Why do you offer full 60-minute psychotherapy sessions instead of the standard 50-minute hour?
The traditional 50-minute session was created primarily for administrative efficiency—allowing therapists to stack appointments back-to-back on the hour.
In my practice, I deconstruct that fast-paced caseload model in favour of depth and care. A full 60-minute session provides room for richer exploration and gives us the necessary time to ground your nervous system and plan "next steps" before you leave. I also book 30 minutes between clients so I can give your documentation, case conceptualization, and treatment planning the thorough, reflective attention they deserve.
Do I need to book a free consultation, and what can I expect during one?
Yes, a free 15- to 20-minute phone or video consultation is a required first step for all prospective clients. This initial conversation gives us a low-pressure chance to introduce ourselves, discuss what brings you to therapy, and answer any questions you have about my approach or practice.
More importantly, this step is essential to ethical and responsible care. Taking the time to connect beforehand allows me to evaluate your unique needs and ensure that I have the specific skills, training, and expertise required to support you effectively. If we determine we are a great fit, we will move forward with scheduling your first session. If your concerns fall outside my area of expertise, I will happily recommend or refer you to trusted colleagues better suited to help you.
Why might I be referred to another professional during therapy, even if our consultation felt like a great fit?
Although a 15-minute consultation and the early stages of therapy may indicate a wonderful fit, therapy is an evolving process. As we work together, new themes, underlying challenges, or complex needs may surface that were not apparent during the consultation or earlier in therapy.
Referring a client to another provider is a normal, thoughtful, and routine part of responsible healthcare. Standard therapy practice involves continuously evaluating whether a therapist has the specific skills, training, and clinical expertise required to support your evolving needs.
If at any point it becomes clear that your concerns or goals fall outside my scope of practice or area of expertise, it is my professional and ethical responsibility to connect you with a clinician who is better equipped to support you. Referrals are always made with your best interests at heart to ensure you receive the highest standard of care possible.
What can I expect in my sessions?
Our work together always begins with getting to know each other and building a trusting relationship. We will work at your pace so that you can tell your story and share your concerns in your own time.
In the first few sessions, you might notice that I spend a lot of time listening to you and trying to understand your challenges from your point of view. In time, we identify your goals and find ways to help you reach those goals.
Often, our work will involve figuring out what is important to you and how you want to live your life. We also sort through what keeps you stuck and prevents you from living a meaningful and purposeful life. We will explore emotions, thought patterns, behaviours, and physiological experiences that are causing you distress. I may gently challenge you or offer different perspectives to help you move toward the growth and change you seek. There is always room for flexibility, so if something is not working for you or does not make sense, I encourage you to let me know so we can shift direction.
Above all, you can expect me to provide warmth, compassion, empathy, understanding, and a sense of humour—laughter and lightness are welcome parts of this process.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
The terms "counselling" and "psychotherapy" are often used interchangeably and have many similarities, but some important differences exist.
Both counselling and psychotherapy occur within a therapeutic relationship between a professional and a client and aim to understand the client's feelings and behaviours and improve their well-being.
While there is some overlap, psychotherapy is distinct from counselling.
Counselling focuses on providing information, support, advice, and encouragement. Psychotherapy provides support, information, validation, and encouragement, but it also involves assessing and treating issues related to your thoughts, mood, emotions, perceptions, or memory that might impair your judgement, insight, behaviour, communication, or social functioning.
In this sense, psychotherapy addresses the root cause and core issues of your struggles so that lasting change and personal growth may occur.
In Ontario, a Registered Psychotherapist is qualified and licensed to provide counselling and psychotherapy, but a counsellor may not possess the necessary training and skills to provide psychotherapy.
Because I am a Registered Psychotherapist, you can expect our sessions to include supportive counselling and focused psychotherapy strategies to help you reach your goals and improve your functioning. As always, how we work together will depend on your needs. My job is to meet you where you are, follow your lead, and work at your pace.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to psychotherapy and counselling. The number and frequency of sessions will differ for each person and depend on your concerns, goals, and unique healing process.
Generally speaking, most people who work with me begin their journey with weekly or biweekly sessions for several months. Over time, as you begin to reach your goals and notice positive changes in your life, we decrease the frequency of sessions until you feel you have reached your therapy goals and are ready to move forward.
For many, the journey can last anywhere from 4 to 8 months; however, it can also be longer or shorter.
