FAQ

 
 
 

  • At this time I am only registered to practice psychotherapy with Ontario residents.

  • I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and I am able to provide psychotherapy services to clients living within Ontario only.

    As a Registered Social Worker, I am required to adhere to the standards of the OCSWSSW. To learn more about the professional standards and the code of ethics you can visit www.OCSWSSW.org or contact OCSWSSW directly by calling (416) 972-9882.

  • Psychotherapy may help you to expand beyond your comfort zone and grow your capacity so that you can live a more embodied meaningful life with less limitations. The process of therapy may involve the risk of remembering unpleasant events, and may bring up unanticipated feelings, sensations or behaviours. In making contact with these deeper truths it may lead to unforeseen changes in your life including an increased ability to live more authentically and with a greater understanding of yourself, your values and your hopes for the future. You may build skills in therapy which will assist you to build resilience, grow, and address challenges and barriers in your life more effectively. Often therapy can lead to greater relief or resolution of trauma symptoms, and healthier relationships with yourself and others. The outcome of psychotherapy is difficult to predict or guarantee. Success in therapy depends on a number of factors such as the relationship between you and the therapist, your current environment and readiness for change. I encourage you to seek an initial consultation to explore your hopes for therapy and to assess fit.

  • Starting therapy is an important decision. It is natural to have many questions and even feel uncomfortable starting this new journey. During our free 15 minute consultation call I will go over some logistics (e.g., fees, my availability) and invite you to share about your hopes and goals for therapy. Please note that I when I am accepting new clients I am prioritizing individuals who are prepared for in depth mindful and somatic processing. If you prefer to mostly 'talk it out' you may want to consider working with another practitioner by checking out the resources page.

    You are also welcome to ask me questions to help you assess therapeutic fit. Some questions you may consider asking a therapist in a consult include;

    • How long have you been practising?

    • How much do you charge? What are your sliding-scale options?

    • How many clients have you had with similar circumstances to my own? When was the last time you worked with someone similar to me?

    • What are your strengths and limitations as a therapist?

    • What is your general philosophy and approach to helping? Are you more directive or more guiding?

    • Have you been in therapy yourself? How recently?

    • How often do you seek peer consultation?

    • How do you set up counseling goals? What are they like? What is success for you?

    • What is typical session like? How long are the sessions?

    • How do I prepare for my first session?

    • What are your times of availability?

  • Prior to your first visit I will ask you to complete a brief intake form that I will use to collect preliminary information about you. This information will be kept securely within your file. I will also provide you with a copy of my office privacy & limits to confidentiality policy, a description of my fees, cancelation policy, and other relevant documents. Please review these carefully, and I will ensure that you have an opportunity to ask me any clarifying questions at our first appointment.

  • My practice uses Jane App practice management software to safely store all client personal health information, book appointments, and hold secure telehealth video sessions. Jane App is congruent with the Personal Health and Information Protection Act of Ontario (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) of the Federal Government of Canada. All personal information obtained, used and disclosed in therapy sessions is done so with your consent. Specific safeguards are in place including double locked cabinets and computer passwords protect your personal information. You may request a copy of your records at any time.

  • I have a Master of Social Work and I am Registered Social Worker (registration No. 827744). My services are covered by the Medical Expense Tax Credit and may be eligible for coverage through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program. My services can also be claimed under most health insurance plans that recognize Masters of Social Work and/or Registered Social Workers. Receipts will be provided following each session for your records and for health insurance and/or income tax purposes.

  • Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a vacancy in my schedule that could be filled by another client needing timely service. As such, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Missed or cancelled appointments without at least 24 hours’ notice will be billed at 100% of the original appointment rate.

    Cancellation fees will only be waived on compassionate grounds, such as in the event of a medical emergency, death in the family, poor weather conditions or in the event of an accident or natural disaster.

  • Yes, I offer a limited number of in person sessions on Monday’s from my office in Leslieville.

    I am also open to traveling within the GTA for workshops and consultations. Travel expenses will be covered in my fees.

  • The outcome of therapy is difficult to predict or guarantee, since it is dependent on a number of factors. Evidence-based research studies generally show an association between weekly psychotherapy sessions and positive outcomes for clients. This appears to be especially important in the first stage of therapy, when you’re building rapport with your therapist and beginning to get to the core of things. I work with clients on a weekly basis to start. In our work together we will checking in regularly to assess progress and satisfaction with the support being provided.

    I do not provide monthly or single session psychotherapy services.

  • While members of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers are permitted to practice the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy, not all Social Workers have received clinical training to provide psychotherapy with many working in other areas of practice such as case management or advocacy work.

    The College strongly advises that registrants have extensive clinical experience (2000 - 3000 hours of supervised clinical practice) and significant experience in their field of practice before practising independently. The College provides recommendations in the Practice Guideline for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy to identify competency in this Controlled Act, but registrants are not required to provide confirmation to the College that they have met those recommendations or that they are prepared to embark upon private practice. Private practice is not an entry-to-practice competency for social workers. The knowledge, skills and judgement required to practise in a sound, ethical and competent manner are beyond what would be attained through completion of a social work degree or a social service work diploma alone.

    I am passionate about ethics and transparency in clinical practice. I believe Social Workers have an ethical obligation to clearly communicate their clinical training, scope of practice, and supervised direct practice experiences to clients.

    Please see my education page for more information on my credentials and post graduate professional development training and supervised clinical practice experience.