Questions people often ask

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what's bringing you to therapy, what's been going on in your life, and what you'd like to be different. You can share as much or as little as feels right — there's no pressure to tell your whole story at once.

We'll also go over practical things like confidentiality and how sessions work, and you're welcome to ask me anything about my approach. Many people feel nervous beforehand. That's normal, and it's fine to say so.

It depends on what you're working on and what you want from therapy. Some people come for a handful of sessions to work through something specific; others find value in longer-term work that explores deeper patterns.

Most people start with weekly or every-other-week sessions. We'll check in regularly about how things are going and whether the pace and frequency still make sense. You can decide to pause or stop at any time.

Sessions take place over a secure, privacy-compliant video platform. You'll receive a link before each appointment — there's nothing to install beyond what your browser or the platform asks for.

You'll need a device with a camera and microphone (a laptop, tablet or phone), a reasonably stable internet connection, and a private space where you won't be overheard. Headphones can help. Some people take sessions from their car or go for a walk; what matters is that you feel comfortable speaking freely. You'll need to be physically located in Ontario at the time of each session.

Services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) are covered by most extended health insurance plans. Plans differ in how much they cover, so check with your provider — ask specifically about coverage for a "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)."

You'll receive a receipt after each session to submit to your insurer. Direct billing is available through select providers. Therapy with a psychotherapist is not covered by OHIP.

Yes. What you share in therapy is kept confidential and your records are protected under Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I also discuss cases with a clinical supervisor, who is bound by the same confidentiality obligations; I share only what is needed and avoid identifying details wherever possible.

There are some legal limits to confidentiality. I may be required to share information without your consent if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, if I have reason to believe a child is at risk of harm, if a regulated health professional has sexually abused a client, or if records are subpoenaed by a court. I'll go over these limits with you at the start of therapy, and you're welcome to ask about them anytime.

Please give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, and missed sessions, are charged the full session fee. Insurance plans generally don't cover these fees.

This is one of the most common worries I hear, and it keeps a lot of people from reaching out. You don't need to be in crisis or have a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Feeling flat, stuck, irritable, disconnected or just "not quite right" is reason enough.

Often the sense that your problems don't count comes from the same place as the problems themselves — a habit of minimising your own needs. Nothing that causes you pain or discomfort is too trivial to talk about.

The relationship between you and your therapist matters a great deal, so it's worth paying attention to how it feels. That's what the free 20-minute consultation is for: you can get a sense of how I talk and listen, ask questions about how I work, and see whether you feel reasonably comfortable.

You don't need to feel completely at ease straight away — trust takes time. But if, at any point, you feel we aren't a good match, you can say so. I won't take it personally, and I'm happy to suggest other options.

I work with adults (18 and over) who live in Ontario, in individual sessions. I work with people of all genders and backgrounds, and I have a particular interest in supporting people affected by the pressure to stay tough, self-sufficient and quiet about what they feel.

My practice is not an emergency service, and I can't respond to messages immediately. If you're in crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), or call 416-408-4357 in Toronto. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. More resources are listed on the Crisis Resources page.