FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking therapy is a personal choice. People choose to pursue therapy for different reasons. Often there is a desire to deal with long-term struggles of the past leading to depression and anxiety. It can also be in response to unexpected life changes, such as a marital breakup or employment change. Some pursue therapy in an effort to explore personal growth. Working with a therapist can assist clients in providing insight, support, and new coping ways for life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, body-image issues, conflict, grief, stress management and general life transitions. Therapy is right for those who desire greater self-awareness, and actively invest in working towards change.
What is therapy like?
Each therapy session is unique and is tailored to an individual and their specific needs. Sessions are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly and last 50 min. Depending on the issue, therapy can be both short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There is only so much that can be discussed in an hour weekly so in between sessions it is important to practice and integrate new skills learned into daily life. Effective therapy is for those who are active participants in between sessions and willing to take responsibility for implementing change in their lives. Therapy can provide new ways to create positive change:
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Self-compassion, respect and understanding
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Awareness of negative patterns & feelings
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Evidence-based coping strategies.
How does insurance work?
OHIP does not cover psychotherapy. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. What are your mental health benefits? Some questions to ask: What is the coverage amount per therapy session? How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
I have handled my problems in the past. Do I really need therapy now?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated many difficulties you’ve faced, there’s wisdom in seeking out extra support when it’s needed. By taking responsibility and accepting where you’re at in life, you are making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools, you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome the challenges you face.
How will therapy help me?
Several benefits can emerge from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists can be helpful in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on difficult problems or help you find your solutions. The help you get in therapy depends on how effectively you use and practice the skills you learn. Some of the benefits can include:
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Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
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Developing skills for improving your relationships
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Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
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Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
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Better management of powerful emotions such as anger, grief and depression
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Improving communications and listening skills
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Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
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Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
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Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
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Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
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If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
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If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
About 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it. Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotions and behaviors and to be linked with positive changes in the brain and body. The benefits also include fewer sick days, less disability, fewer medical problems, and increased work satisfaction.