Yes, everything you say is confidential and we are held by a Code of Ethics to protect your privacy. You can ask us questions if you have concerns about the process of confidentiality. There are some exceptions to the rule of confidentiality. By law, we are required to report:

• Threats of harm to oneself
• Threats of harm to other
• Suspected child or elder abuse – if the client is the victim or perpetrator.

The short answer is – YOU. Therapy is a personal step that helps many clients along the way. Your success depends on how open you are to the process. If you are willing to take the time to look within and do the work necessary for change, you will be successful.

People see a therapist for a wide range of reasons. Sometimes an event occurs that initiates an individual to seek out help, while others may attend therapy as it provides a trained objective person to help them work through issues they may have been struggling with.  Therapy is beneficial as a client will feel a sense of control in their life and have the tools to be able to make better decisions or changes in their life.

There are too many benefits of participating in therapy to list!  Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies for a wide range of concerns. Therapists, being objective, can provide an alternate perspective to a situation that has left you uneasy. The benefits of therapy depend on the client’s commitment and level of readiness. Some benefits can include, boosting self-confidence or improving self-esteem, improving communication skills, learning/finding new coping skills, attaining a better understanding of yourself, changing old patterns, and developing new ones, or managing your emotions such as sadness, anger or other highly charged emotions.

The initial session will be an initial assessment to discuss your history (based on what has brought you to therapy) and goals for treatment.  During this first session, the client will have the opportunity to see how therapy will work, review office policies, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as determine whether there is a positive rapport between you and the therapist.

By choosing a therapist registered with a professional body you can be reassured that they have met the standards of training and experience required by that organization. Most professional bodies will also have a Code of Ethics and Principles that outline the way their members should work, and a complaints process if needed.

As a Social Worker, I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).  I have included their website so that you may verify that I am registered.  https://www.ocswssw.org/members/online-register/   If needed, the complaints process is on the website as well. 

Yes, you do.  The payment will be made directly to me and upon receiving the payment, I will issue a receipt.  The receipt may then be kept in your personal records at home for income tax purposes, or if you have benefits you may submit it to your benefit holder.  I accept cash, e-transfer, cheque, or credit card. If payment is delinquent, there is a possibility that services will be suspended. 

I require 24 hours’ notice of cancellation or you will need to pay for the appointment. An occasional exception may be made in the case of an emergency. It’s important that we meet consistently to make progress.

I utilize a variety of theories and techniques. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) Solution Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Client-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques are often helpful for my clients.

No, I am not a medical doctor. Many of my patients find medication helpful, and many of them also progress well in therapy without medication. If you want to be evaluated for psychiatric medication, contact your primary care physician.