Frequently asked questions:

Do you take insurance?
Yes, however, please check with your insurance policies to make sure that they cover either “clinical counsellors” or “psychotherapists.” Notably, please make sure they cover “Registered Psychotherapists,” as some insurances may only accept “Psychologists” or “Social workers.” Clients will be sent a receipt to submit to their insurance for reimbursement.

Are you covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately, no. However, psychiatrists are covered under OHIP.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and psychotherapist?
Psychotherapists can conduct assessments and treatments with clients.
Psychologists can conduct assessments, treatments, and diagnose clients.
Psychiatrists can conduct assessments, treatments, diagnose and prescribe medication to clients.

How long does therapy last? Do I have to see a therapist for my entire life?
Not at all! The length of therapy depends on your goals, needs, and the fit with your therapist. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions, while others find longer-term support helpful. You’re always welcome to return if life becomes more challenging. Coming back (even for familiar issues) doesn’t mean you’ve “failed” or “regressed,” it simply means you’re taking care of your needs and ready to explore and address what’s keeping you stuck.

How often do I need to go to therapy?
This also depends on a couple of factors, such as how severe your symptoms are and your treatment goals. When clients initially come into therapy, they may choose to either start once weekly, biweekly, or once a month for maintenance. We reduce treatment frequency as clients get better, and oftentimes clients will shift down to an “as-needed” basis. This means that once treatment goals are met or perhaps if a client’s schedule is unpredictable, we book sessions as deemed necessary by the client. Notably, I will suggest either increasing or decreasing treatment frequency depending on how clients are doing, but the goal is to get them to function independently outside of sessions and “graduate” from therapy.

What’s the difference between talking to a friend and going to therapy?
Being able to talk to a supportive and caring friend can certainly feel therapeutic! Friends can also lift your spirits when you’re feeling low or help ground you. However, the differentiating factor is that therapists receive ongoing training in mental health and must abide by an ethical code of conduct. Clients also find it reassuring that we maintain confidentiality and privacy in our sessions, and we are not connected to their lives outside of the therapeutic relationship.

Is everything confidential?
Yes, however, the circumstances in which confidentiality is broken is as follows:
You state that there are plausible plans to harm yourself and/or others;
You state that an identifiable child and/or a vulnerable person is being abused;
Being subpoenaed to court.

What’s the best kind of therapy?
The best kind of therapy is one that works with the client. I wouldn’t expect or generalize that one type of therapy is highly effective for all clients. We are all different and have different needs. The best therapy is one that is customized to the client’s needs, preferences and lifestyle.

What is considered a “good fit”?
You may have heard therapists state in their bio to reach out for a free consult to see if you might be a “good fit.” Being a good fit means that you feel comfortable with your therapist or feel that you can develop a good working relationship with your therapist, while the therapist feels that they have the competencies to help tackle your challenges with you.