What makes coming to see a psychologist different than talking to a friend or loved one?
Psychologists receive specialized, extensive training (six years of graduate studies, including thousands of supervised clinical practice hours working with clients) that allows us to develop a deep understanding of human behaviour, thinking, and emotional processing. We are taught to be empathic listeners, to form solid therapeutic relationships, and to support our clients as they gain insight, self-acceptance, and tools to promote healthy relationships with themselves and others. We are also taught the importance of being aware of our own histories, and how this can impact our work with clients.
Psychologists understand the importance of creating a safe, accepting, nonjudgmental environment, where clients can feel free to share themselves honestly. Oftentimes clients talk to me about how just having a safe space where they can freely put words on what is circling around in their head, leads them to a sense of relief and insight. And through this sharing process, when clients feel truly heard, understood and validated, powerful shifts and changes can take place.
What can I expect during a typical session?
The first appointment you have with us is called an "intake" session. We will talk about confidentiality, the terms of our work together (fees and cancellation policy), and spend the majority of our time getting to know each other. We will collect a detailed history (e.g. family, social, educational, medical, etc.) so that we can get a well-rounded understanding of you. And then we'll focus on the presenting problem that is bringing you into counselling. We'll talk about what your goals are for therapy, and we can give you our perspective as to how we might approach our work together. Our hope is that you leave the first session feeling understood, respected, and hopeful.
Future sessions will vary depending on what we’re working on and the approach that we take together. You can read more about the variety of approaches we use, and the presenting issues we work with, here.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, cheque, credit card, and e-transfer.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not directly bill with insurance companies, but if you would like to use your insurance, you would pay us at the time of service and then submit your receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. We recommend that you first contact your insurance company to learn about how many sessions you are qualified to receive from a Registered Psychologist or Canadian Clinical Counsellor, and clarify how reimbursement works with your specific plan.
What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and counsellor/therapist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists both undergo many years of extensive formal training. The basic difference is the focus of the training they have received.
Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine like your family physician, followed by specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, emotional disorders, and behavioral problems. They may more often choose to prescribe medication in the treatment of difficulties. Their fees are covered by the Medical Services Plan, but there can be long waiting lists to be seen on referral.
Counsellors may have a range of backgrounds, and may have master’s or doctoral level degrees from counselling programs. However, individuals may otherwise refer to themselves as a "therapist" or "counsellor", but may or may not have training in the assessment or treatment of mental health issues. Titles such as "Registered Clinical Counsellor" do not mean that individuals are formally regulated or specifically trained. Counsellors are not regulated under the Health Professions Act.
When you choose a Registered Psychologist, you can be assured that the professional has extensive formal training, supervision, and knowledge in their declared area of expertise; is expected to meet or exceed basic standards of practice and ethical responsibilities; and maintains an annual program of continuing education.
Tips for Approaching Therapy
01 : A strong therapeutic relationship is the most critical factor when it comes to therapy’s effectiveness.
02 : Feel free to interview potential therapists before choosing who you see. Ask them how they would approach working with you, so that you can get a feel for their personality and ensure a good client-therapist fit.
03 : Don’t be afraid to give feedback to your therapist, and ask for what you need. If something is not working for you, a therapist who is secure in his or herself will want to know, so that adjustments can be made, or a referral to a better-fitting therapist can be given.
04 : Therapy is a journey. There will be some sessions where you leave and feel great! There will likely be other sessions where you leave feeling opened up and vulnerable. Part of good therapy involves getting in touch with and feeling difficult emotions, and acknowledging parts of ourselves or our behavioral patterns that are no longer serving us. But good therapy also gives you tools to use, so that you may learn to be present with and manage those hard feelings that come with being human.