Starting therapy can feel daunting, and that’s completely normal. Choosing to begin is an important step toward caring for your mental health.

In your first one or two sessions, we’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, relevant aspects of your history, and what you’d like support with. The goal is to develop a well-rounded understanding of your experiences so therapy can feel thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to your needs.

Psychological services in private practice are not covered by OHIP, but many insurance and employee benefit plans do offer coverage. Please check with your provider to confirm your coverage amount and any requirements. You will receive a receipt to submit to your provider for reimbursement.

Yes! Research supports that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many reasons. It can offer more flexibility, privacy, and accessibility. That said, it depends on your preference, your comfort level with the use of technology, and specific needs.

Each session is 50 minutes long, with 10 minutes reserved for documentation and planning.

Initially, weekly or biweekly sessions are encouraged to build momentum and rapport. Over time, we can adjust the frequency based on your progress and needs.

It varies. Some clients come for short-term support around a specific issue, while others engage in longer-term, deeper work. Therapy is flexible; you can attend for as long as it feels helpful to you.

I require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment; late cancellations or missed sessions are subject to the full session fee.

Clinical and Counselling Psychologists in Ontario are highly trained professionals. They hold a PhD or PsyD and complete about seven years of graduate education, research, and supervised training in hospitals and clinics. Before becoming fully licensed, clinical and counselling psychologists must pass several exams and complete a one-year residency plus an additional year of supervised practice. Psychologists can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues, but they do not prescribe medication.

Other mental health professionals include:

Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can prescribe medication. They may provide therapy, but their primary focus is usually on medication management.

Psychotherapists: Provide therapy but do not conduct formal psychological assessments or confer diagnoses. They do not have a PhD in clinical or counselling psychology.

Life Coaches: Focus on goal-setting and accountability. They cannot confer mental health diagnoses or provide psychotherapy. While some life coaches pursue training or certification, there is no formal regulation in Ontario, meaning certification is optional and not required.

Tip: If you’re unsure whom to contact, starting with a licensed psychologist or a psychotherapist is a safe first step. They can help determine the most appropriate support and connect you with additional resources if needed.

▶ For a comparison chart of mental health professionals in Ontario: https://www.psych.on.ca/getmedia/a98a6e4d-3cba-49a3-8150-f458cd6c8052/Ont-Mental-Health-Professional-comparison-chart.pdf

There are many different approaches to therapy. No single method works for everyone, and therapists often combine techniques to best meet your individual needs. Here’s an overview of some commonly used therapy approaches:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT helps you identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical coping strategies.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions while clarifying your values and taking meaningful actions that align with what matters most to you.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Often used for trauma and PTSD, PE involves gradually and safely confronting distressing memories and situations to reduce their emotional impact over time.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Another trauma-focused therapy that helps reframe unhelpful beliefs related to trauma, supporting emotional healing and new perspectives.

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): Helps you explore and process emotions in the moment, improving emotional awareness, regulation, and relationships.

Somatic Therapy: Addresses how trauma and stress can be stored in the body. Uses body-based techniques and awareness to release tension and restore a sense of safety.

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR): Often used to treat trauma, to process traumatic memories using guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation, reducing distress and supporting trauma recovery.

The best therapy approach depends on your goals, personal preferences, and the issues you want to address. A psychological assessment or initial therapy session can help identify the most effective approach for your needs.