​

What Purpose Does Therapy Serve?

​

Therapy can help us gain a different perspective on our life and problems and could help us make changes or take steps towards our goals.  Therapy could also allow us to have the experience of someone listening to us without judgment or expectations. As such, anyone looking to gain further insight and awareness into themselves, learn more about the root causes of their difficulties and explore long-standing issues that they have not been able to resolve on their own could benefit from therapy. 

​

Who Benefits from Therapy?

​

 Here are some other common reasons someone might wish to seek therapy:

 

• To manage uncomfortable symptoms, e.g., anxiety, stress, low mood, anger, shame, guilt  

• To cope with painful experiences, e.g. grief and loss, relationship issues, excessive self-criticism and low self-esteem

• To cope with a major life transition, e.g. immigration, divorce, retirement

• To learn new skills, e.g. time management, communication, boundary setting, work/ life balance, self compassion

• To work towards personal and professional growth

​

What is the Process of Therapy Like?

​

Therapy will vary depending on each individual's goals.   It can be short-term, focused on resolving a specific issue or question in your life, or a more open-ended process, focused on increasing self-awareness and personal growth.  During the initial few sessions, therapy is about building a therapeutic relationship. We will then focus on working towards the goals that will help you achieve better emotional, mental, and physical health, as well as more satisfying personal relationships.

​

Is What We Talk About Confidential?

​

What you share with me stays with me, and all information is kept strictly confidential in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act . I believe it is essential that you feel safe to talk about and explore what is going on for you.  That being said, if there is evidence of clear and imminent danger to yourself or another person, if there is evidence of abuse or neglect of a child or a vulnerable adult, or if there is a court order, I would need to breach confidentiality. 

​

Are Psychotherapy Services Covered by OHIP?

​

Psychotherapist fees are not covered by OHIP, but some health insurance providers or employee benefit plans cover such services in full or in part. Please contact your provider to verify how your plan compensates you for psychotherapy services.

​

I recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:

​

• Does my plan cover services provided by a registered psychotherapist?

• 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?

• Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?