What can I expect in my sessions?
Our work together always begins with getting to know each other and building a trusting relationship. We will work at your pace so that you can tell your story and share your concerns in your own time.
In the first few sessions, you might notice that I spend a lot of time listening to you and trying to understand your challenges from your point of view. In time, we identify your goals and find ways to help you reach those goals.
Often, our work will involve figuring out what is important to you and how you want to live your life. We also sort through what keeps you stuck and prevents you from living a meaningful and purposeful life. We will explore emotions, thought patterns, behaviours, and physiological experiences that are causing you distress. I may gently challenge you or offer different perspectives to help you move toward the growth and change you seek. There is always room for flexibility, so if something is not working for you or does not make sense, I encourage you to let me know so we can shift direction.
Above all, you can expect me to provide warmth, compassion, empathy, understanding, and a sense of humour—laughter and lightness are welcome parts of this process.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
The terms "counselling" and "psychotherapy" are often used interchangeably and have many similarities, but some important differences exist.
Both counselling and psychotherapy occur within a therapeutic relationship between a professional and a client and aim to understand the client's feelings and behaviours and improve their well-being.
While there is some overlap, psychotherapy is distinct from counselling.
Counselling focuses on providing information, support, advice, and encouragement. Psychotherapy provides support, information, validation, and encouragement, but it also involves assessing and treating issues related to your thoughts, mood, emotions, perceptions, or memory that might impair your judgement, insight, behaviour, communication, or social functioning.
In this sense, psychotherapy addresses the root cause and core issues of your struggles so that lasting change and personal growth may occur.
In Ontario, a Registered Psychotherapist is qualified and licensed to provide counselling and psychotherapy, but a counsellor may not possess the necessary training and skills to provide psychotherapy.
Because I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), you can expect our sessions to include supportive counselling and focused psychotherapy strategies to help you reach your goals and improve your functioning. As always, how we work together will depend on your needs. My job is to meet you where you are, follow your lead, and work at your pace.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to psychotherapy and counselling. The number and frequency of sessions will differ for each person and depend on your concerns, goals, and unique healing process.
Generally speaking, most people who work with me begin their journey with weekly or biweekly sessions for several months. Over time, as you begin to reach your goals and notice positive changes in your life, we decrease the frequency of sessions until you feel you have reached your therapy goals and are ready to move forward.
For many, the journey can last anywhere from 4 to 8 months; however, it can also be longer or shorter.
What is a sliding scale?
A sliding scale is a payment model designed to make counselling and psychotherapy more accessible to a broader range of people, especially those with limited financial resources.
I have limited sliding scale sessions available for clients who cannot afford my full fee.
If working with a sliding scale fee makes therapy more accessible, please reach out.
I don't fit into your areas of care. Can I still book an appointment with you?
Yes!
While I have certain areas of focus, you are welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation to see if my approach and experience fit your needs. Even if we decide I am not the right 'fit' for you, I can always provide referrals to other psychotherapists in the community who may be better suited to help.
