I charge $150 for a 50-minute individual session.

I will provide a receipt following each session which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. I recommend reviewing the details of your policy before we begin to ensure services with a Registered Psychotherapist will be covered.

I offer a free initial consultation (either by phone or by videoconference call) of up to 30 minutes. This is an opportunity for us to introduce ourselves, talk about how we might work together, and help us determine if I’m the right psychotherapist for you. 

Offering sliding scale rates is an ethical professional measure I incorporate into my practice to make mental health care more accessible for those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. My ability to provide sliding scale is dependent on many factors, including the number of reduced-fee clients with whom I am already working. If my sliding scale spots are full, I am happy to put you on a waitlist and/or provide you with some referrals.

Virtual sessions are available for anyone who prefers to meet this way, either exclusively online or in combination with in person sessions as is convenient. Virtual sessions take place on Jane– a secure, remote video and audio conferencing platform. I offer virtual video and telephone therapy services for Canadian residents living in Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

In person sessions are offered on Sundays at my office space at the Village Healing Centre, 240 Roncesvalles Avenue. I am conveniently located for Queen West, Dundas West, High Park, Bloor West Village, Parkdale, the Junction and other west-end Toronto neighbourhoods. The Bloor subway line and three streetcar lines are nearby, and I am five minutes from the Gardiner Expressway.

My office is up a few flights of stairs and there are no elevators. It may also be worth noting, as this might impact some clients' comfort levels: the offices are located in the back of a building that also hosts the Roncesvalles United Church (though the offices are not affiliated with the church). 

Regarding COVID safety, masks are not required, however should you prefer we wear masks during our session, please don't hesitate to let me know, as I am more than happy to oblige.

The office management specifies that no outdoor shoes or boots are to be worn in the office; feel free to bring indoor footwear if you so desire.

There is no specific preparation for sessions but you will certainly get the most out of them if you actively involve yourself. This means, for instance, taking some time before each session to check in with yourself about what’s happening for you or what you might want to discuss during the hour. Sometimes I will suggest activities or exercises to do between sessions as a way to integrate our work in your day-to-day life.

I offer short and long-term therapeutic support based on your needs.

At the outset of our work, we will talk about how frequently you would like to have sessions. In the beginning, it is often a good idea to attend therapy with some regularity, e.g. to have a session once a week or once every two weeks. As time goes on and you “build the muscles” developed through our work, you may need less frequent appointments. It’s always up to you.

The difference between counselling and psychotherapy depends on who you ask. Typically, counselling is a goal-oriented, short term treatment while therapy is longer and therefore more thorough. Many community counsellors may see their clients for a limited number of sessions while therapists might see their clients dozens of times over a period of many years. In my opinion, one is not superior to the other. Often, the number of sessions is dependent on your overall goals and budgetary constraints.

The term “counsellor” and “psychotherapist” are umbrella terms. Currently, the term “counsellor” is not regulated in Ontario, which means any persons can call themselves a counsellor in this province. The designation “psychotherapist” is regulated in Ontario. A psychotherapist has graduated from a psychotherapy school recognized by the college of registered psychotherapists of Ontario, or obtained a masters degree in social work, a PhD in psychology, or a medical degree in psychiatry. I have a masters degree in counselling psychology from the University of Toronto and did my clinical training under registered psychotherapists.

The effectiveness of psychotherapy depends largely on the relationship between the client and the psychotherapist. This means that it is important you find a therapist you trust and with whom you enjoy speaking. Most therapists are open to having a free telephone conversation before you meet with them. It may feel intimidating, but it can be a good idea to ask questions during that initial conversation in order to get a sense of the therapist. These questions might include asking the therapist if they have experience working with people whose personal difficulties are similar to yours. For example, if you want to discuss addiction in your therapy, you might ask about the therapist’s experience with people living with addictions and their view on harm reduction. If upon meeting a therapist, you do not feel a connection, shop around. Don’t settle on a counsellor or psychotherapist until you feel it is right.

Yes. There are, however, a few circumstances where your personal information might need be shared with others and these are dictated to me by my professional college. I will discuss the parameters of confidentiality with you during our first appointment and I am also happy to discuss these with you beforehand if you’d like.