What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a type of mental health service that involves talking with a trained mental health professional (e.g., Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Psychologist) to address emotional and behavioural issues. It is often used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Psychotherapy is based on the idea that by exploring and understanding one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, a person can develop insight and make positive changes in their lives. Psychotherapy can take many forms, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and humanistic therapy. Sessions typically involve a one-on-one conversation between the therapist and client, although couple and family therapy are also common.
What is the difference between psychotherapy, psychology and psychiatry?
Psychotherapy, psychology, and psychiatry are related fields of mental health, but they differ in their approach to treatment. Psychotherapy involves talking to a trained mental health professional to identify and resolve emotional and behavioural issues. It is often used as a first-line treatment for mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour, and psychologists use various therapeutic techniques, including psychotherapy, to treat mental health disorders and psychoeducational assessments for autism and ADHD. Psychiatry, on the other hand, is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with a speciality in psychiatry. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Medications, in combination with psychotherapy, is often the approach for more complex mental health issues.
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or life transitions. Many seek counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in working towards change in their lives and feel stuck.
What can I expect throughout the counseling process?
In the first couple of sessions, we will determine if our relationship is a good therapeutic fit and complete an assessment process to get to know you. Once we have explored your background, we will collaboratively outline your goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. This takes about three sessions to complete.
It is common to experience a range of emotions during the session. Remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and it may take a few sessions to build a relationship with your therapist.
Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or support you in finding a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
How many sessions will be needed?
The duration and number of sessions of therapy varies from person to person. It depends on your specific needs and how you are moving through your counseling goals that are established at the beginning of your therapy process. Session length varies between individuals, couples and family therapy. Typically individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes, whereas couples and family therapy can be more lengthy, up to 90 minutes per session.
Is therapy covered by OHIP?
Psychotherapy services are not covered by Ontario’s Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Many employers offer third party health insurance (e.g., SunLife, CanadaLife, etc.), which includes coverage for psychotherapy. Since insurers and plans vary, it is important to verify your insurer’s requirements before booking your first session. At our clinic, we provide receipts after each session that you can remit to your insurer for reimbursement. We do not offer direct billing to insurance, with limited exceptions. Another thing to consider with insurance is checking how much fiscally you have covered and when does the fiscal year reset to give you a better idea of how many sessions you can have within a given year. It also provides you a gauge on how you prefer to space out your sessions and how frequently you plan on attending sessions. Keep in mind too that spacing of sessions determines what pace you will be working on your goals.
What method of payment do you accept?
E-transfer is the only method of payment. Payment is expected to be made at the start of each session. A digital receipt will be sent once your payment has been processed and your attendance for your session has been noted for you to submit for your insurance claims.
What are your office hours?
Each therapist sets their own hours. Contact the therapist you are interested in working with to see what availability they have or contact the centre to find someone who has the availability you are looking for.
What is a clinical intern therapist?
Clinical interns are students completing the final year of their Master's degree in Counselling Psychology. These students have completed all of their relevant coursework and training, and engage in frequent supervision with experienced therapists on our team. Although they are newer to the field, they provide therapy services with the relevant course and training they have acquired. Our clinical intern therapists are typically with us for 8 months, so they can offer a full course of therapy in many cases. They offer a reduced fee to reflect their experience level.
What are your qualifications?
All of our psychotherapists are members in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and hold a minimum Masters-level degree. Our therapy team includes full members (RPs) and qualifying members (RPQs). Our clinical interns are completing Masters’ studies in psychotherapy in a CRPO-recognized training program and are overseen by a psychotherapy supervisor.