FAQ

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy can benefit anyone seeking support for their mental health, personal growth, or life challenges. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Consider therapy if you’re experiencing persistent stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or simply want to better understand yourself and develop healthier coping strategies. If you’re unsure, we offer a free consultation where we can discuss your concerns and help you determine if therapy is a good fit for your needs.

What can I expect in the first session?

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to share what brings you to therapy. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through our work together. We’ll also explain how therapy works, answer any questions you have, and begin developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs. The first session is also a chance for you to determine if we’re a good fit—it’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to, and you’re in control of what you discuss.

How long does therapy typically last?

The duration of therapy varies depending on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. Some clients find relief and achieve their goals in a few sessions (short-term therapy, typically 6-12 sessions), while others benefit from longer-term support (several months to a year or more).

We typically recommend starting with weekly or bi-weekly sessions and reassessing progress together regularly. You’re always in control of your therapeutic journey, and we’ll work collaboratively to determine what’s right for you. Therapy ends when you feel you’ve achieved your goals and have the tools you need to move forward independently.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes! We offer a complimentary 10-15 minute consultation to help you determine if our services are the right fit for your needs. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your concerns, learn more about our approach, and get a sense of whether we’re a good match.

There’s no obligation to continue with therapy after the consultation, and we’re happy to provide guidance even if you decide to seek support elsewhere.

How do online therapy sessions work?

Online therapy sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted video conferencing platform Zoom, providing the same level of confidentiality and professionalism as in-person sessions. All you need is a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone).

Before your first session, you’ll receive a link to join the session. Simply click the link at your scheduled appointment time, and we’ll connect. Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long. Many clients find online therapy just as effective as in-person sessions, with the added convenience of accessing support from anywhere in the world.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes! Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

The therapeutic relationship—the connection between you and your therapist—is the most important factor in successful therapy, and this can be built just as effectively online.

Many clients actually prefer online therapy because of the convenience, comfort of being in their own space, and elimination of travel time. The key is finding a therapist you connect with, regardless of the format.

What if I’m located outside of Canada?

We welcome clients from around the world! Our online therapy services are available to clients worldwide, regardless of your location. As long as you have a private space and internet connection, you can access our services.

We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones. Please note that while we can provide therapy to clients internationally, our practice is based in Canada and operates under Canadian professional standards and regulations.

What technology do I need for online sessions?

You’ll need a device with a camera and microphone (computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone), a reliable internet connection, and a private space where you can speak freely without interruptions. We use Zoom, which is user-friendly and doesn’t require you to download any software—you can join sessions directly through your web browser.

Before your first session, we recommend testing your camera and microphone to ensure everything works properly. If you have any technical difficulties, we’re happy to help troubleshoot.

What if my internet connection is unstable during a session?

While we use secure, reliable platforms, occasional technical difficulties can happen. If your connection drops during a session, simply try to reconnect using the same link. If you’re unable to reconnect, we’ll follow up with you via phone or email to reschedule or continue the session by phone if appropriate.

We understand that technical issues are frustrating, and we’ll work with you to ensure you receive the full session time you’ve scheduled.

Is everything I say confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. Everything you share in sessions is kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without your written consent.

However, there are a few legal and ethical exceptions where confidentiality may be broken: if there is risk of harm to yourself or others, if there is suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable person, or if records are subpoenaed by a court of law.

These exceptions are in place to ensure safety, and we will always discuss any concerns with you first whenever possible. Your trust and privacy are our top priorities.

How secure are online sessions?

We take your privacy and security very seriously. All online sessions are conducted through [platform name], which uses end-to-end encryption and complies with healthcare privacy standards (including HIPAA and PIPEDA).

This means your sessions are secure and cannot be accessed by unauthorized parties. We also follow strict professional standards for maintaining confidentiality and protecting your personal information.

Your session recordings are never stored, and all communication is conducted through secure channels.

Will my insurance company know I’m in therapy?

If you’re using insurance to pay for therapy, your insurance company will require basic information such as your diagnosis, dates of service, and provider information in order to process claims.

This is standard practice for insurance reimbursement. If you prefer complete privacy and don’t want your insurance company to have any record of your therapy, you can choose to pay out-of-pocket instead.

We’re happy to discuss your options and help you make the decision that’s right for you.