Q&A
What is therapy? Therapy is a collaborative process where individuals work with a therapist to explore emotional, psychological, and relational challenges. Through this guided self-reflection, therapy helps clients gain insight, build coping skills, and make meaningful changes in their lives. It provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore concerns and develop practical strategies for personal growth and healing.
Can therapy help me? Yes, therapy can help by providing a space where you feel deeply heard and understood without judgment. Through therapy, you can gain clarity on your challenges, leading to new insights and actionable strategies. As your therapist, I will guide you, offer tools, and hold you accountable for your personal growth, helping you address the issues you’re facing.
What will we discuss in therapy? We will explore your challenges from multiple perspectives using approaches from psychology, psychotherapy, and social work. My main modalities include existential therapy, Depth psychology (inspired by Carl Jung), Gottman Theory for couples, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness practices. Depending on your situation, I may focus on family dynamics, narcissistic behaviors, or emotional immaturity to help you work through your concerns.
Will you give me advice? Yes, I will provide guidance and suggestions, but the most important aspect is for you to discover your own insights. Therapy empowers you to find your answers, as lasting change often comes from within.
Will you prescribe medication? No, as a Registered Social Worker (RSW), I do not prescribe medication. However, I can work in collaboration with your healthcare providers if you need a psychiatric evaluation or medication management.
What is therapy like? Therapy is a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your strengths and areas for growth. Together, we will work through your concerns at your own pace, developing strategies to help you move forward.
How long does therapy take? Sessions typically last one hour and are held weekly. Over time, as progress is made, some clients move to bi-weekly sessions. The length of therapy depends on your needs and goals, which we will evaluate together.
What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is the process of exploring and understanding your inner psyche. It supports emotional and psychological health, promoting personal growth, healing, and self-awareness. Through psychotherapy, I help clients work towards individuation, which is the development of a true, autonomous self.
What is individual/couples/family therapy?
- Individual therapy: Focuses on you and your personal challenges.
- Couples therapy: Uses Gottman Theory to help partners improve communication and emotional connection.
- Family therapy: Addresses family dynamics and works to resolve conflicts, though my primary focus is individual and couples therapy.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Depth Psychology, Gottman Theory, and Mindfulness Therapy?
- CBT: Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional well-being.
- Existential Therapy: Explores deeper questions of meaning, purpose, and self-identity.
- Depth Psychology (Carl Jung): Examines unconscious processes, symbols, and archetypes to understand behavior and emotional patterns.
- Gottman Theory: A research-based approach to help couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen emotional intimacy.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Incorporates mindfulness practices to help you stay present, reduce stress, and develop greater emotional awareness.
Do I need therapy? Therapy provides a valuable space for personal exploration and growth. Even if you feel your problems are “under control,” therapy can offer insight, accountability, and support as you continue to develop personally and relationally.
What purpose does therapy serve? Therapy helps you navigate life’s challenges by providing tools and strategies to manage emotions, relationships, and stress. It fosters self-awareness and helps you build resilience and coping skills.
I feel like I have my problems under control. Do I really need therapy? Even if you feel you have things under control, therapy can help you maintain balance, encourage personal growth, and provide deeper insights that might not be easily accessible through self-reflection alone.
How do I know if therapy is right for me? Almost everyone can benefit from therapy. If you’re feeling stuck, looking for clarity, or simply want to improve your relationships or emotional well-being, therapy can provide valuable guidance and support.
How do I pay for therapy sessions?
- Payment: Payment is expected on the day of the session, and I will provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance company.
- Insurance: Many insurance providers cover therapy with a Registered Social Worker. I can provide the necessary receipts, though I do not typically bill insurance companies directly.
- Sliding scale: Available based on individual circumstances.
- Cancellation policy: Please provide 24 hours’ notice for cancellations to avoid being charged the full session fee, unless in the case of a serious emergency.
How do I find a therapist? Finding the right therapist is crucial to your healing process. Look for someone who you feel comfortable with and who uses approaches that align with your needs. Consider my focus on existential, Depth psychology, and family systems approaches if they resonate with you.
How can I tell if a therapist is a good match for me? A strong therapeutic relationship is essential. During our initial sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to assess whether my approach and style feel supportive to you.
Should I see a male or female therapist? It depends on your personal comfort and needs. Both male and female therapists bring unique strengths, and the right fit often depends on your specific situation or past experiences.
Where are you located? I am located at 50 Carroll St, Toronto, ON M4M 3G3. You can book an in-person or virtual session (i.e over Zoom).
Can I give you a call? Yes, feel free to reach out via phone to discuss your needs and schedule a session.
When can we have sessions? I offer appointments during the week, typically between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You can schedule via Calendly, email, or phone.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential? Yes, everything we discuss in therapy is confidential. However, there are legal obligations in cases of harm to yourself or others. Please refer to the consent form for further details.
Can I decide to see a different therapist? Yes, if at any point you feel you need to see someone else, I can assist in referring you to another therapist.
What if I don’t want to talk about something? It’s completely okay to not talk about something if you’re not ready. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your consent and comfort are always respected.
Will you think I’m “crazy”? Absolutely not. Therapy is a safe space free from judgment. Everyone experiences challenges, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Will you get tired of hearing me talk about the same things? No, revisiting the same concerns is often part of the therapeutic process. Each session offers new insights and opportunities to explore different angles.
Will there be any written record of what I say? What happens to that record? Yes, I keep clinical case notes to document our sessions, which are securely stored on my computer, following best practices for confidentiality and security.