Counseling and therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences with the support of a trained professional. The process involves identifying challenges, gaining insight into patterns or behaviors, and developing healthier coping strategies. Therapists may use different approaches depending on a client’s needs, such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or trauma-informed methods. Progress often occurs over time through consistent sessions, reflection, and collaboration between client and therapist.

Maybe, please be sure to review your coverage to confirm what you’re covered for. I do not bill directly but I do provide receipts for all sessions. You will have to seek compensation from your insurance provider.

Positive treatment outcomes in therapy are influenced by several well-researched factors known as common factors, as well as specific elements of the therapeutic approach. These include:

1. Therapeutic Alliance: A strong, trusting relationship between client and therapist is one of the most significant predictors of successful outcomes. This includes mutual respect, collaboration, and agreement on therapy goals.

2. Client Factors: A client's personal strengths, motivation, openness to change, support system, and life circumstances all play a key role in how effective therapy is.

3. Expectancy and Hope: A client’s belief that therapy can help, and the instillation of hope, are powerful contributors to improvement.

4. Therapist Factors: Therapist empathy, attunement, skill level, and ability to adapt to the client’s needs are critical. Cultural competence and authenticity also support positive outcomes.

5. Evidence-Based Techniques: While not the sole driver of success, using interventions that are shown to be effective for specific concerns can enhance progress, especially when tailored to the client.

Ultimately, therapy works best when there is a good match between client and therapist, a shared commitment to the process, and space for meaningful emotional exploration and insight.

However, sometimes talk therapy is not what was needed to begin with. If you think things aren’t going the way you hoped in therapy, bring this up.

A therapeutic modality is a structured method or approach (it should be based on evidence from rigorous study and testing) used by therapists to help address psychological, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Each modality is grounded in specific theories of human development, behavior, and healing, and provides tools or techniques to guide treatment. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is very common and among the most evidence supported techniques, focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotional regulation and mindfulness; Psychodynamic Therapy explores unconscious processes and past experiences; and Narrative Therapy helps clients reframe personal stories. There are many types of therapy. Choosing the right modality depends on your needs, goals, and preferences but don’t get too caught up in the technique of the therapist. Research shows that for most people, the quality of the therapeutic alliance is more important. This would be a good topic to discuss in your consultation.

There’s a lot that goes into this but basically, find someone you like. The therapeutic relationship is similar to any healthy relationship; do you trust them, do they hold you in positive regard, do you feel safe and validated? Take advantage of free consultations and meet with as many as you can before choosing. Consultations are like a miniature job interview for a therapist and you’re the hiring manager.

In therapy, you can expect a supportive and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I will work with you to clarify your goals, help you understand patterns in your life, and develop strategies for change or coping. Therapy may bring up difficult feelings, but it also offers the opportunity for growth, healing, and greater self-awareness. Over time, you may notice improvements in your relationships, emotional well-being, and ability to manage challenges.

To get the most from therapy, be open and honest, even when it feels uncomfortable. Come prepared to reflect on your experiences, set goals, and actively engage in the process between sessions. It helps to be patient with yourself, as meaningful change often takes time. Consistency and a willingness to explore difficult emotions can lead to deeper insight and growth.

This is highly individualistic. Sometimes people come once. Most people choose a frequency based on several factors including 1) their insurance coverage and budget 2) the intensity of the presenting problem, 3) the type of therapy 4) their expectations 5) external factors like the time of year and the weather. I find that most people start at once weekly and when they experience gradual progression move to biweekly, then monthly etc.

Yes.

While psychotherapy is generally safe and beneficial, there are some potential risks to be aware of. These can include:

1. Emotional discomfort: Talking about painful memories or feelings can temporarily increase distress, sadness, anxiety, or anger.

2. Change in relationships: As you grow or set boundaries, relationships with others may shift, sometimes creating tension or conflict.

3. Dependence: Some clients may become overly reliant on their therapist, which can interfere with personal growth if not addressed.

4. Unmet expectations: Therapy doesn't always lead to immediate or expected results, and progress can sometimes feel slow or uncertain.

I will help you navigate these risks safely and supportively as part of the healing process.

Virtual and phone therapy each offer unique advantages and potential drawbacks. Virtual therapy allows for visual connection, which can help build rapport and read nonverbal cues, while offering flexibility and access from home. However, it relies on a stable internet connection and may feel less personal or engaging for some. Phone therapy is highly accessible, less dependent on technology, and can feel less intimidating, especially for clients who experience social anxiety. On the downside, the absence of visual cues can make communication more challenging, and some may find it harder to feel connected or stay focused. Ultimately, the best format depends on your comfort, needs, and environment.

In the Ontario jurisdiction,

1. Psychiatrist – A medical doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medication, and conduct medical assessments. Their services are covered by OHIP, but you typically need a referral from a family doctor and waits can be several months.

2. Psychologist – Holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and is regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Psychologists can diagnose mental health conditions, perform assessments (like ADHD, cognitive tests), and offer therapy—but cannot prescribe medication or bill OHIP.

3. Registered Psychotherapist (RP) – Usually has a master’s in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related field, registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). RPs provide talk therapy, but cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe meds. Their fees aren’t covered by OHIP.

4. Registered Social Worker Psychotherapist (RSW) – Holds at least a bachelor’s (often a master’s) in social work and is regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. They provide therapy, case management, and connect clients to community resources, but cannot diagnose or prescribe.

   All four are licensed to practice the controlled act of Psychotherapy. In Ontario, the controlled act of psychotherapy is legally defined under the Regulated Health Professions Act as “treating, by means of psychotherapy technique, delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual’s judgment, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning.

   As a Registered Social Worker Psychotherapist, I am of course biased in favour of Social Workers. We’re unique in that we combine clinical therapy skills with a deep understanding of social systems. We use a bio-psycho-social-spiritual (wholistic) perspective when formulating our clients presenting issues. Our training emphasizes the interplay between personal struggles and broader social factors like poverty, discrimination, and trauma. This holistic approach allows us to support clients not only through emotional healing, but also by addressing practical needs and systemic barriers to well-being.

I make the utmost commitment to you to protect your confidentiality. This means that I will never divulge the content of our sessions or your personal health information with anyone, for any reason, unless I receive your explicit consent to do so. However, there are several circumstances in which I am legally and ethically obligated to make disclosures.

1. In accordance with the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, 2017, if I have reasonable grounds to believe that a child is at risk of harm, I am required to report this to a Children’s Aid Society.

2. If I believe on reasonable grounds that you or someone else is at serious risk of imminent harm, I am required to contact emergency services (e.g. suicide, violence, homicide).

3. Where necessary for a particular legal proceeding (e.g. If I were subpoenaed by a court of law for a criminal investigation).

4. To comply with an investigation or inspection if authorized by a warrant or by any provincial or federal law.

5. To a regulatory college for the purpose of administration or enforcement of the Regulated Health Professionals Act, 1991 (e.g. if you report that you have experienced sexual abuse by a regulated health professional like a physician or another therapist).

6. In the event of an emergency, if you have a medical crisis during a session, I will call paramedics for you along with the emergency contact person listed on your intake form.