Question: How do I know if I need therapy? 

Answer: Choosing to start therapy is a personal choice.  It comes from a deep inner knowing that something isn’t working in your life and that you want change.  Typically, there is a sense of being stuck and a desire to finally address the stagnation. This can be in regards to mood, thoughts, and emotions - where there is consistent negative impact to choices-made, behaviours and relationships.  Therapy can be an effective treatment to help with such issues.  

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Question: How long does therapy take?

Answer:  It depends.  Like going to the gym - results can vary - and depend on commitment, frequency and patience.  I generally tell clients that weekly or bi-weekly sessions is helpful to keep consistency and rhythm to therapy work. Learning to share feelings and utilize the therapeutic relationship can take time. Also, it depends on what you’re looking to explore.  Working on being confident for job interviews might be resolved in short-term therapy (three to four months), versus looking at addressing complex past-traumas could take years. As a therapist, I’m constantly checking in for impact of therapy and tracking how we’re doing against our goals.  As your issues get addressed, we see together, if there are new-things to be worked on, or if you feel complete with the journey. As the client - you are in control - in terms of how long you want to invest in the therapy process. 

 

Question: What modality do you practice?

Answer: My modality is Relational Gestalt - which means I explore the physical experience of feelings and emotions, with special attention to the therapist-client relationship.  This translates into a therapeutic approach which shows you rather than tells you - I provide an experience for you to understand and explore your issue, instead of giving you instructions on how to solve your problems.   I’ve had a life-long interest in Eastern Spirituality and meditation - which I incorporate into my work. As a therapist, I’m creative and bring in movement, dance, music, writing, drawing, drama, pop-culture as relevant to deepen the therapy experience.  

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Question: What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and psychotherapist? 

Answer: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are able to prescribe medication related to mental health.  Psychologists study human behaviour and are able to provide formal assessments. Psychotherapists use techniques they are trained in to support mental health - this is commonly referred to as  “talk therapy”. Here’s where it gets confusing - psychotherapy or “talk therapy” - can also be a process that psychiatrists and psychologists use in the course of their treatments. The difference amongst the three professions - is in the focus.  Psychiatrists focus on medication management. Psychologists focus on human behaviour and assessments. Psychotherapists focus on “talk therapy”.

 

Question: Are you covered by OHIP? 

Answer: No.  Psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP. 

 

Question: Are you covered by Insurance?

Answer: If you have coverage for a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) under your insurance plan, then I can give you a receipt to submit for claim purposes.  Check with your insurance provider to see if they provide coverage.

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Question: I’m a POC and looking to explore race-related issues - can you help?

Answer: Yes!  It’s why I became a therapist.  As a queer-POC myself, I encountered the challenge of finding therapists that reflected my experiences.  As a therapist - I bring my perspective as a POC into the session. This means having extra-sensitivity to issues that POC face.  This goes beyond acknowledging racism - but considering the unique nuances of being a POC. We explore the challenge you face in being a POC and what that  means in your life. In particular I have expertise in helping clients make sense of “the immigrant experience” - both for recent immigrants and the generation(s)-after.  

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Question: What can I expect when I contact you?

Answer: I offer an initial 20-minute consultation over the phone. You can tell me a little bit about your issue and yourself.  You can ask me any questions you might have about therapy with me.  If you feel comfortable and interested in proceeding we can book an in-person therapy session.    

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Question: What days and times are you available?

Answer:  I offer sessions Wednesday to Friday between 9am to 6pm and on Saturdays noon to 4pm.  

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Question: Do you have a sliding-scale?

Answer:  I do offer a sliding-scale for those who can't afford my full rate.  You are welcome to inquire if I have spots available on my sliding scale.  

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Question: Do you provide online/video sessions?

Answer: Yes.  I also provide online sessions using web conferencing tools.  

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