Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" is a way to explore difficult feelings, thoughts and behaviours. It's supportive in helping people cope with day-to-day life stressors, the impact of trauma, loss, and in treating a range of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The overall goal is to improve your health and wellbeing, so you can better function. Other terms people use to describe psychotherapy include "therapy" and "counselling". Psychotherapy is generally a longer-term approach, focusing on exploring your past and the here and now to gain insight and learn new ways of coping.

I'm a Registered Nurse (RN) with the College of Nurses of Ontario and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from York University.  I'm a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional with Postpartum Support International. Additionally, I have specialized training in: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy, Motivating Health Behaviour Change, Motivational Interviewing, Parent-Child Attachment & Relationships, Trauma-informed care, and Infant & Early Mental Health.

Private psychotherapy is not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), but is covered under many extended health benefit plans. Contact your insurance company or employer to inquire about your specific plan and ask if they cover "Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), licensed with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)" or "Registered Nurses who provide psychotherapy, licensed with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)". Some insurance companies may only cover counselling or psychotherapy if provided by a Social Worker or Psychologist. 

If you have a Health Spending Account as part of your benefits, you may be able to claim through there. Once you have paid for your session, I will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company or claim as a medical expense on your income tax return.

Meeting on a virtual platform allows us to meet face-to-face by video, without having to go anywhere. Before your appointment, you will receive a link to join the secure, online video platform called Jane App for our designated meeting time. The Jane App platform is PHIPA and PIPEDA compliant. You can test your device ahead of time to make sure the audio and video settings work, including a strong internet connection. I will be on video and may wear headphones. I ask that you also turn on your video and consider wearing headphones/earbuds. Confidentiality and privacy cannot be guaranteed when meeting online. I have control of my office space and you will be responsible for your space, wherever you are. Some clients will meet online from home, work or sitting inside a parked vehicle for peace and quiet. Ensuring a private space for us to talk is important. Sometimes, technology glitches or fails completely. This can happen due to factors such as severe weather or poor internet connectivity. In this case I have a backup virtual platform and/or will call you instead.

The first session is for us to get to know each other. I will review the intake questionnaire, consent form and your contact information that you provided ahead of time. Together we will explore more about your current issues that brought you into  therapy, how they impact your life, hopes and expectations for working together. During the first few sessions we'll talk about your goals and explore strategies to get there. I will listen openly and without judgement. Sometimes I will pause, or circle back to something important you said. The more open and honest you are, the better I can understand your needs and offer support. At any time if you feel you are not ready to share something, just let me know. Questions I ask are to learn more and guide the approaches and tools I use during our journey together. You are the lead role in your life story and I will act as your guide, soundboard and support.

Yes, I can provide services to anyone living in Ontario, as my nursing and psychotherapy licenses are with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), which authorize me to practice in this province. 

No, self-referrals are welcome and encouraged!