Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of psychotherapy/counselling?

  Therapy is meant to be a process of finding effective tools to improve your life in a variety of mental-health related areas. I believe you are the expert on your life and If what you are doing has not worked, finding new ideas and trying out new strategies with the support of a highly trained therapist could lead you to finding key solutions to areas where you have been struggling.

• What is your approach to Therapy?

  We take an individualized, client centred approach to supporting you by listening to your concerns through completing a thorough assessments where needed and providing detailed information on your background and lifestyle and your goals and then collaboratively developing a clear action plan “roadmap” of how to work towards change. The approaches used include Gottman; CBT; Emotionally Focused Therapy and more. Completing therapy “homework” is an important component of successful therapy we like to provide homework exercises to be completed between sessions.Workbooks and readings are a possible example of homework.

• What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

  When facing anxiety or depression, medication in conjunction with psychotherapy has been researched and found to be one of the most effective strategies. The decision as to whether to take medication or not is a medical decision and a personal decision, which is best decided upon in conjunction with your doctor. If you are not sure about medication, or do not feel medication is right for you, psychotherapy alone may be all that you need, and many individuals make the decision to try psychotherapy first and see if this will be enough to effect change. We recommend that you speak to your doctor in regards to questions about medication and if it is right for you.

• Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

  To determine if you have mental health insurance coverage through your benefits provider, the first thing you should do is call and check with your insurance provider or a designated HR person at your place of work.

  Potential Questions to Ask;

  What are the limits of coverage? Either in a dollar amount or in number of visits covered.

  Does my coverage include working with a certified counsellor, counselling therapist or marriage and family therapist. Or will it only include working with a Registered Social Worker or Psychologist?

  Is a doctors referral required?

• What does confidentiality really mean in therapy?

  Confidentiality is an important subject to be clear on in counselling. Confidentiality is imperative in building a trusting relationship with your therapist. According to ethical guidelines in the practice of psychotherapy, the role of the therapist is to: To maintain the confidentiality of the client, unless one or more of the following conditions are met: (1)You may be a danger to yourself or others(2) there is a reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect in relation to a minor child, person with a disability, or the elderly (3)your written and signed request that I disclose your information. You recognize that in such circumstances, that I have a legal and ethical responsibility to my professional association to notify the proper authorities.

  It is appropriate to consult with a professional colleague to improve the quality of my service to you; the information shared is non-identifying and the information shared is restricted to the information necessary to aide in meeting your desired goals and to assist me in providing adequate service. This colleague will also be held to the rules of confidentiality. This is an extremely common practice with any counsellor/psychotherapist that you would see. You initiate a legal action whereupon I may use information from my records to defend myself. To limit their counselling services and practices to those within the scope of their professional competence. If they determine that they are ethically unable to provide services, they will work with the client to arrange for an appropriate referral. 

• How long will it take?

  Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

  You and your therapist will discuss the length of time for therapy together and decide on what fits for you, your partner and your schedule that allows you to achieve your goals in a realistic timeframe.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

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