How I Practice
Working Together
I offer psychotherapy to adults, youth, children and families. I also offer supervision and clinical consultation to mental health professionals.
My approach to psychotherapy and the nature of the issues that I support tends to address deep structures and functions over a longer period of time, sometimes even over several years. While some single-incident traumatic events may be resolved safely and gently in a short period of time, deep grief does not resolve quickly, and complex trauma requires a thoughtful and paced trajectory of care.
Throughout, my approach aims to build trust, safety, shared power and agency, and a sense of collaboration and co-creative exploration of your inner world. I bring myself to our encounter and expect our work to be mutually felt. I encourage us to think together about what pathway we take, what works together and what does not, and how we can best serve your needs.
Engaging in a process of counselling or psychotherapy has been demonstrated by ample scientific research to be of great benefit for many people, lifting mood, resolving fear, anger or anxiety, and generating solutions for long-standing issues. There can be a positive influence on your relationships, coping skills, self-image, energy and sense of vitality in life. You may clarify your needs, goals and wishes for your life. I believe that therapy is a process of conscious personal growth and healing that can benefit not only you, but the individuals and communities you touch.
Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions are generally scheduled weekly or every two weeks, and are usually 50 minutes long. 90 minute sessions are available. We can work together to determine the best frequency and length of sessions for your needs and our mutual availability.
Therapy is offered online via secure videoconference, by telephone, and I have limited in office availability for those who wish to attend in person.
Psychotherapy services provided by private practitioners are not covered by OHIP; however, many extended health care benefit plans cover provision of psychotherapy services provided by a Registered Social Worker. For clients with coverage for psychology, I also have a supervision agreement with a psychologist that allows me to bill through psychology benefits. In this case, some additional minor arrangements are required; please inquire and I can walk you through the process.
Psychotherapy provided by a Registered Social Worker (RSW) is eligible to be claimed as a medical expense under the Canada Revenue Agency’s approved list of medical services (www.cra.gc.ca/medical).
Getting Started
I offer all new clients a free 20-minute initial telephone consultation. This is a chance for us to talk about counselling and psychotherapy, for you to ask questions and get a sense of my style and approach, as well as for me to begin to get to know you and identify what brings you to therapy and what you are looking for. We will assess whether my skills and approach might be a match for your needs, discuss availability and fees, and determine whether we would like to book a first appointment.
In that first appointment and as we get to know one another, I’ll invite you to share your story and experiences with me to help me better understand the landscape of your current and past experiences. I don’t expect you to reveal all immediately, but to unfold your story as you feel comfortable. I will work to earn your trust over time and build a relationship that is safe and allows you to take risks.
Hours of Practice & Fees
I offer private practice hours by appointment on Monday through Thursday throughout the day, and on Monday evenings.
My fees are discussed and set with each new client and in an effort to make my services accessible I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots. Determination of the fee can be done together in our initial conversation.
Fees are paid at the beginning of each session by cash or cheque, or by e-transfer prior to the commencement of the session. I provide electronic receipts for payment.
Please make every effort to attend your scheduled appointment. In the event that you must cancel, I request 48 hours’ notice. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice and missed appointments with no notification will be subject to the full session fee. If I am able to fill the appointment time with another client I will waive this fee.
Location, Directions and Phone
My therapy studio is in the Hampton Therapy Centre at 171 Hampton Ave. The Hampton Therapy Centre is accessed through the gates of the Children's Circle Daycare at St. Barnabas Church on the corner of Hampton and Danforth, just across from the Carrot Common at Chester subway. You'll need to go down Hampton Ave. to the daycare play yard at the side of the church, through two gates in the daycare's play yard and the entrance to the Centre is just off to the right (not the glass door straight ahead). The entry has a few stairs; the only signage is a small plaque on the heavy wooden door. The waiting room is just up a few steps on your right, and I will look for you there at our appointment time.
I use my primary phone line for my therapy practice. Messages left in this voicemail are confidential. Clients are asked to limit calls to reasonable hours during the day and evening.
Professional Affiliations
I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, the legal regulatory and registering body for social work practice in Ontario, which regulates the controlled act of psychotherapy for that profession. I also hold membership with the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), EMDR Canada, the Ontario Association of Social Workers, the Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention and with the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association.