Individual Psychotherapy
From time to time, we all could use someone to talk with: to discuss patterns we notice in our behaviour, to share concerns about the way we think about the things and people in our lives. Sometimes a singular event, like the passing of a loved one, or even something as seemingly straight-forward as a physical injury will trigger a spectrum of feelings and thoughts at once. Sometimes our lack of feeling around certain events can bother us.
The modality (or “style”) of psychotherapy I practice is geared toward people from all walks of life: women, men, investment bankers, bartenders, single parents, retirees, teachers, students, army reservists, musicians… you get the idea. In short, it’s meant for you. My practice is open to people from all backgrounds, and I consider myself an LGBTQ ally.
What kinds of issues can you work with?
Anxiety • Depression • Loss/Grief • Trauma & PTSD • Relationship/Marital Problems • Substance Abuse • Shame • Self-Harm • Anger Management • Physical/Sexual Abuse • Family-of-Origin Conflict • Racism • Career Direction • Your Previous Therapist Was A Nightmare • Workplace Burnout, among other concerns.
What if I don’t know what’s wrong with me?
It’s not uncommon for people to feel compelled to contact a therapist only to experience anxiety over the fact that there may only be a fuzzy/hazy reason for doing so. Some clients express an amount of guilt over this, as if they are expected to have a certified idea in order to see me.
This is why I offer a free initial consultation. It allows you to come in and talk about what’s going on, without any financial commitment, so that you can have more clarity whether or not to move forward with therapy.
What are my rates?
I charge $160/session for individuals (50 minutes each session). My fee includes HST.
Couples Psychotherapy
How is couples therapy different from individual therapy?
A misnomer about couples therapy is that it’s “the beginning of the end”. The reality is that, increasingly, couples are realizing that talking openly about their differences with a qualified therapist is, in fact, an effective way to discharge tension in the relationship and perhaps discover a new focus.
When we enter a serious relationship, we bring our own ideas (and biases) with us: ideas about money, sexual intimacy, communication, privacy. Many of these ideas are influenced by previous relationships (or values we learned growing up). And sometimes, while individually each partner’s influences may be sound, when the two are merged there can be discord.
Seeing a therapist as a couple is a way to put everything on the table without one party feeling they are taking on one of the dreaded roles – the Argument Judge, or, The One Who Always Initiates Things. A qualified therapist will be careful not to allow any one person to overshadow the needs of the other to the detriment of the relationship.
Therapy provides an opportunity to investigate and explore the evolving dynamic between partners who are experiencing communication and connection problems. The aim is to build a sense of potential and understanding within the relationship.
Please note: the free initial consultation does not apply to couples.
What are my rates?
I charge $180/session for couples (a full 60 minutes each session). Because sometimes individual work during couples therapy is necessary, I charge $160/session for individuals (50 minutes each session). My fee includes HST.
Online/virtual therapy?
The tools of a therapist have expanded since COVID-19 became a going concern. These same tools have been around for a while, but now more and more people are working from home and may not have the privilege or ability to make in-person therapy possible. I am more than comfortable working with clients online or over the phone.
What about insurance coverage?
Insurance coverage will only work for you if your carrier explicitly covers a Psychotherapist (as opposed to a Psychologist – there’s a difference!). For sake of clarity, I encourage you to check the details of your employer or university’s health benefits plan first. If your health benefits do cover psychotherapy, then I would be more than happy to issue monthly receipts so that you may be reimbursed.
What are my working hours?
I see clients Monday through Thursday, beginning at 10am with my last session at 6pm.