Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it’s the right time for me to seek psychotherapy?
If an issue is causing distress or interfering with your daily life, it could be time to seek therapy. Distress can manifest in negative thoughts, negative feelings, maladaptive behaviours, fatigue or physical pain. If you are feeling unhappy, overwhelmed and hopeless regarding issues in your life, it may be best to seek therapy. Some other reasons you might want to speak with a therapist are:
- You feel stuck or trapped in patterns of thought or behaviour that no longer serve you well
- You have gone through or are going through a significant life change
- You have lost a loved one
- You are going through a difficult breakup or are struggling in an unhealthy relationship
- You want to know how to communicate your thoughts and feelings more effectively
- Your mental health is interfering with your physical health or vice versa
Is Psychotherapy covered by insurance?
My services may be covered in full or partially by your extended health insurance or employee benefits plan. Please confirm with your insurance provider that psychological services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist are covered. If my services are not covered by your insurance plan, you can still claim them on your income tax return as a medical expense. A receipt will be provided at the end of every session.
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Psychotherapist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication as a treatment for mental illnesses or disturbances. A Psychologist assesses and diagnoses problems in thinking, feeling and behaviour. Psychologists conduct psychological testing to help with the assessment and diagnosis of mental health issues. Psychotherapy is the treatment of emotional and personal problems that involves a talking relationship between a therapist and client. Psychotherapists use a variety of therapeutic tools to support their clients to overcome their challenges. Click here for more information.
How long and how frequent are my sessions?
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes in duration. The frequency of these sessions varies depending on the needs and preferences of the client. I recommend beginning with weekly visits for the first few sessions to establish rapport and build trust.
What can I expect in my first session?
Your first session is mainly an intake. We will explore your primary concerns, as well as your history and background. During this time you may find yourself talking about your current symptoms or struggles, your relationships, your interests, your strengths and your goals for therapy. The first session sets the tone for the rest of our work together and lays the foundation for us to build a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. It is not uncommon to feel some anxiety seeing a therapist for the first time. With this in mind, my goal is for you to feel comforted, validated and heard.
Do I need to download anything for my online appointment?
Online appointments are best experienced on a computer or laptop using Chrome or Firefox. If you’re on an iOS device (iPhone, iPad) you will need the free Jane Online Appointments app.
How do I begin/join my online appointment?
You can begin your online appointment either by joining from the appointment reminder email I will send you before our scheduled appointment, or via your My Account. Click here if you have any other questions about logging onto online appointments.
Is an online appointment safe and secure?
Yes! I use Jane, which is PIPEDA and HIPAA compliant and addresses the major privacy concerns around telehealth.
How do I pay for my appointment?
Your payment information will be collected at the end of the session. You can pay via credit card or e-transfer and will be provided a receipt for your records.