapy. In Ontario, psychotherapists are regulated and often hold a Master’s degree in psychotherapy, counselling, or a related field. They cannot prescribe medication.

• Psychologist
  Psychologists often have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and specialize in assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions. They use psychological testing and therapy, but in most provinces, they cannot prescribe medication.

• Psychiatrist
  Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medications.

The first session (initial assessment session) allows you and your therapist to get to know one another. This first meeting lasts 50 minutes and will involve an initial assessment of your needs. This is a time for your therapist to become acquainted with your current struggles and your goals for therapy. It is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of your therapist and how they work.

You can expect questions from your therapist regarding your current symptoms, such as any feelings of anxiety or depression, as well as any current or previous medical conditions or medications you are taking. Your therapist may also explore your social and family history. Your therapist might also inquire about your day-to-day life as well as any stresses or difficulties you may be dealing with.

During this first session, it's vital to be open and honest with your therapist in order to help them better understand your situation and create a successful treatment plan for you. At the end of the first session, your therapist will share with you their initial clinical impressions and recommendations. There is no commitment for you at this point other than establishing whether or not you want to continue working with this therapist based on your experience during this first session.

A good fit with your therapist is key to effective therapy. You might be with the right therapist if:

• You feel safe, heard, and not judged

• You can be yourself, even when talking about hard things

• You feel supported but also gently challenged

• The therapist respects your pace and goals

• You notice gradual insight, growth, or emotional relief

It’s normal to need a few sessions to get a feel. Trust your instincts, therapy should feel like a partnership, not a performance.

We require a minimum 48-hour notice to avoid a late cancellation fee. This means if you do not show up for a scheduled appointment, and you have not notified your therapist at least 48 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session as booked.

Please note that in the case of a late arrival, appointments will still end at their scheduled time.

Our services may be covered under many extended health insurance plans that include coverage for a Registered Psychotherapist.

We encourage you to contact your insurance provider in advance to confirm the following:

• Whether services from a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) are covered

• What credentials do they require for reimbursement

• The amount of coverage you have remaining

• When your coverage resets

Some insurance providers may request a referral, although most do not.

Please note that we do not offer direct billing at this time. However, we will provide you with a detailed receipt, which you can use to submit your claim for reimbursement.