Our goal is to provide you with clear and informative responses to alleviate any concerns that you may have about therapy.
What could I expect from my first session?
We want your first session to be productive, helpful, and supportive. Your therapist will aim to understand your concerns and what you hope to achieve in therapy. The therapist may also inquire about your background, current challenges, and any relevant medical or psychological history as this information will help your therapist best support you in your therapeutic journey.
The therapist may also inquire about your background, current challenges, and any relevant medical or psychological history. This information will help your therapist best support you in your therapeutic journey.
Your therapist will also discuss your goals for therapy and in subsequent sessions, they will collaboratively work towards your goals.
How confidential is therapy and what are the limits to my confidentiality?
Your confidentiality is protected by law and all interactions, including sessions, phone calls, and email correspondences are kept strictly confidential and cannot be shared with anyone without your consent.
However, there are extreme exceptions to this. For example, when someone’s life is at risk, abuse of a vulnerable person, or a court order, we may need to breach confidentiality. Therapists may also consult with colleagues or supervisors to seek guidance and receive professional advice, but the clients’ identities are kept anonymous in these situations.
Your therapist will also discuss your goals for therapy and in subsequent sessions, they will collaboratively work towards your goals.
We encourage open communication throughout this process. We will also respect your autonomy and will always work at a pace that is comfortable for you.
How much does therapy cost per hour (50 min) session?
For individual therapy, the cost is $200 per hour session (50 min). The fee covers the therapist’s time and expertise.
For couples therapy, family therapy or child/youth therapy, the cost is $220 per hour session (50 min). This is due to the additional complexity and dynamics involved in working with multiple individuals in a session.
It is important to mention that some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on factors such as financial needs. If affordability is a concern, it is advisable to discuss payment options with your therapists.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel or reschedule the session at least 48 hours beforehand. If you cancel or reschedule a session with less than 48 hours notice or fail to show up, you will be charged the full session fee.
This policy is in place to allow us ample time to offer the time slot to other clients who may need our service and to compensate our therapists for the time and effort scheduled specifically for you.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting our cancellation policy.
Are the therapists covered under insurance?
Our therapists are covered under most insurance policies. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine if our services are covered under your plan.
If your plan covers therapy, we are happy to give you a receipt which you could submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
What are the available payment options?
Visas and Mastercards are accepted as forms of payment. Payment is due at the end of each session and a receipt will be sent via email once payment is received.
What qualifications and experience do the therapists have?
The therapists hold a Master’s degree in psychology at the minimum. They are certified by the regulatory body of Ontario and all hold a Registered Psychotherapist license.
Do the therapists specialize in a particular type of therapy?
Yes, the therapists have diverse backgrounds, specializations and various therapeutic approaches. Some of the approaches we specialize in include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gestalt, Somatic-Based Therapies, and Narrative Therapy.
We understand that different individuals have unique needs and our therapists are trained to tailor their approach to best suit your needed goals.
Therapy didn’t help me in the past. How will I know if it will help me now?
Although we cannot guarantee results, we want you to know that we utilize evidence-based modalities that have been proven to be effective in helping individuals with various mental health issues. We also use different tools to measure and evaluate progress over time. By regularly monitoring your progress, the therapist can provide you with feedback on improvements and identify any areas that need additional attention. If progress is insufficient or plateaus, we take necessary steps to improve your circumstances. This might mean reassessing the goals or the therapeutic approach or even referring you to another therapist if it is warranted.
Also, we encourage our clients to share their specific concerns and preferences, as therapy is a collaborative process and their input is crucial to the process.
I am part of a minority group. Could a therapist help me?
Our therapists are trained to provide culturally competent care and to be sensitive to the needs and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including minority groups.
Our therapists also have experience working with clients from different backgrounds and knowledge and training in culturally competency.
It can be helpful to discuss your specific needs or concerns with the therapist during the initial consultation. This can help you gauge whether they are a good fi for you and your unique experiences.
If you don’t feel comfortable with the therapist or feel that they may not understand your background, then it is perfectly acceptable to seek another therapist who is better fit for you. Ultimately, it is important for us that you find a therapist who creates a safe and inclusive space where you can open up and explore your thoughts and feelings.
What happens if I don’t feel comfortable with the therapist?
If you don’t feel comfortable with the therapist, please share your concerns with the therapist. They are not easily offended and want to ensure that you feel safe, supported and comfortable during therapy. The therapist will make adjustments to better suit your needs. If it is warranted, they may refer you to another therapist who specializes in an approach that aligns more with your needs and preferences.
How can therapy complement any medical treatment that I am receiving?
Therapy can complement medical treatments by providing additional support and addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of your overall well-being. For instance, therapy could provide you with a safe and supportive space to express your feelings, fears, and concerns related to your medical treatment.
A therapist could help you navigate the emotional ups and downs, provide validation, and assist in developing coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
Can I attend therapy while I am taking anti-depressant medication?
Yes, it is common for individuals to attend therapy while taking anti-depressant medication. Therapy can address various factors that contribute to depression, such as negative thought patterns, unresolved traumas, relationship issues, or challenging life circumstances. It provides an opportunity for you to explore and gain insight into the underlying causes of your depression, learn coping skills, develop healthy ways to think and behave and foster resilience.
If you need consultation regarding your medication, it is important to consult with your family physician or psychiatrist.
How do I start therapy?
We recommend beginning with a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our qualified therapists. This initial consultation serves as an opportunity for you to discuss your needs, goals, and concerns directly with the therapist. It allows you to get a sense of their approach and decide if they are a good fit for you.
During the consultation, the therapist can address any questions or concerns you may have and provide you with insights into how they can support you in your therapeutic journey.