Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before getting started.
General
About Therapy
Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a collaborative process between you and a trained professional. It provides a confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and experiences. Through evidence-based techniques and a supportive relationship, therapy helps you develop insight, build coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in your life. It’s not about getting advice — it’s about developing the tools and self-understanding to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and clarity.
There’s no threshold you need to meet. If something in your life is causing you distress, affecting your relationships, your work, or your sense of self — therapy can help. You don’t need to be in crisis. Many people come to therapy for personal growth, self-understanding, or to work through a specific life transition. If you’re asking yourself whether you need therapy, that curiosity itself is a great reason to reach out.
Both psychotherapists and psychologists provide talk therapy, but there are some key differences. Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and can conduct psychological assessments and testing. Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) hold a master’s degree in a counselling-related field and are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Both are qualified to provide effective psychotherapy. The most important factor is the quality of the therapeutic relationship, not the specific credential.
The “Qualifying” designation means I have completed all educational requirements and am currently accumulating the supervised clinical hours required for full registration with the CRPO. I am fully trained, insured, and authorized to practice independently — I simply haven’t yet completed the required number of post-graduation practice hours. All of my clinical work is conducted under the supervision of an experienced Registered Psychotherapist, which provides an additional layer of quality assurance for my clients.
Getting Started
First Steps
The first session is all about getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what brought you to therapy, your background, your goals, and what you’re hoping to get out of our work together. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with — there’s no pressure. We’ll also discuss how I work, what you can expect from therapy, and begin to develop a sense of direction for our sessions. Most people leave the first session feeling relieved that they took the step.
For most people, I recommend starting with weekly sessions. This allows us to build momentum and develop a strong therapeutic relationship. As you start to feel more stable and confident, we can discuss moving to biweekly sessions or a reduced frequency. The pace is always collaborative — we’ll figure out what works best for you together.
It depends entirely on your goals, the complexity of what you’re working through, and how quickly you feel progress is being made. Some people find significant relief in 8–12 sessions; others benefit from longer-term support over several months or more. There’s no minimum commitment, and you’re free to end therapy at any time. We’ll check in regularly about your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
No referral is needed. You can contact me directly to book your free 15-minute consultation. If your doctor has recommended therapy, that’s great — but it’s not a prerequisite. You are welcome to self-refer at any time.
Practical Details
Fees, Insurance & Logistics
Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Please contact me for current rates. I believe therapy should be accessible, and I offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots for those who need financial flexibility. Don’t let cost be the reason you don’t reach out — we can have a conversation about what’s possible.
Many extended health insurance plans cover psychotherapy provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Coverage varies by plan — I recommend checking with your provider or your HR department to confirm your benefits. I provide receipts after each session that you can submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. I am also registered with several EAP (Employee Assistance Program) providers.
I require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be charged the full session fee. I understand that life happens — if an emergency comes up, please reach out and we’ll work something out. This policy exists to respect both your time and mine, and to ensure I can offer that spot to someone else who may need it.
Yes, with very few exceptions required by law. Everything you share in therapy is confidential. I am bound by the standards of practice set by the CRPO and by Ontario privacy legislation (PHIPA). The only exceptions to confidentiality are: if there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person, or if records are subpoenaed by a court of law. I will always discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the start of our work together.
That’s exactly what the free 15-minute consultation is for. We’ll have a brief, no-pressure conversation so you can get a sense of my style and personality, and I can learn a bit about what you’re looking for. The right therapeutic relationship is built on trust and comfort — and that starts from the very first interaction. If after our consult (or even a few sessions in) you feel I’m not the right fit, I’m happy to help you find someone who is.