I have never been to therapy before, what can I expect?
It can be daunting to ask for help when we need it, so first let me congratulate you for taking this significant step.
It is my job to support you through this process and make it a welcoming experience. Therapy should provide a safe space for you to bring whatever is bothering you to the table. Oftentimes having someone really listen to us, hear our stories and see us for who we truly are can be an immensely healing experience.
We will work collaboratively and at your pace to explore issues, challenges and potential coping strategies.
Are you seeing clients in person
Due to the on-going pandemic, all sessions are offered virtually. I use video software that is secure, confidential and adheres to all the requirements of Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act.
If you are uncomfortable with video, I can also offer sessions over the phone.
Are my sessions confidential?
The short answer is yes, but with important exceptions. Anything we discuss in your session is confidential; I never record sessions and I store all notes in a date-secured space.
The only time I am required to break confidentiality is when I have reason to believe there is a real and imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or to others.
If I hear of any risk posed to a child, my profession requires that I break confidentiality and pass on safeguarding concerns to the appropriate agency.
How often should I book to see you?
This question is ultimately guided by your preference, comfort level and availability. Everyone moves at a different pace and I work with each person accordingly.
Most of my clients choose to book weekly as this provides a good amount of time for us to get to know one another and explore the areas you wish to prioritize. Others have found bi-weekly sessions to be useful.
Like life, therapy has ebbs and flows so you may find that during certain periods, you wish to see me more regularly while during others, an occasional ‘check in’ session is enough.
Can I contact you when I am in crisis?
If you are going through a difficult time, I want to be there for you and encourage you to reach out so we can book a session.
However, it is important for me to be clear that I do not have the capacity to respond to emails/phone calls immediately and have limited office hours.
If you are feeling like you are at an immediate risk of seriously harming yourself or ending your life, you should call a crisis line, emergency services or go to your nearest emergency department. Please go to the resources section for more information on available help.
What happens if I have to cancel a session?
Life is busy! I completely understand that clients have to cancel and rearrange and I try to be as flexible as possible.
If I receive 24hr notice or more, your cancellation will be completely free of charge.
If you provide less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged for the session. However, if your cancellation occurs due to an emergency please let me know and we can arrange for appropriate accommodations.