HOW DOES THERAPY WORK?

 

The fundamental concept of therapy is to make you aware of the issues that are impacting how you live your life and help you implement change. The issues we face as we grow up tend to rule our lives in ways we don’t understand and often can’t even see. These underlying issues can wreak havoc on our lives and mental health, causing problems at work and in our relationships. Untreated issues can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, addiction issues, and so on. Therapy allows us to heal and make peace with our past and present.

 

IS THERAPY NECESSARY? WOULDN’T TALKING TO A FRIEND BE JUST AS HELPFUL?

​

Seeking therapy is likely one of the best decisions you’ll make to improve the quality of your life. Having someone who can be an objective third party and who does not have a stake in the outcome of your decision is one of the main reasons why people turn to a licensed therapist. Therapy isn’t necessarily about telling you what you would want to hear. The sole focus of therapy is to help you and keep your most personal matters confidential. However, it is important to have a social support system for our emotional health so please do continue to check in regularly with your loved ones. 

 

WILL THERAPY WORK FOR ME?

 

Just as with everything else in life, the commitment and desire you have to better yourself and your life will be key. The more committed you are to showing up to therapy and implementing the methods shared by your therapist to make changes to your life, the more likely you will be to create the transformation and healing you seek.

 

DO YOU OFFER A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION?

 

Absolutely! We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation so that you can feel confident and comfortable before our first therapy session even begins. 

 

WILL WHAT I SAY IN THE SESSION REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?

 

Yes! Everything we talk about will stay confidential between you and your therapist.  As per our college regulations, the only reason we would need to break confidentiality is if:

 

• You disclose that a child or vulnerable adult is being subjected to abuse or neglect

• You disclose an immediate intention to end your life or the life of another person

• Your involvement in a legal matter and the court subpoenas your file

 

DO I NEED A DIAGNOSIS OR A REFERRAL?

 

Not at all! You do not need a referral or diagnosis from a physician to begin therapy. Anyone who wants to learn skills and improve their quality of life can start therapy!

​

WHAT HAPPENS IN AN INITIAL THERAPY SESSION?

 

Our initial therapy session will be an assessment in which we will gather your history, explore your struggles, and establish your treatment goals.

​

DO YOU OFFER ONLINE COUNSELING AND HOW WOULD IT BE BENEFICIAL FOR ME?

 

Most of us, including myself, have always envisioned therapy as sitting on a couch in an office and talking about our issues. The pandemic has now changed the way we look at therapy.

 

Most of our clients now love online counseling due to issues such as:

​

• Lack of time – they are unable to schedule an office-based appointment or travel to see a counsellor due to their distress or need to multitask. 

• Physical hurdles – these may prevent them from traveling easily, having no access to a car or getting a ride.

• Shyness or embarrassment – they prefer to keep their counseling session online and remote because it feels more confidential and discreet.

• Financial – no parking fees or needing to take vacation time to meet in the office.

• Social anxiety and lack of energy – the lack of energy and motivation may prevent them from getting out of bed and traveling for appointments or spending time in new environments. 

 

HOW EFFECTIVE IS ONLINE COUNSELLING?

 

There is significant research that has found online counseling and remote therapy to be just as effective as visiting a therapist face-to-face. There is also research evidence to indicate that people who were reluctant to try online therapy did end up finding it a positive experience (BACP Research Conference, May 2020).

 

To be honest, most of my clients would say that they would not want to go back to in-person ever again due to the effectiveness and convenience.

 

DO YOU OFFER TELEPHONE COUNSELLING?

 

Some clients also choose telephone therapy as their preferred method of therapy. This type of therapy is advantageous for people who are anxious about meeting new people. They get to experience the supportiveness of therapy by opening up on the telephone, in a manner that is convenient and comfortable for them. Many clients have shared that even though they cannot see their therapist, they still are able to feel that warmth, empathy, and supportiveness.

 

WILL I NEED SHORT-TERM OR LONG-TERM THERAPY?

 

Everyone is unique and that is why each treatment plan is individualized.  Short-term treatment plans are when clients simply want to get something off their chest or gain clarification and insight about an issue on their mind.

 

Long-term therapy will apply to clients when there are long-standing issues where a ‘deeper’ level of work is needed. 

 

IS THERE ANY HELP FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS?

 

Yes, there is! It is important for post-secondary students who have been diagnosed with a mental health issue, to register with their school accessibility services. OSAP recipients may also be eligible to apply for the Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities. It is encouraged to explore this, as your bursary may cover up to $2,000 in therapy sessions.

​

CAN COUNSELLING BE CLAIMED ON YOUR TAXES?

 

Absolutely! Sessions with Registered Social Workers are considered a medical expense that can be claimed on your taxes. For more information about the specific details, please check this link.

 

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY? 

 

Appointments are reserved especially for you. We understand that life happens and schedule adjustments are necessary.  Therefore, we respectfully request a minimum notice of 24 hours for cancellations or rescheduling of appointments. Failure to comply with the cancellation policy will result in a charge of the service fee.

 

WHAT WILL IT FEEL LIKE WHEN I FINISH THERAPY?

 

How you feel when you finish therapy will depend on your specific goals. Some want to bring their lives to the next level to create confidence, inner peace, and resiliency. Others want to engage in a lifelong process of self-transformation and ever-deepening consciousness. How you will feel at the end of treatment depends on your specific goals and drive and how dedicated you are to working on yourself to achieve them.