Question 1

What is psychotherapy, and how can it help me?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, therapy helps you get where you want to go in the game of life. Like a catalyst for change. Helping you weather all the storms that blow in and despite the weather work toward a better life for yourself.

Question 2

What types of issues do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

I am comfortable with a wide range of issues that we as humans are likely to face. However, my most common areas are Anxiety and Relationship issues.

Question 3

How do I know if I need therapy?

Accepted Answer

Do we ever "need" therapy? I believe "need" never exists without a desired goal or outcome. Do I "need" a personal trainer to get fit? No, but it sure helps with planning, expertise, motivation, etc. If you are reading this, and are entertaining the question I think checking out a consultation would be a safe call

Question 4

What can I expect during a therapy session

Accepted Answer

Good question, my sessions are very variable and it depends on what you are here for. But 90% of the time or more we are just talking with the aim of getting things off your chest, bolstering your understanding of yourself, or learning new skills.

Question 5

How long does therapy usually last?

Accepted Answer

A session is a 50-minute hour. I need time to write my notes afterwards (don't worry nobody else has access to the notes except for you)

A full course of therapy however lasts as long as you want it! A lot of insurance companies will offer 3 sessions (in my opinion this is much too short) or in the ballpark of 10 or 12 which is more reasonable. However, these are just arbitrary numbers industries that are not the mental health industry have come up with. It's about how you are feeling. Typically (not by any means required) most people start out once per week, then go down to once every two weeks eventually and taper off as things improve. I tell people come in as often as is useful, which is for you to discern/decide.

Question 6

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is very confidential! I go over it in the first session and we email out a consent form that includes it with booking too but yes, confidential. There are a few limitations though:

- If it seems clear to me you are posing imminent risk to yourself or others or at imminent risk then a call to 911 for 		everyone's very real safety is warranted
	- If there is a child who is being abused or at risk then a call to Child Services is warranted
	- If the court of law is involved and my notes are subpoenaed

Question 7

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

The way psychotherapy handles insurance is through reimbursement. So we do not take insurance per se, but we will send out a receipt after payment which (assuming your insurance covers psychotherapy) can be submitted for reimbursement with your insurance provider.

Question 8

Are you a licensed psychotherapist in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yep! I am RPQ, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). My license number is: 12581

Question 9

What is your approach to therapy?

Accepted Answer

I am (and pretty much everyone is) quite familiar with CBT. I do not ground my approach in this modality personally however I do find the theory quite compelling. I ground myself in ACT (Acceptance and  Commitment Therapy), a modality focused on acceptance of how things work and how things are and then committed action to work toward a better life for ourselves. Focus on mental flexibility, the skill to place our attention where we want it and where it is most useful to us, so that it is not stolen by all the negative things that pop up along our journey, keeping us from getting where we want to go with ourselves.

Question 10

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

48 hours notice, any later than that and it will be considered a late cancellation in which case I charge full fee for the time block.  Sometimes life comes up and exceptions are made, I try not to be too rigid but that is the standard policy.

Question 11

Do you offer a free consultation or initial assessment?

Accepted Answer

Yes I do! I offer free 15-minute consultations so that you can get to know me, ask any questions and see how we get along and fit together with minimal investment! Shop around for a therapist that works for you!

Question 12

Do you offer sliding scale rates?

Accepted Answer

I personally do not offer sliding scale rates at the moment. But I am associated with Upstream Counselling, and we typically do have a number of excellent student therapists available who offer reduced fee (~$80/session) and sliding scale.

Love The Rain Therapy

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