Frequently Asked Questions

Our services are covered by any insurance provider that provides coverage for Registered Psychotherapists (R.P.) or Psychologists (Ph.D. / Psy.D. / C.Psych.). Unfortunately, we are unable to bill insurance companies directly. Clients are responsible for paying the fee upfront and may then submit claims to their insurance provider for reimbursement of any covered portion. We recommend contacting your insurance company for specific details about your coverage.

Clinical supervision is required for licensure and continued professional growth according to the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and is mandatory while new therapists are acquiring the work hours necessary to be fully registered for independent practice with the CRPO. 

Clinical supervision is a process in which a more experienced mental health professional (often a licensed therapist or supervisor) provides guidance, support, and feedback to a less experienced clinician (such as a therapist-in-training or a newly licensed therapist). The goal of clinical supervision is to help the supervisee (your therapist) develop their professional skills, ensure ethical and effective practice, and support their emotional well-being in handling challenging cases. It typically involves case discussions, review of clinical work, and ongoing professional development. 

If your therapist is supervised, their supervisor plays a key role in your care. The supervisor has access to your file and can contribute to your treatment plan to ensure quality care. Since your therapist is practicing under the supervisor’s license, you are technically considered the supervisor’s client. This may result in the supervisor’s name appearing on your receipts or invoices, allowing insurance to cover your therapist’s services while they complete the full CRPO registration process.

The purpose of a free consultation is not to start therapeutic treatment, but to answer your questions, introduce you to our therapy style, help you to determine if we are a "good fit", and to explain briefly how we might approach your current concerns in future sessions.

Extensive research supports that the quality of the therapist-client relationship determines the success of therapeutic treatment more than anything else. It is thus very important to us that you feel secure in your choice of therapist. We encourage you to let us know of any worries you have about your therapist or therapy itself. If you show up and say "I'm worried therapy won't help me!" that's okay! If you finish our consult and you say "I don't think you're a good fit for me!" that is completely understandable. Even if it's scary or uncomfortable to be honest with us, know that we will always appreciate it. Our first priority is to make sure you feel in charge of your therapy journey — no matter who you start it with!

Free consultations are offered by phone or video-chat only.

Preparing for your Free Consultation:

• Complete the consent form, which will be sent to you by email before the consultation.

• Ensure that you are in a quiet place where you feel comfortable to speak freely and will not be overheard.

• Jot down any questions or concerns you have about treatment approaches or the therapy process, so that they can be addressed in your meeting.

In this first 50-minute session, your therapist will explain how therapy works and will explore the nature of your distress. Together you will discuss how therapy could help you to gain insight on what may be causing or worsening your symptoms, and determine the therapeutic goals on which you would like to focus. By the end of session,  you will have collaborated on a unique and individualized treatment plan. Your therapist may send you home with some scientifically validated assessments to help you both to gather relevant information on your personal history and current experience. 

Most importantly, an initial session should help you decide whether you feel comfortable and safe enough to allow your new therapist to accompany you on your therapeutic journey. We encourage you to let your therapist know of any concerns you have about therapy or the therapeutic relationship, as this can help your therapist ensure that your needs are being met fully.

Preparing for your first session:

• Complete the consent form, which will be sent to you by email before your session.

• Ensure that you are in a quiet place where you feel comfortable to speak freely and will not be overheard.

• Jot down any questions or concerns you have about treatment or the therapy process, so that they can be addressed in-session.

Trauma is an emotional, psychological, or physical response to an event or series of events that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Trauma can deeply affect a person's sense of safety, identity, and well-being, often leading to long-lasting effects on mental, emotional, and physical health. Traumatic experiences that compromise mental health tend to meet two criteria: 

A) your physical or emotional safety was compromised, and 

B) you experienced high levels of distress in response to the experience

Here are some examples:

• Being neglected, rejected, or abandonned by peers or loved ones

• Being displaced or unhoused

• Community violence or discrimination

• Distressing life transitions

• Emotional, physical, verbal or sexual abuse

• Experiences that threatened your physical or emotional safety

• Living, at any point in time, without the means to meet your physical needs

• Relational trauma: bullying, betrayal, alienation, 

• Experiencing a toxic power imbalance in an important relationship

• Sudden or traumatic loss

• Systemic oppression

• Witnessing a traumatic event, OR knowing a loved one experienced a traumatic event

Trauma can take many forms — sometimes trauma can look like the examples above, and other times it may show up in ways that are less obvious. Whether you want to refer to your experience as "trauma" or not is completely up to you. Regardless, you deserve to make meaning of, heal from, and release past hurts.

Trauma-informed therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to recognize and address the profound impact trauma can have on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. It is grounded in an understanding of how trauma affects the brain, body, and behavior, and tailors treatment to meet the unique needs of the individual. Rather than simply addressing trauma symptoms, trauma-informed therapy takes into account the long-term effects of trauma on a person's sense of safety, identity, and relationships. This approach is built on the principles of compassion, respect, and empowerment, fostering healing by co-creating a safe, trusting, supportive environment with another individual. By prioritizing a collaborative and supportive relationship, trauma-informed therapy works to avoid re-traumatization, focusing on building resilience, strength, and the client’s capacity for recovery.

Sometimes we struggle with our thoughts, feelings or behaviour and have no idea why. It can be hard to know what kind of help we need when we have difficulty putting words to our experience. The short answer to this question is: YES. In therapy I will "meet you where you're at" and we will work together to determine the meaning of your experience, and your needs moving forward. Exploration is key!

It is true that many seek out therapy when they are feeling distressed or struggling. However many people who are content and emotionally stable still enjoy the benefits of therapy! Anyone can engage in self-reflection and work towards self-growth. There is something very soothing about having a safe place to speak our minds, vent, and feel truly heard. 

Sometimes clients worry that their problems are not "big enough" or "bad enough" to warrant therapy. Know that no matter how you feel and no matter what you are bringing to therapy (seemingly "big" or "small"), it is important to us. Our therapists would love to talk about what's on your mind, no matter what it is.