FAQ, Resources and Policies

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and it uses a combination of cognitive and behavioural principles to improve a client’s mental wellbeing. CBT is used to teach you strategies to modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT in treating a vast array of disorders.

A Psychologist has extensive training in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health problems and is a Member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Typically, Psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy and treating clients’ emotional and mental suffering through behavioural intervention. They are qualified to conduct psychological testing, which assesses a person’s mental state and helps to determine the most effective course of treatment. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are trained medical doctors that diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work hand-in-hand to provide treatment to their clients.

Though Psychologists and Psychotherapists have some overlapping clinical responsibilities and training, there are a few notable differences between the two. Psychologists are clinicians that are registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO), and Psychotherapists are clinicians that are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). A primary difference between the two is that Psychologists are specifically trained in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, whereas Psychotherapists are specifically trained in treating mental health disorders and cannot provide any formal diagnoses. Further, certain extended benefits providers or coverage options may only provide reimbursement if you are working with a Psychologist, and so prospective clients are always encouraged to check with their extended benefits provider to verify their coverage.

As plans and coverage vary amongst insurance companies, please check with your provider to see if a referral from your physician is required and how much coverage you have. You will be required to pay our fee at the end of each session, after which a receipt will be generated and sent to you so that you can submit it to their Extended Health Care provider for reimbursement. If your insurance does not cover psychological services, you can claim part of your medical expenses on your next tax return.

Absolutely! Confidentiality is the cornerstone of a successful client-therapist relationship. Exceptions to confidentiality apply in some specific circumstances, and at the first appointment before we begin, we will review confidentiality and these exceptions together.

No, you do not need a referral. You can contact our office via phone, email, or use our online form to set up an appointment. In some cases, you may need a doctor’s note for your insurance provider, so we do encourage you to review your extended health care provider policy beforehand.

Each client is unique, and the duration depends on many factors, such as presenting issues and your goals for therapy.

Each session runs approximately 50-minutes.

We have a cancellation policy of 48 hours and we ask our clients to notify us as soon as possible if they can’t make the appointment, this will allow us to call another client in the cancellation list. You can reach the office by phone at 519-419-1792.

Therapy differs for each patient because everyone is on a different journey. During a therapy session, you can expect to discuss your personal history, life experiences and goals. We can provide short-term therapy for specific needs or long-term therapy to deal with more complex issues. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you take what you’ve learned during sessions and apply it in your life.

A practicum student is someone who is working to complete a graduate-level degree and is taking part in supervised practical application of the various theories and methodologies they have studied. Practicum students are directly supervised by licenced healthcare professionals such as Psychologists and Psychotherapists.

In order to remain compliant with Canada Revenue Agency business regulations, we must charge HST for all psychotherapy services that are rendered to you. As stated on the Canada Revenue Agency website, “Currently, there is no provision in the [Excise Tax] Act that specifically exempts from the GST/HST supplies of psychotherapy services or services rendered by a psychotherapist, even if the psychotherapist is licensed and renders the service in a province that regulates the profession of psychotherapy.” Please see this link for more information.