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Live Video Counselling

I also offer telehealth appointments to distant clients, or for those who have mobility issues. I provide these appointments using doxy.me. After scheduling an appointment, I will email you a link to my virtual waiting room for a video call. There is nothing for you to download, you just use your browser on your computer or other device that is equipped with a camera and microphone. All data is encrypted, your sessions are anonymous, and none of your information is stored.

I provide an informed and confidential environment throughout treatment. During your first session, we will review my office policies, privacy practices, and your reason(s) for initiating therapy. From there, we will identify your goals and work toward achieving them over time. Each session is 50 minutes in length and typically scheduled on a week to biweekly basis. The overall duration of therapy varies for each individual depending on their needs.

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Approach

My practice is built upon the fundamental principles of humanism. You are supported with empathic understanding and treated with an unconditional positive regard.

The foundation of my work is related to the impact, or the disruption, that various negative life experiences have on our psychological and intellectual development stages. This allows my patient and I to identify the root cause of their primary concern that was presented in our first session. In many cases, it results in treating various mental health disorders such as anxiety, grief, bipolar, depression, obsessive compulsive, paranoia, and post-traumatic stress, as well. I will also share that I have both a personal and professional interest in those who have been affected by a motor vehicle accident, and as such, I am registered with, Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI).

My professionalism is based on an integrated approach from a range of evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural (CBT), emotion focused (EFT), psychodynamic, and childhood development theories. I also use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to process past trauma. This means that I can treat a wide range of mental health issues and disorders.

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What to expect

Although I take into consideration a patient’s diagnosis, I also focus on your strengths in order to help you to achieve identified goals. I provide mental health therapy appointments directed at diminishing and managing your emotional distress. Treatment will be tailored to each individual based on your needs and goals. You can expect that we will explore the problem, and look beneath the surface to help you discover, understand, and overcome deep-seated pieces that may be influencing your concerns, and your interpretations.

I am currently accepting new patients. You are welcome to contact me so we can discuss if your situation would be a good fit for my services.

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Anxiety

Many people are disorientated by sudden changes in their life.  From the loss of a loved one, a change of job or home address, to an important exam, these situations can trigger what is known as fight or flight responses.  At worst, they could create persistent worries, leading to anxiety disorders.  Anxiety can stand in the way of tasks which many of us take for granted; being able to fly, driving in a car, using an elevator or leaving the house.

Untreated, anxiety can cause a variety of challenges such as problems with sleep, episodes of depression, increase dependence on substance, and non-substance or behavioural addictions.

There is a spectrum of anxiety disorders which include:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Phobias
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

For treating anxiety, cognitive behavioural therapy is used to identify and address how a person’s thoughts and behaviours interact to create anxiety. In some cases, trauma processing using EMDR would be appropriate.

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Fees & Insurance Coverage

My services are covered by most extended health benefit insurance plans. Psychological services are not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Extended health insurance benefit plans can differ. Please check your insurance plan regarding coverage and claim procedures (e.g., whether or not a letter or referral from your physician is required, details required on receipts, amount per person per calendar year etc.).

 

Fees

Currently my fee schedule ranges from $170 to $195 per 50-minute professional hour, depending on the program (individual, couple, motor vehicle accident MVA, first responder program, etc.). This rate includes my time outside of our face-to-face meetings, (e.g. preparation, documentation, treatment plan development, etc.)

 

Fee Payment

Payment for counselling and mental health services is due at the end of every session. A receipt will be given when payment is received. Please retain this receipt for your insurance or income tax claims. Fees may be paid by cash, cheque, or etransfer.

 

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Therapy

If you were psychologically injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, then your fees, if approved, will be covered and paid directly by your auto insurance carrier.

 

Workers Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)

If you were psychologically injured as a result of a workplace injury then, if approved, your fees will be covered and paid directly by the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB).

 

Short- and Long-Term Disability

If you are unable to perform your work duties due to a psychological condition, and are eligible for short- or long-term disability, then your disability insurance provider may cover your therapy sessions. Many insurance providers will expect the client to pay for the therapy sessions up front, and be reimbursed after a receipt for service is submitted.