Frequently Asked Questions:
Therapy Edition
Whether you are thinking about starting or returning to therapy, you probably have some questions! Find answers below.
Do I need to be at my breaking point to start therapy?
Absolutely not, therapy is for everyone! It's actually easier to learn and practice coping skills before you need them. Therapy is an essential part of preventative and maintenance overall health care.
Do I need to be at a breaking point to start therapy?
Absolutely not, therapy is for everyone! It's actually easier to learn and practice coping skills before you need to use them. Therapy is a
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort that involves mutual exploration and discussion of the difficulties that a client would like to address. Clients set goals that are related to emotional well-being, behavioural patterns and social functioning and work with a clinically trained therapist to meet these goals.
What is virtual psychotherapy?
Virtual, or online psychotherapy, is a form of therapy service provided via telephone or video conferencing. Virtual psychotherapy has the same purpose and intent as therapy that is conducted in-person.
What are the benefits of virtual psychotherapy?
Benefits include the convenience of extended scheduling options, more accessibility because sessions can take place from anywhere in Ontario you have privacy, no commute time or parking fees, shorter wait times to see a therapist, increased anonymity since there is no need to wait in a waiting room, and access to a larger selection of therapists so that you can see a therapist that specializes in exactly what you would like help with.
How can therapy help me?
There are so many benefits to therapy. Here are just a few. Therapy can help reduce feelings of emotional distress and isolation, help you better understand your own thoughts, feelings and behaviours, increase self-awareness and boost self-esteem, promote power and choice when life feels overwhelming, see problems from a different perspective and improve clarity of mind, develop communication skills, identify your core values and support you while working toward your goals.
Do I need to be at my breaking point to start therapy?
Absolutely not, therapy is for everyone. It's actually easier and more effective to learn and practice skills before you need them. Therapy helps those who are seriously struggling but it is also an essential part of regular and preventative overall health care.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to work with OPS. Most insurance plans also do not require a physician's referral for coverage of registered social work services, but some do. Please be sure to check with your insurance provider before you start therapy.
How long are sessions and how often should I book?
Each session is 50 minutes in length. It is recommended to start with weekly sessions and move to biweekly and monthly sessions as you see progress and feel more confident with your new skills. Getting started, weekly sessions allow us to develop a therapeutic relationship, stay focused and progress more rapidly toward your identified treatment goals.
What is the first session like?
Our first session together is conversational. We will talk about what has motivated you to start therapy. This session gives me a chance to get to know you, your social history and background and the difficulties you are currently facing. We'll also identify your inner strengths and resources and determine a plan for support. My goal is to make you feel as welcomed and comfortable at all times, but especially during the first session, so that you feel safe to speak openly.
Is therapy covered by my benefits?
Registered social work services may be covered in part or in full by your employee benefit plan or private insurance. Please ensure you check with your insurance provider before starting therapy. Here are some helpful questions to ask when inquiring:
-
Does my plan cover registered social work?
-
How many sessions does my plan cover?
-
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
-
How much yearly coverage do I have in total?
How do I pay for services?
OPS accepts e-transfers and credit card payments. OPS does not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time. You will be issued a receipt for services after each session that you can then submit to your benefit provider for reimbursement if applicable. Any fees paid out-of-pocket for registered social work services are tax deductible as a medical expense.
What type of therapy is best for grief?
There is no structured therapy that is used to "treat" grief because grief is not an issue to be treated or fixed. Grief is something that we sit with, tend to and move forward carrying. This is why I call my grief work grief support, as opposed to therapy.
How does OPS measure progress?
I implement regular check-in surveys to review what we can do differently in sessions, things I can do both more and less of as a therapist to be more helpful, to assess goal progress and determine whether you would like to add or modify existing goals.
How long will it take before I feel better?
Healing isn't linear and timelines look different for everyone so there is no one answer to this question. Sometimes you might feel worse before you feel better. Many expect to walk out of every therapy session feeling good, but healing doesn’t always feel good; it can feel scary, painful, overwhelming and exhausting. Be patient and kind with yourself and remember that healing is a journey that requires time.
What is your scope of practice as a registered social worker?
As a registered social worker, it is not within my scope of practice to diagnose or prescribe medication. If it is important for you to explore diagnostic clarification or medication options, I can help connect you with other professionals that offer these services.
What happens if OPS is not the right fit for me?
Not every client is the right fit for OPS, so I don't expect that I will be the right therapist for every client. If you have concerns, tell me. You can send me an email if that's more comfortable. I am open to any and all feedback and I won't take it personally if you decide to switch therapists.