Our first sessions will involve getting to know you, the issues that bring you to counselling, and the changes you want to make in your life.
Our sessions will be collaborative. We will work together to achieve your counselling goals.
Whether you are interested in a consultation, counselling, therapy or coaching, we will work together to decide the type of services and the general approach that we will take.
Every client is unique. I will work with you to determine how to best meet your needs.
There is no set number of sessions. In some circumstances, one or two consultations are sufficient. Other situations require meeting more often. Most clients find it helpful to meet weekly. As we make progress, the frequency of our meetings is reduced. Our aim will be to make you feel confident to independently manage your current and future challenges.
Sessions for individuals last 50 minutes. Family sessions usually last up to 90 minutes.
Psychotherapy sessions are not covered by OHIP at this time. If you have an extended health insurance plan, check with your provider to find out if you have coverage for services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist.
Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario are recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as medical practitioners for the purpose of the medical tax credit on your tax return. Psychotherapy receipts that have not been reimbursed by your private health plan may be used to receive deductions on your taxes.
As a general rule, information disclosed within sessions is confidential and will not be revealed to anyone without your written permission, except where reporting is required by law:
- Where there is suspicion that a child or children under the age of 18 are being or have been abused physically, sexually or emotionally;
- Where the client discloses that he or she is in danger of harming him or herself, or someone else;
- Where the client discloses that he or she has been abused by another helping service professional;
- Where there is a court order or summons for the production of your records.
Trust is the basis of successful relationships. Sometimes our discussions will include topics teens do not want their parents or guardians to know about. For most people, knowing that what they say will be kept private helps with disclosing thoughts, feelings, and experiences and to have more trust in their coach/counsellor/therapist.
Except as described above, parents/guardians will not be told specific information adolescents disclose in our sessions, unless they or others are at risk for harm. It may be important to let parents know some information that is protected by confidentiality. Teens may be encouraged to share that information. Part of my job is to discuss this with adolescents and decide together the best way to communicate the information.
Parents/guardians often want to know how things are going. They may be able to be more helpful if they have general ideas about themes of our sessions. I encourage teens to share whatever they wish about our sessions with their parents/guardians. I will sometimes have specific suggestions for parents/guardians that do not involve breaking privacy. Parents/guardians are strongly urged to respect their child’s wishes for privacy concerning our work together.
You can make an appointment by contacting me by phone, text or email.
I understand that plans sometimes change unexpectedly and appointments may need to be rescheduled or cancelled. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment please let me know 24 hours in advance.
I see clients at two locations:
Toronto Office – 1030 Sheppard Avenue West, Unit 3 (just east of the Allen Expressway)
Thornhill Office – Thornhill Square, 300 John Street, Suite 300 (Family and Credit Counselling Office)
Yes. To eliminate unnecessary stress, I try to make our meetings as convenient for you as possible. Let me know your needs and I will do my best to accommodate you.