Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy intended to improve mental and emotional health and well-being. Psychotherapy is a “controlled act” under Ontario law, which means it may only be practiced by licensed health care professionals (much like performing injections, prescribing drugs, ordering X-rays and administering anesthesia).

By definition, the controlled act of Psychotherapy is “treating, by means of psychotherapy technique, delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual’s judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning.” (Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991).

It is a relational process that facilitates self-knowledge, personal growth, emotional acceptance, and the development of healthy, satisfying relationships. While the therapeutic relationship will vary according to need, it may be concerned with addressing and resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insights and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict, addressing trauma, treating psychological illness or distress, or improving relationships with others.

Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy recognizes there is so much more to life than what we can see, taste, touch, and smell. It acknowledges our gut feelings, inner knowing, and the seemingly strange coincidences we can’t quite explain and have a hard time putting into words. It moves beyond any one particular religion and makes room for all of them, including the belief in nothing at all. By tapping into the animating energy running through everything and everyone, we can draw upon our inherent wisdom and the mystery of all things, from Creator to quantum physics and everything in between.

Spirituality can also be understood as meaning making experiences and human beings are meaning making creatures. We seek to understand our lives, and our brains are wired to filter out some things, remember others, notice patterns, and tell us stories about ourselves and others all day every day. Thought of in this way, all of life can be understood as a spiritual experience.

If spirituality doesn’t resonate with you, that’s ok, we don’t have to talk about it in session. Like everything in therapy, we only talk about what’s relevant for you. For example, if divorce isn’t a concern for you, we likely won’t find ourselves talking about it. If spirituality doesn’t quite fit, we don’t have to talk about that either.

On the other hand, if spirituality is meaningful for you, you’re welcome to bring that into session. If religion has played a part in your life (good, bad, or otherwise) you’re welcome to bring that too. And, at some point, I’ll likely invite you to get in touch with your inner knowing and the wisdom of your body.

How often you come for therapy is entirely up to you and will likely depend on your presenting concerns and therapeutic goals. You may choose to come weekly, bi-weekly, every three weeks, or even monthly.

Many clients find it helpful to schedule regular appointments and make therapy a part of their health care routine. Often, clients find it helpful to come weekly or bi-weekly at first and may space their sessions out later based on progress and/or their health care coverage. However you choose to attend, know that you can change your mind or alter your plan at any time.

Many benefit programs include the services of a Registered Psychotherapist. Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefits plan, it is possible for services to be covered in full or in part. Please contact your health insurance provider to verify how your plan compensates you for psychotherapy services.

It is your responsibility to determine whether or not you have coverage.

Here are some questions you might want to ask your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:

• Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?

• Does my health insurance cover the services of a Registered Psychotherapist?

• Does my plan limit the number of sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is my limit?

• Does my plan have a deductible? What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?

As part of the Consent Form, you will be asked to provide credit card information which will be used to process payments for your sessions. Payments are typically processed within 24 hours of your session and a receipt will be sent to you via email, which you can then submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

If cost is a barrier, please contact me to find out about reduced rates and sliding scale options.

Your session time is protected and held just for you. If you are unable to attend a session for any reason, you are welcome to reschedule or cancel through the online portal, but you must give at least 48 hours notice. If you cancel or reschedule your appointment with less than 48 hours notice, you will be charged the full session fee. Providing 48 hours notice allows me to offer the spot to other clients on my wait list.

I offer two options for Walk & Talk Therapy throughout the year, which you can choose from depending on your capacity, preference, and level of comfort.

The first option is Gage Park where we can take advantage of the fresh air, incredible nature space, and paved pathways. We can walk around the park at whatever pace you’re comfortable with, take time to smell the roses, relax on any of the many park benches, and even head inside the tropical greenhouse to enjoy a seat and some warmer temperatures. There is ample parking off Lawrence Rd within the park itself and we can meet by flagpole right next to the parking lot to begin our time together.

The second option is the Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre where we can take advantage of the indoor track. This is a good option for those with allergies or outdoor sensitivities, or for days when the weather is particularly unwelcome. There is plenty of parking off King St E at the Rec Centre itself and we will meet on the chairs across from the information desk on the first floor. The cost of admission is included in your hourly therapy rate.

Absolutely! Moving our bodies in the winter is as important as the summer, perhaps even more so. Often, we can feel sad, cooped up, or sedentary in the winter, which can negatively impact our mental, emotional, and physical health. Despite the cold temperatures and potentially snowy weather, there are great ways to get outside… or at least get out of the house.

I offer the same two options for Walk & Talk Therapy in the winter as I do the rest of the year. See the FAQ above for further information. Let’s #walkaboutit.

Yes! Provided you live in Canada. Because the practice of psychotherapy is regulated in Ontario and because I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (our governing body), I am able to provide virtual therapy to clients in any province and territory throughout Canada.*

Whether your health insurance covers sessions with a practitioner who resides in a different province is another question. I recommend calling your health insurance provider and asking if your insurance covers services for practitioners who reside in a different province from that of the client.

*The same is not necessarily true for practitioners residing in other provinces. In Canada, the practice of psychotherapy is regulated at a provincial level and not all provinces and territories are regulated. A practitioner living in an unregulated province or territory may not be able to provide services to a client residing in a regulated province. At the moment, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI are all regulated. Alberta is regulated, but the college has not yet been proclaimed. All other provinces and territories are unregulated or are in the process of regulation (source: CCPA).