Frequently Asked Questions

Our first session will be more like a two way interview. I’ll get to know you, and you’ll get to know me. I will ask you questions to help me better understand your primary issues and concerns, as well as your history in terms of other events in your life, family, childhood, and career. However, you are welcome to ask questions too. In order for therapy to be successful, it is imperative we establish a client/therapist relationship that is supportive and honest.

Your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance. Information will not be communicated, directly or indirectly, to a third party without your informed and written consent.

The following are legal and ethical exceptions to your right to confidentiality. I would inform you of any time when I think I will have to put these into effect.

1. In situations where there is a court order, I am legally required to submit the requested information or documents.
2. If I have good reason to believe that you will harm another person, I must attempt to inform that person and warn them of your intentions. I must also contact the police and ask them to protect your intended victim.
3. If I have good reason to believe that you are abusing or neglecting a child or vulnerable adult, or if you give me information about someone else who is doing this, I must inform Child Aid’s Society (pursuant the Child and Family Services Act). I would inform you before I took this action.
4. If I believe that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself, steps would be take to offset the consequences of such action.
5. If you tell me of the behaviour of another named health or mental health care provider that informs me that this person has either a.) engaged in sexual contact with a patient, including yourself or b.) is impaired from practice in some manner by cognitive, emotional, behavioural, or health problems, then the law (the Regulated Health Professions Act) requires me to report this to their licensing college. I would inform you before taking this step. 

My practice is registered with most providers. Please check with your insurance provider to determine whether you have coverage for services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist.

Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions to your insurance provider:

• Do I have insurance that covers psychotherapy? 
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• Is a referral required from my primary care physician?

Psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).

There’s no one-size fits all answer to this question, as the length of psychotherapy varies from one individual to another. The duration of therapy sessions depends on multiple factors, including the nature and complexity of your presenting difficulties, and your openness to change.

When choosing a therapist, it is important to find someone that will understand your situation. Likewise, you want to feel at ease when sharing your feelings and thoughts. My goal as a psychotherapist is to work as a team to explore alternative ways to deal with challenges.