Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in our consult call and first therapy session?
The consult call is an opportunity to get to know each other and address any outstanding questions or concerns that you may have so that you can make an informed decision on working together. I will also explain more about the process, policies, and my role.
During our first few therapy sessions, I will carry out an assessment in order to develop an individualized treatment plan. An assessment is an ongoing conversation where I ask you questions about:
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your goals & hopes for therapy
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main issues or symptoms you are facing
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previous experiences with therapy (if any)
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your strengths, skills, & resources
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your relationships & their impact on your life
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any challenges or barriers
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your personal & family history (including experiences of trauma)
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your coping strategies
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There’s no pressure to share everything immediately - it is normal to feel scared, nervous, or overwhelmed when you first start therapy, and it may take some time for you to feel safe enough to share certain things. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you!
Assessments are always ongoing throughout our work together. As your needs, goals, or circumstances change, the treatment will shift with you.
Are your fees covered by OHIP?
Although social work is a regulated health profession in Ontario, services are not covered under OHIP, OW, or ODSP. However, the majority of extended health benefits cover social work services. Please check with your insurance provider about services provided by a Registered Social Worker (License #829200) to determine your eligibility and coverage.
Are your fees covered by OHIP?
Although social work is a regulated health profession in Ontario, services are not covered under OHIP, OW or ODSP. However, the majority of extended health benefits cover social work services. Please check with your insurance provider about services provided by a Registered Social Worker (License #829200) to determine your eligibility and rates.
What’s the difference between talking to a therapist vs. my best friend or mom?
Relationships with friends and family are vital to each person’s health and well-being, but there are important distinctions between these connections and a trained mental health therapist.
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First, therapists are highly trained professionals skilled in conducting mental health assessments and evidence-based interventions. While sessions may feel like casual conversations, therapists ask questions and share insights with a specific, goal-oriented purpose in mind.
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Therapists offer a level of objectivity that friends and family cannot. Unlike personal relationships, which are influenced by shared history, emotional investment, personal needs or desires, and biases, therapists maintain a more neutral stance. They are trained to recognize, reflect on, and compartmentalize their own assumptions. Although therapists may care about you, they do not have a personal stake in your life. For many clients, therapy can be a sort of “test relationship,” providing a low-stakes space to try new things and receive honest feedback.
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Therapy also has clear expectations and boundaries, such as confidentiality, to protect you and create a safe, non-judgmental environment for deep self-exploration. Unlike with friends or family, there’s no need for concern about being judged or having your trust broken. Furthermore, many people worry about upsetting or burdening their loved ones by sharing the issues they’re struggling with. As part of our training, therapists are prepared to receive difficult information and emotions without becoming overwhelmed or personally invested the way a friend or family member might. In other words, come as you are!
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Finally, therapy is more of a one-way street, focused entirely on you and your needs. Sessions are dedicated time for you to explore whatever is on your mind without the pressure to reciprocate support. At times, therapists may disclose something personal about themselves to validate or normalize your experiences. However, this is done with therapeutic intent, and you should never feel obligated to console your therapist in response, like you might with a loved one.
How long will I be in therapy?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people benefit from short-term work (approx. 8–12 sessions), especially when addressing a specific concern. Others engage in long-term therapy to work through more complex or deep-rooted issues. Treatment length also depends on: your goals, the severity of your concerns, current life stressors, your financial resources, social supports, and the type of therapy we use. Some clients report a decrease in symptoms almost immediately, while others notice increased emotional distress or discomfort as difficult feelings are stirred up, sometimes for the first time. Progress isn’t linear and it is expected that your therapy journey will have natural ebbs and flows. We’ll check in regularly to assess your goals and adjust as needed.
How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?
The therapeutic relationship is key to your success in therapy, but choosing the right therapist can feel daunting. It’s common to feel uncertain or anxious at first, so try to give it a few meetings before making a decision. After our initial consultation and first 1-2 sessions, you can ask yourself:
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Do I feel safe, respected, and understood?
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Can I see myself eventually trusting this person?
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Am I comfortable enough to share personal information?
Some clients feel more supported or understood when their therapist shares certain qualities or lived experiences with them (e.g., gender, cultural background, parenthood)—you should consider what will make you feel most safe and accepted. That being said, a therapist doesn’t need to share your background to offer deep understanding and empathy. I have extensive experience working with diverse clients and approach each relationship with cultural humility, privileging you as the expert of your unique cultural identity.
How often will we meet?
The frequency of sessions depend on your goals, the urgency of your concerns, and logistical factors (i.e., your availability and budget). Session frequency can always be adapted to your circumstances. Typically, weekly or bi-weekly sessions are recommended to build momentum and maintain progress, especially in the early stages. As you begin to feel improvement or relief from your symptoms, we may transition to
bi-weekly or monthly check-ins.