How does therapy help?

Many people consider therapy when something in their life is not working. It may be a traumatic event or cumulative stress related to one or more issues such as career, workplace stresses, financial challenges, relationships, grief and loss or eldercare issues; just to name a few. Engaging in psychotherapy can bring a fresh perspective to an ongoing problem and point you in the direction of a new solution.

In addition to looking for solutions to problems, psychotherapy can be useful to:

• Set and achieve personal or professional goals

• Get in touch with emotions, learn how to express emotions, or learn how to manage emotions

• Better understand how your past is affecting your present.

What can I expect in a therapy session?

Typically, sessions are 50 minutes and are scheduled on a weekly basis at the beginning of therapy. Some people request longer sessions and this can be arranged. In your first session, we will talk about your current concerns, how they affect you and your goals for the therapy process.

Psychotherapy can be short-term or long-term depending on the nature and intensity of the issues you are facing. Therapy works best when you are an active participant both in and outside of the therapy sessions.

What kinds of concerns do you deal with?

While I deal with a variety of issues, some of the common concerns that clients bring forward include anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, eldercare, loss and grief, self-esteem, assertiveness, sexuality, work-life balance and stress.

Where is counselling provided?

I usually meet with clients in my downtown office at 84 Adelaide Street East (Church & Adelaide St).  

Remote sessions can also be arranged using Skype, FaceTime or phone and in special circumstances, I met with clients in either their home or in an institutional setting.

What is your fee policy and does insurance cover visits?

Fee Policy

• The fee for therapy is based on a 50-minute session and I have limited sliding scale spots available. Unless otherwise arranged, fees are to be paid at the beginning of each session by cash, credit card/debit, or cheque.

• Bank charges for NSF cheques will be charged back to the Client.

• A receipt will be provided for your records and can be used for insurance or income tax claims when applicable.

• There are additional fees for extended telephone consultations, reports, and letters.

Insurance

If you have private insurance, my services may be covered in full or part by your plan. To avoid surprises, you may want to check your coverage before starting therapy by asking the following questions:

• Do I have coverage for counselling by a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist?

• Is there is limit on number of sessions per calendar year?

• What is the coverage per session?

• Is a referral required?

What is your cancellation & late arrival policy?

If you are unable to keep your appointment and have not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, you will be charged for the session. If you arrive late for your appointment, we will use the time remaining in your scheduled session.

Are you LGBTQ and poly friendly?

Yes.  I value diversity and work with a variety of clients. I have considerable experience working with individuals and couples who identify as part of the LGBT community as well as the Polyamory Community.

What is my confidentiality & privacy policy

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without your written permission.

Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

• If a client intends to harm themself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. As a last resort, I will take further measures without their permission.