What happens at my first appointment?At our first appointment, we will discuss what concerns or worries brought you to seek counselling. We will ask you questions regarding the history of your issue and what you are hoping to accomplish through our sessions. Through our conversation together, we will discover if we have a good rapport and want to continue working together.
For couples, we meet together as we explore your history and your concerns. Jointly we try to identify the negative interactive patterns that cause conflict in your relationship. We look for ways to diffuse the conflict and tension so we can open pathways to more positive communication and stronger connection with each other. When we meet with families, we prefer meeting with all the family members, as everyone has his or her own point of view and contribution to the family dynamics. Sometimes we will meet alone with the parents. When working with a child, our initial meeting is just with the parents. We discuss your child’s issues, family life, school performance, and social life, what you have tried, how your family has been affected, and family history. At the end of the session, we provide you with some preliminary feedback and suggestions. Following appointments are usually alone with your child. Parents are sometimes invited to the session. Communication between therapist and parents occurs outside of your child’s sessions. When working with adolescents, there is less communication between the therapist and parents, as it's important to build up trust and respect for your teen’s privacy. Youth may choose to invite you into their session. If we feel your youth is at risk we will notify you. Youth are made aware of the boundaries and limitations to confidentially at the beginning of therapy. How long is a therapy session?
The length of a first session depends if you are here for individual, couple, or family therapy.
How often does one go to therapy? Generally we see clients once a week. However there are times when more frequent sessions are needed. Sometimes there are reasons why people cannot come weekly. We will also see people bi-monthly. The progress you make may be slower depending on the frequency of your sessions. How many sessions would be required? We see clients anywhere between from 10 to 25 sessions. The duration of your therapy is up to you. It depends on your goal, the complexity of the situation, and your readiness to change. Sometimes people do take a break from counselling and then return again at a later date. What forms of payment do you accept? Payment can be made by cash or check only at the beginning or end of each session. Are psychotherapy or psychology services covered by OHIP? Psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP. You may have third party or health benefits from your employer. At the end of each session, you are given a receipt which you can send to your third party insurance. All of our work is performed in conjunction with a registered Ontario psychologist. Most third party insurance will reimburse you for your sessions. Psychotherapy services are HST exempt. Please keep your receipts and use them on your income tax returns. Therapists at Family-Therapy are supervised by registered psychologists. Our receipts are accepted by most third party insurance. |
