What types of therapy do you use?

We use many different kinds of therapeutic strategies and tools, depending on the client(s) and their struggles. Please visit our About page to view details about each therapists’ specific experience and training, which includes Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman Couples Counselling. We will also use our professional judgement regarding the type of therapy used and adjust as needed throughout our work together, based on the needs and goals of clients.

How will I know if we’re a good “fit”?

Research has shown that regardless of modality used, rapport between the client and therapist is key for success in counselling. A few things to ask yourself in the first few sessions in order to assess this key factor include:

·      Do I feel safe with my therapist?

·      Can I be open/honest with my therapist?

·      Can I trust my therapist?

·      Do I feel heard and seen by my therapist?

If for any reason you do not feel that we are a good fit, please tell us! Your therapeutic needs and feeling of safety are our priority and we will gladly provide referrals to other clinicians who may be a better fit.

Can I choose who I see for counselling and psychotherapy?

Yes, absolutely! When you create an online account, please indicate your preference. After creating an account we will also send you our online intake forms where you can indicate if you have a preference of counsellor (or no preference). If at any time you change your mind, please let us know and we can adjust your account as needed.

What should I expect in my first session?

Initial sessions are 60-75 minutes long depending on your therapist and provide an opportunity for us to get to know one another and decide if it will be a good “fit”. We will also discuss logistics (like scheduling) and go over some paperwork together. The majority of our first session will be spent talking about your hopes and goals for therapy, as well as going over some of your history, and sharing about some of your current struggles.

How does online counselling work?

We offer both in-person counselling at our office at 75 Elgin Street as well as online counselling via our secure platform called Owl Practice. This is a system that uses your existing internet browser (i.e., Google Chrome) to provide video sessions. It was developed and is maintained in Toronto, Ontario with all servers in Toronto and Montreal. It is compliant with our provincial privacy legislation, PHIPA, as well as nationally with the PIPEDA and with the American HIPAA. The software uses a password-protected profile for you to book appointments, access paperwork and forms, communicate with the therapist via messages, pay for counselling sessions, and participate in online counselling sessions. The online appointments can be booked via the client’s profile and video sessions are accessed via this same account. We have done research on the latest videoconferencing software to ensure that we are using the safest system possible in order to keep you and your information safe.

Are you covered by my health benefits?

Please check each therapist’s bio on our About page to confirm their licence title in order to assess your coverage. Some of our therapists are also approved to provide services through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program (NIHB) available to First Nations and Inuit peoples who carry Indian status.

Please be sure to verify with your insurance provider prior to your appointment that your benefits will cover counselling provided by someone with the same designation as your therapist. Also be aware that if your therapist is under direct supervision from a therapist with a different designation (i.e., an RP is being directly supervised by an RSW), you may also be able to be reimbursed under the supervisor’s title.

Some insurance companies require services to be provided by someone with a master’s degree. Please be advised that all of our therapists have completed a master’s degree, with our students being in the process of completion.

After paying for services, you will be provided with an emailed receipt which you can then submit to your extended health benefits provider for reimbursement.

Can I claim this as a medical expense on my income tax?

Psychotherapy and dietitian services are approved medical expenses with the Canada Revenue Agency and can be claimed as such on your income taxes. Please keep all receipts.

Who will you provide updates or notes to (doctor, psychiatrist, parole officer, parents)?

We can provide summary letters or copies of clinical notes at your request, provided that we have a signed consent from you to do so. This is the only way that we are legally able to provide information about our sessions to anyone else, with the exceptions outlined in Limits of Confidentiality (see next question). Otherwise, we are not able to provide anyone with information about you or what we discuss (this includes family members and partners/spouses). Please keep in mind that the same fee rate as sessions will apply to any letters or document requests.

What are the Limits of Confidentiality?

There are 4 circumstances in which we are obligated to share your information without first obtaining your consent:

1. If you disclose that you have a serious intent to harm yourself or someone else, we are obligated to call someone to take you to safety. We are also obligated to contact the person you intend to harm to let them know of your intentions so they can stay safe.

2. If you disclose information that indicates a child needs protection, we must contact the Children’s Aid Society (or applicable child protection agency).

3. If you disclose that another registered healthcare provider has abused you, we have a duty to report this to their relevant professional college.

4. If notes from our sessions are subpoenaed by the court, we are obligated to provide them to the court, and they will become part of the court’s record.

*If any of these circumstances arise, we will do everything we can to inform you and work through this with you to maintain our therapeutic relationship.

What are your fees?

Please visit our About page to see each therapist’s specific session fees. These vary based on experience, training, number of participants, and session length, but range from $90 for our student therapists to $205 per 60 minute session of individual psychotherapy for our most senior therapists.

How do I book an appointment?

Take a look at our About page to see which therapist may be the best fit for you. After you have decided on your preferred therapist, click on Book an Appointment to create an account with our online booking platform. Within 24 hours we will activate your account and send online intake forms via email. After these have been completed, we will reach out to confirm if you are able to book and appointment or have been added to a waitlist, depending on your therapist selection.

Were we able to answer all of your questions?

If not, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can discuss them together.