What is Psychotherapy?
The College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) defines Psychotherapy as a place where a Registered Psychotherapist (me) and a client (you) “enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning.” Psychotherapy is “primarily a talk-based therapy and is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being.” Source: CRPO website
Let’s face it. Therapy can be scary. Brene Brown, a researcher on shame and vulnerability, remarked “owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
Psychotherapy is a process of looking closely at what is going on in your life, how this is impacting you and the people around you, and sometimes acknowledging that something within ourselves may have to change. Often we might have to start with self-compassion. Sometimes we have to learn to sit with discomfort, sadness or grief.
My role as a psychotherapist is to be there to listen closely and fully. Feeling comfortable is key. We will come up with a plan together, and come back to this plan regularly to ensure we are on the right track. Sometimes, we may discuss specific interventions/strategies to address your concerns. These may include ways to address negative thinking patterns or learning to pay attention and name emotions in our bodies. We may explore self care strategies, given that sleep, diet, exercise, and our connection to others and nature are an essential part of our wellness. I feel strongly that practicing mindfulness and meditation can be a very important part of our daily practice, and if you’re interested, we can discuss how this might be helpful for you.
Fee Structure: I offer remote sessions via OnCall Health videoconferencing, a Canadian company that meets all provincial and federal privacy guidelines. Sessions are generally 55 minutes in length although 85 minutes is a possibility which can be collaboratively decided upon. The cost for a session is $150 for a 55 minute session and $200 for a 85 minute session. HST is included in the price. I provide a free initial phone consultation of approximately 15 – 20 minutes in length.
Please note: Registered Psychotherapists (RP) are not covered by OHIP. However, RPs are now covered by some private insurance companies, so please check if this might be an option for you.
