The ultimate goal of therapy is to improve quality of life and increase better overall functioning. Therapy can help clients address many mental health issues and psychological disorders. However, it is a common misconception that something must be seriously ‘wrong’ with your mental health in order to benefit from therapy. People experiencing mental health concerns are certainly among those who can benefit from therapy, but many people at some point in their lives find therapy to be helpful. We can all use a safe place to share our experiences, receive support through our everyday struggles and challenges, and discover and deepen our sense of self and ability to be in intimate relationships.

Choosing a therapist is an important decision. In the first session, it’s an opportunity to decide if the therapist feels like a good fit (i.e. you feel comfortable with the person and generally find them easy to talk with). If you decide that it is a good fit, remember you can always talk with your therapist at any time about what works and doesn’t work for you in the therapy. 

If you are unsure our reception team can assist you in matching you with the appropriate practitioner. All therapists also offer a free 15 minute consultation. 

Student/qualifying therapists have not yet completed all the requirements to become registered psychotherapists. They are still in the completion phase of their academic training. This means the therapist may still be in school, or have graduated, but are working to meet all the requirements by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Every therapist, whether just starting out or close to retirement, has a unique life experience and set of personal qualities that they bring to the therapeutic relationship with the client.

Please note that email is only used for scheduling, rescheduling, or cancelling appointments. All other electronic communication (i.e. email containing any therapeutic content) will not be returned by the practitioner as e-counselling is not provided through this practice.

Please provide 48 business hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment time. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 business hours’ notice and missed appointments will be subject to half of the fee being charged. Please ensure that you are on time for appointments. Sessions will not be extended to accommodate late starts.

Psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP but you may have coverage in your extended health care plan. However, our services are covered under most extended health insurance plans as counselling services can be claimed under a Registered Social Worker and/or Registered Psychotherapist. Check with your insurance plan to be certain.

Life & Family Counselling is a no shoe clinic. We pride ourselves on keeping a clean and tidy environment for your comfort and safety. Most importantly, it keeps you grounded, setting the stage to prepare you for session while removing the power and balance between therapist and client. 

It is a requirement of the professional college that privacy and confidentiality be honoured. This means that Life & Family Counselling cannot share information about you with anyone without your written consent. The only exception to this policy is situations of imminent danger to you or to someone else. Files are stored securely in our office. Twelve years following the termination of treatment, files are shredded by an onsite shredding facility.

If you are feeling confused or just unsure as to whether or not these services are right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.