FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to feel relief in therapy?

Many people start to feel some sense of relief within the first few sessions, simply from being heard, understood, and not having to carry everything alone. Deeper change takes time and varies depending on your goals, history, and nervous system. Some people work short-term; others benefit from longer therapy. We will check in regularly about what is helping so you can see progress and feel confident that therapy is supporting you.

What type of therapist are you?

I am a trauma-informed Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying who enjoys integrating Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), relational therapy, EMDR-informed and parts-based, and polyvagal-informed nervous system work. Therapy is collaborative, paced, and tailored to your goals and lived experience.

Do you offer virtual therapy in Ontario?

Yes. I offer secure, confidential online psychotherapy for adults and couples across Ontario, as well as Newfoundland and British Columbia. Virtual therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your own space and can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns, including trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges.

Do you offer virtual therapy in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes. I offer secure, confidential online psychotherapy for adults and couples across Newfoundland. Many clients find virtual therapy more accessible and grounding, especially when working with nervous system-focused interventions. Research shows that online therapy can be highly effective for trauma and anxiety.

What issues do you specialize in?

I enjoy trauma-informed psychotherapy work with adults in Ontario and Newfoundland, including narcissistic abuse recovery, anxiety, shame, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system regulation. I also support adult women exploring ADHD and offer Gottman-informed couples therapy to strengthen communication and connection.

How do I choose the right therapist for me?

The most important factor is how you feel with the therapist. Do you feel understood, respected, and safe being yourself? Training and methods matter, but evidence shows that the relationship is the biggest predictor of healing. A free consultation can be helpful to get a sense of fit without pressure. If at any point you feel a therapist is not the right match, it is okay to say so, your therapy should feel supportive, not forced.

Do I need a diagnosis or referral to start therapy?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis or referral to begin therapy. Some clients find diagnoses helpful; others do not want or need one. We can discuss this openly and make a decision that fits you. What matters most is not a label, but how your experiences are impacting your life, relationships, and sense of self, and how you would like to feel instead.

How do I know if therapy is right for me right now?

Therapy can be helpful any time life starts to feel overwhelming, stuck, confusing, or heavier than usual. Some people come because of anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, trauma, stress, or burnout. Others come because life “looks fine on paper,” but inside they feel numb, lost, or disconnected from themselves. You do not have to be in crisis or “bad enough” to deserve support. If you are wondering whether therapy might help, that is often the clearest sign you are ready to talk to someone.

What problems can therapy help with?

Therapy can support a wide range of concerns including anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, low self-worth, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, emotional overwhelm, and feeling “not like myself.” Therapy can also help with patterns such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, emotional shutdown, or difficulty setting boundaries. At its core, therapy is not only about solving problems; it is about helping you feel safer in your body, clearer in your mind, and more connected to yourself and others.

Where are you licensed to provide therapy?

I am licensed to provide therapy in Ontario, Newfoundland, and British Columbia. I am a Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying (RP-Q)with the CRPO and a Canadian Certified Counsellor(CCC) with the CCPA.

What happens in a typical therapy session?

Sessions are conversations where we explore what you are going through with compassion and curiosity. You are not expected to perform, say the “right” thing, or share more than you are ready for. We may talk, notice what is happening in your body, explore patterns, or practice gentle regulation skills. My role is not to judge or tell you who to be; it is to walk alongside you, help your nervous system feel safer, and support changes that matter to you in your life.

What if I have never done therapy before and feel nervous?

Feeling nervous is extremely common. Many people worry they will not know what to say or that their problems are “not bad enough.” In therapy, there is no test to pass. You can come exactly as you are, even unsure, overwhelmed, or quiet. We will go at your pace, and I will guide the process so you do not have to figure it out alone. Your only job is to show up.

How do online sessions work?

Online therapy is offered through secure video sessions that you can attend from home, work, or a private space. All you need is a reliable internet connection and headphones if preferred. Many clients appreciate the flexibility, privacy, and comfort of meeting from their own environment. Online therapy is just as meaningful as in-person work, and many people feel more relaxed and open when they are in a familiar space.

Is therapy covered under OHIP?

No, psychotherapy is not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Please check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage for services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist or Counsellor.

Is therapy confidential and how is my information protected?

Yes, your information is kept confidential and protected according to professional and legal standards. The only limits to confidentiality involve safety concerns, such as risk of harm to yourself or others, or legal requirements related to child protection. We review these limits clearly at the beginning so you know exactly what to expect. Outside of these rare circumstances, what you share in therapy stays in therapy.