FAQ

  • I’ve never done therapy before. What should I expect?

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

    In our first one or two sessions, we’ll take time to talk about what’s bringing you in and whatever parts of your story feel important to share. This helps me gain a well-rounded understanding of you so we can tailor our work together to your needs and goals. We’ll also discuss different approaches that may be helpful for your concerns and begin to develop a plan for our work together.

  • Are your services covered by insurance?

    Psychological services are covered by most extended health insurance plans. I provide clear, detailed receipts that many clients have successfully submitted for reimbursement, making the process simple and stress-free. Since coverage can vary by provider and plan, I recommend confirming your benefits with your insurance company.

  • What’s your cancellation policy?

    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.

  • How often should I attend sessions?

    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.

  • How long will I be in therapy?

    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.

  • Does virtual therapy work?

    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.

  • Do I need to be struggling to get therapy or assessment?

    No. You don’t need to be in a crisis or experiencing distress to benefit from therapy or assessment. Many people seek support for personal growth, increased self-understanding, navigating life transitions, improving relationships, or gaining clarity about patterns they’ve noticed in themselves.

  • What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?

    This is more common than many people realize, and it doesn’t mean therapy can’t work for you. Therapy outcomes can vary depending on timing, approach, fit, and goals. Sometimes the focus may have been quite right, the pace may not have matched your needs, or you may not have been in a place to engage in a certain way at the time. A different therapeutic approach or a relationship can make a big difference. We can take time to understand what didn’t work before and tailor our work so it feels more helpful and relevant for you.

  • Can I receive your services if I live outside of Ontario?

    Psychologists registered in Ontario are permitted to provide secure, confidential virtual psychological services to clients who are located in Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, in accordance with current regulatory guidance on interjurisdictional telepsychology. For more information, please see the following provincial resources: Québec – Telepsychology Services, Nova Scotia – Cross-jurisdictional Telepsychology Services (PDF), and New Brunswick – Telepsychology Guidelines.

  • Should I take medication, do therapy, or both?

    Psychologists provide evidence-based psychotherapy to clients who are considering or currently using medications. However, psychologists are not medical professionals and cannot prescribe or provide medical advice regarding medications. In many cases, therapy and medication can be complementary, and clients may benefit from both. Psychologists can support clients in understanding how therapy works, developing coping strategies, and coordinating care with medical providers with the client’s consent. Clients who are interested in medication, whether as an adjunct to therapy or as a potential replacement, are encouraged to consult with a licensed physician or psychiatrist.

  • What’s the difference between a psychologist and other mental health professionals?

    Registered Psychologists in Ontario are highly trained mental health professionals who hold a doctorate in psychology and complete approximately seven years of graduate-level education, research, and clinical training in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, including a one-year full-time residency. After this training, they must successfully pass two written examinations and one oral examination, as well as complete an additional year of supervised practice before becoming fully licensed. This extensive training prepares psychologists to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based approaches. While psychologists do not prescribe medication, they are uniquely trained to provide both comprehensive psychological assessment and psychotherapy.

    Other mental health professionals include: psychiatrists, whose work often focuses on prescribing and managing medication for mental health concerns; psychotherapists, who provide talk therapy for emotional and relational concerns but do not conduct comprehensive psychological assessments or provide diagnoses; and life coaches, who focus on personal growth and goal setting but are not trained or regulated to assess, diagnose, or treat mental health conditions.

    ▶ 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

  • What kind of therapy do I need? What are the different approaches?

    There are many different approaches to therapy. No single method works for everyone, and therapists often combine techniques to best meet your individual needs. Some people may thrive with structure, homework, and tangible skills, while others may need deep reflections and insights. 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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

    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.