First steps..

The first step in asking for help can be a difficult and scary experience for some. I hope to make this experience as simple and straightforward as possible for you.

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions that may help guide you further before taking your first step. However, please reach out if you have any further questions.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • It can be daunting to reach out for help especially if you have never experienced therapy before and even if you have, it can take some time to be comfortable with a new therapist. I will start the session by asking you questions about yourself, the reason you decided to seek help for and specifically if you had anything you wanted to work on. It may feel like an interview but the priority at the beginning of therapy is to get to know you more which means I will ask questions to know more about your previous experiences and how you live your current life. It may be hard to trust a stranger from a beginning and it may take some time. However, I make sure to offer a safe, non-judgmental space so you feel comfortable enough to provide as much information as you can so I can help you reach your therapeutic goals.

  • Absolutely. Therapy is not only for individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions. Many people seek therapy to gain personal insight, enhance self-awareness, improve relationships, manage stress, or navigate life transitions. Therapy can be beneficial for anyone who wants support, guidance, and a safe space for personal growth and self-improvement.

  • A typical therapy session lasts for 50 minutes. Occasionally, a 90 minute session may be recommended for certain situations (e.g. when doing trauma-focused work)

  • The duration of therapy will vary depending on several factors, including yur needs, goals, and the nature of the concerns being addressed. There are times where you may need a direct solution to a situation while there are times when clients may need a little more time and support to focus on a particular challenge or repeated difficulties. In addition, some people may prefer to have more frequent sessions or some people prefer to spread their sessions out for a number of different reasons. As part of our initial assessment, I will work collaboratively with you to determine the appropriate duration of therapy in line with your goals.

  • Therapy can help individuals in various ways. It provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore and understand one's thoughts and emotions. Therapy can help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions and develop effective coping strategies. It can also promote personal growth, enhance self-esteem, improve relationships, and provide support during challenging life transitions.

  • The frequency of therapy sessions is typically determined by the therapist in consultation with the client. In the beginning stages of therapy, sessions are often scheduled weekly to establish a therapeutic relationship and work on the identified goals. As progress is made, sessions may be reduced to biweekly or monthly. However, the frequency can be adjusted based on your needs and preferences.

  • Yes, therapy is confidential. Therapists are bound by a code of ethics and legal regulations to maintain confidentiality regarding the information shared during therapy sessions. However, there are certain limitations to confidentiality. Therapists may be required to break confidentiality in situations where there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, or when there is suspected abuse of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable individual. I will usually discuss the limits of confidentiality during the initial sessions.

  • The effectiveness of therapy varies from person to person and depends on several factors. However, some signs that therapy is working include feeling understood and supported by the therapist, gaining new insights and perspectives, experiencing positive changes in thoughts and behaviors, and noticing improvements in overall well-being and functioning. It's important to communicate openly with your therapist about your progress and concerns to ensure that therapy is on track.

  • Multiple studies have found that online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. These studies have shown comparable outcomes in terms of symptom reduction, client satisfaction, and overall therapeutic benefits.

  • I do not bill insurances direclty howver, medical insurance providers will allow you to re-claim costs incurred for psychological therapy. I recommend contacting your provider directly to obtain information regarding their level of cover and the process to reclaim costs incurred.

    I am happy to provide you with a referral or a diagnosis if needed.