Frequently Asked Questions

No, you do not.

I typically respond to messages within 1-2 business days. For reasons of confidentiality, I do not call back phone numbers unless a message is left, so if you really want to get in touch with me, please leave a message. If for any reason it’s not safe for me to leave a message for you, state that clearly and I won’t. I will continue trying to reach you without leaving a message. I have a strong preference for e-mail over voice mail and text messaging, but will do my utmost to respond to all inquiries. The fastest way to reach me is almost always e-mail.

It can take time and effort to find the right psychotherapist for you, and the fit between client and psychotherapist is one of the most important factors in the success of treatment. That is why I offer a free 20-minute consultation to all prospective clients, which you can schedule here. It’s an opportunity for us both to assess fit without any commitment or cost, and it’s in everyone’s best interests. It is of the utmost importance that you like, trust, and respect your psychotherapist. No one is the right or best psychotherapist for all potential clients, and if I do not think I can do my best work with you, I will refer you to other psychotherapists or do whatever else I can to help you find the supports you need.

Yes. The videotherapy software I use provides secure and confidential sessions, with end-to-end encryption. The home office from which I work is private and confidential, and I always use headphones to further protect confidentiality. I strongly recommend that all my clients find a private and confidential space from which to conduct sessions, where they will not be interrupted or overheard.

Appointments are 50 minutes in length. If you wish to arrange longer appointments, either regularly or occasionally, that is possible. They will be prorated.

Frequency of appointments is discussed during consultation and at the intake session; most often, weekly appointments are indicated at the outset of psychotherapy, but occasionally, twice-weekly appointments are appropriate. After a few weekly sessions, it can be therapeutically appropriate to have sessions less frequently. Everyone’s situation is individual and there is no one rule that fits every client.

During the first session we will complete a detailed intake form together, discuss clinical goals, begin to formulate your treatment plan, and review policies. I will also be able to answer any questions you have that were not answered during our consultation call. Also, if you want me to coordinate your care with any other care providers, we can initiate the paperwork for that.

Psychotherapists cannot diagnose clients nor prescribe medication. For prescriptions, you will need to consult a medical doctor or other prescriber (e.g., family physician, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner).

For diagnoses, family physicians, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and nurse practitioners are among those who can provide official mental health diagnoses. A Registered psychotherapist, which is my professional title, can assess and treat. If you are coming to psychotherapy with a diagnosis you have previously received, we will, of course, take that into account in planning your treatment.

If you do require diagnosis, I can help you obtain that. I am a member of Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collective (PMVC), a group of psychotherapists and psychiatrists who collaborate to increase access to diagnosis and medication in Ontario. Diagnosis for almost any condition can be arranged, and there are specialized PMVC programs for diagnosing ADHD and/or autism. Please ask me for more details about PMVC. 

For more detailed information on navigating the mental health care systems in Ontario:
https://www.iamsick.ca/en/static/ontario-mental-health-navigation-tool

I only work with adult individuals 19 and up. I do not treat children, adolescents, couples, or families. There are many presenting issues I do not treat, or that I feel are best to refer to other therapists because I do not have the necessary training or skills. Some services are not within my professional scope. To save you time, here are some things I do not work with. (Please note: this is not a complete list.)

I do not treat:

• Active addiction or substance use disorders

• Bipolar disorders

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

• Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs)

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

• Custody concerns (I do not conduct child custody evaluations nor do I provide custody recommendations)

• Dissociative Disorders

• Eating disorders

• Schizophrenia Spectrum and other psychotic disorders

• Sexual dysfunctions

• Sleep disorders

I cannot provide:

• Assessments or forms for receiving various types of leave (disability, illness) or for accommodations requests

• Assessments or forms for returning to work/school

• Letters for emotional support animals

No. I offer spiritually integrated psychotherapy, which is not the same as faith-based counselling, though I am happy to explore questions pertaining to particular faith backgrounds if this is of interest to you, and am typically able to offer a lot of faith-based, or “faith-informed” support when it is desired.

Although I have immersed myself in many religious traditions, I do not advocate for any theology or religious belief system. You can learn more about what spiritually integrated psychotherapy is here.

I place strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment. In the case of treating OCD, I am trained in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I-CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

For treating PTSD, I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD and Written Expression Therapy (WET) for PTSD. I am also trauma-certified.

I also regularly employ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I incorporate some approaches from Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Metacognitive Therapy. All of my work is informed by existential, humanistic, anti-oppressive, and feminist lenses. My overall approach is known as Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy, which you can learn more about here.

No, I do not. I do not have any plans to do so.

It depends. Please contact me with your specific request.