Psychotherapy is primarily talk therapy that aims to improve and maintain a client's mental health and well-being. Psychotherapy occurs when a registered healthcare professional and a client enter a collaborative psychotherapeutic relationship. The aim of psychotherapy is to bring about positive changes in the client's thinking, feelings, behaviour, and social functioning, which at the onset of psychotherapy, adversely affects their daily lives, relationships, and/or their ability to enjoy their life.

In Ontario law, psychotherapy is a controlled act that only authorized healthcare professionals can engage in. 

You are invited to bring water, juice, or herbal tea. Many clients like to bring a pen and paper or a journal to their session, as some come with topics they want to remember to discuss, others like to take notes or doodles, and others like to write down reminders, key takeaways, or collaborative "homework" for their next session. You might also want to bring tissues, a blanket, a pillow, a stuffed animal, or a fidget toy. This is your therapy hour, and we want you to feel comfortable and secure.

On days when you need to meet during a lunch break or between obligations, you're welcome to bring your lunch or a snack (as long as this doesn't feel like a distraction to you). If you're uncomfortable eating alone, I invite you to email your therapist before the start of your session, and she'll be happy to bring a snack to enjoy with you. 

A "therapy hour" is 50 minutes of face-to-face time with 10 minutes between sessions to complete clinical documentation (i.e., case notes), which the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario requires. Clinical documentation ensures that the therapist develops a tailored treatment plan to guide their psychotherapeutic work. It also ensures that we track progress and can recall essential aspects of your individual case.

Unfortunately, OHIP does not currently cover the cost of psychotherapy.

While many private insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of psychotherapy, you will need to check with your individual provider. We do not directly bill insurance companies at this time. You will be given a receipt, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.  

It depends on the designation of the therapist (i.e., RP (Qualifying) vs. RP), their additional training, years of experience, and often where within the province that the therapist resides. 

Carli, MA, RP charges $150 per session. Fees are due at the onset of each session and can be paid by credit or e-transfer. 

We understand how essential psychotherapy is and that it is not always accessible. For this reason, we have a limited number of sliding-scale slots for clients requiring more affordable options. 

Online therapy (or telemental health) is often more accessible for clients, especially those with scheduling constraints, children at home, mobility concerns, or lack of personal transportation. Online therapy allows clients to access their therapy during lunch breaks or in the comfort and safety of their own spaces.

We ask that you ensure your environment feels safe, private, and secure. Of course, we understand when clients need to do their session from their car or feel comfortable going for a walk or sitting in a park. Each person's comfort level is different, and we trust you to establish that level of safety for yourself. We want to ask that you please minimize or silence all distractions during your session. 

We use a telemental health platform that is PHIPA* and PIPEDA** compliant, password-protected devices, private and secure internet, and cybersecurity software on all devices within our internet network. Your therapist also has a private and secure home office. 

As always, there are risks to virtual spaces, but we take every precaution to mitigate these risks and encourage you to also use password-protected devices, private and secure internet connections, and cybersecurity software on the devices you connect with.

Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)* of Ontario, Canada
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)** of Canadian law

Absolutely! Your privacy and confidentiality are of the utmost importance. The information that you share will not be shared without your explicit consent.

There are some exceptions to this, as required by Ontario law:

• you disclose information that indicates you or someone else is in imminent danger

• you disclose information about the abuse or neglect of someone who is currently a minor 

• you disclose information indicating a healthcare professional is breaking ethical obligations

• the court subpoenas your records (though it's more common that they'd subpoena the therapist)

• the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario requests your records as part of an audit

If any of the above exceptions to confidentiality occur, your therapist will make every attempt to involve you in the process.

Your personal health information is stored on a secure and private PIPEDA and PHIPA-compliant electronic record management software called Jane Practice.

Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) of Ontario, Canada
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) of Canadian law

You will never have to discuss something you don't feel comfortable talking about. Some people come to therapy ready to discuss everything, while others take time to feel comfortable or build trust. It's okay to take therapy at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Sometimes we come to therapy thinking we're ready to talk about something when we're not. That doesn't mean we can't make serious improvements by focusing on the here-and-now. Sometimes people come back to therapy later to talk about things they weren't ready to talk about the first time around. That's okay too! You are always welcome to return to therapy in the future if new concerns or old ones resurface.

No, you don't. While you can self-refer, check with your insurance provider to see if you require a referral from your family doctor for insurance purposes. Although this is uncommon, some insurance providers require more than others.

We understand that sometimes things happen. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy where you can cancel/reschedule (1) online (using your Jane account) or (2) by emailing your therapist. 

Your appointment is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed session leaves a hole in your therapists' schedule that another client could have booked. If you don't provide 24-hour notice, we do charge a late cancellation fee to maintain boundaries and accountability. 

We offer sessions during the day and evenings throughout the work week. Our office is closed on the weekends. We offer confidential online booking through the Jane App, although you can book at the end of your session or by email.