Frequently Asked Questions

Fees

For individuals, the rate is $140 (taxes included) per 55 minute session. Payment is by e-transfer.

Introductory Session

Research show that a strong working alliance/relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important predictors of successful therapy. I offer a free introductory 30 minute session in order to determine whether or not you feel comfortable working with me.

Cancellation Policy

If notice of cancellation is not given within a 24-hour window, the full session fee will be charged. Exceptions will be made in emergencies. I ask clients to be respectful of this policy as it has an impact on how care and efficiency is maintained for all of my clients.  

Insurance Coverage

If you have private insurance, please check with your provider to ensure psychotherapy is covered under your policy. OHIP does not cover psychotherapy services but in Ontario, registered psychotherapy is a tax-deductible medical expense.

Can you describe the modalities that you work with?

  • Psychodynamic – A depth model that focuses on unconscious thoughts and feelings allowing for a more expansive experience of one’s psychic life.  This model includes dream analysis and provides space for a deeper understanding of what underlies patterns and behaviours; bringing the unconscious into conscious awareness leads to a greater sense of personal agency.

  • Mindfulness – Conscious awareness of the present moment experience. By allowing and accepting “what is” without trying to fix, dismiss, judge or reject uncomfortable or painful sensations, thoughts, or emotions, a deeper sense of authentic self has the opportunity to emerge.

  • Sensorimotor – A trauma-informed model that integrates 3-levels of processing: the body, emotions and cognition, in order to have a deeper, more integrative and longer lasting transformation.

  • Internal Family Systems - A systems theory and evidence-based model that works with parts, theorising that the mind is multiple. When one works with each individual part, along with accessing the core-Self, greater understanding, healing, and harmonizing of the mind occurs.

  • CBT – This model addresses specific behaviour problems by working with the notion that our thoughts determine our behaviours and thus by changing our thoughts, we change our behaviours.

  • Relational – This model explores the impact and dynamics of early attachment and current relationships on one’s sense of self, both in and out of relationship, helping to deepen an understanding of relational patterns and behaviours.

  • Neuroscience – Working with the latest research in regulating the autonomic nervous system through therapeutic methods. This includes an understanding of neuroplasticity, which means that the brain is “plastic” and is capable of creating new neural pathways of safety and connection. This also includes research on how early attachment affects biological underpinnings and knowledge of the Polyvagal theory using exercises that engage the regulating capacities of the ventral vagal system in order to re-pattern the nervous system.

Do I need to come every week?

This is your choice, although to begin with, I typically recommend a commitment to 6 weekly sessions, after which time, we will have a better assessment of how the work is progressing.

How long does psychotherapy take?

There’s no standard length of time. Everyone is unique and so is the process. Some clients only want a few sessions in order to work on a specific issue. Others choose to stay in therapy for several months or years in order to have deeper, more transformational changes.