Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy in Toronto & Ontario
How much does therapy cost in Toronto and Ontario?
Often, counselling benefits through your workplace Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will cover psychotherapy services. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for a registered psychotherapist or registered social worker in Ontario.
A standard individual psychotherapy session costs $140 per 50–60 minute session. A sliding scale may be available for those experiencing financial need. Please inquire during your initial consultation.
In Ontario, counselling provided by registered social workers and psychotherapists may also be eligible as a medical expense tax credit
What appointment times do you offer for therapy?
We offer flexible psychotherapy appointments in Toronto and online across Ontario, including:
Weekday evenings (after 5pm)
Weekend appointments
Daytime appointments (with Denise in Toronto and online)
How do I book a therapy appointment?
You can book a psychotherapy appointment in Toronto or online across Ontario by:
Phone
Email
Please email counsellornatasha@gmail.com to reach Natasha
Please email ddwallisrsw@gmail.com to reach Denise
Or completing our contact form
A free consultation is available before starting therapy.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy (also called counselling or therapy) is a collaborative process where you work with a registered therapist to explore emotions, thoughts, behaviours, and life challenges.
Therapy can help with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, relationship difficulties and other challenges. Therapy empowers you to develop emotional well-being and personal growth.
What should I expect in my first therapy session?
In your first psychotherapy session in Toronto or online, you will:
Discuss your concerns and goals
Explore your history and current challenges
Review potential therapy approaches (CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, etc.)
Collaborate on a treatment plan that fits your needs
We work from a client centred approach and belief that you are the expert on what you need.
Is something wrong with me if I go to therapy?
No. Many people in Toronto and across Ontario attend therapy.
Seeking psychotherapy does not mean something is “wrong” with you. Often times speaking with an impartial third party that is non-judgmental can help to put things into perspective.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Psychotherapy may be helpful if you are experiencing:
Anxiety or persistent worry
Depression or low mood
Stress or burnout
Trauma or past difficult experiences
Life transitions or feeling emotionally overwhelmed
Struggling with loss of a loved one
Knowing what you need to do but keep putting it off.
Finding yourself being triggered by things that used to not bother you.
Repeating the same habits or reactions that are getting in the way of you moving forward.
Feeling overwhelmed with life and not knowing what to do.
Having difficulties at work, with friends, in romantic relationships and/or with family.
And many other challenges.
You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.
How long does therapy last?
The length of psychotherapy varies. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others prefer longer-term support.
You and your therapist will decide together what best supports your goals. You can pause or return to therapy at any time.
What issues can therapy help with?
We provide psychotherapy in Toronto and online across Ontario for concerns including:
We work with individuals aged 12 and older.
Is therapy guaranteed to work?
There is no guarantee that psychotherapy will work for everyone.
If any therapist says that something is a hundred percent guaranteed to work then we would encourage you to walk away.
Evidence-based approaches (such as CBT, ACT, EMDR, and DBT) are effective for many people, but outcomes vary.
A strong therapeutic relationship and active participation are key factors in successful therapy.
It is important to practice the skills that you learn in therapy outside of the session.
What are the limits of confidentiality in therapy?
Everything shared in psychotherapy is confidential except in the following situations:
Risk of harm to yourself
Risk of harm to others
Suspected abuse of a child (anyone under the age of 18) or vulnerable person
Court order requiring records
If you require that your records be released to anyone else then you will need to sign a consent form allowing them to be released. This includes you wanting your therapist to talk to a family member about your treatment.
Do you offer virtual therapy in Ontario?
Yes. We offer secure online psychotherapy for individuals across Ontario.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy is conducted through a secure, encrypted video platform. Sessions are similar to in-person therapy and last approximately 50–60 minutes.
If technical issues arise, a phone session may be used as a backup. You can also request that a phone session.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Research suggests that online psychotherapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns, including anxiety and depression.
There are some advantages and disadvantages to video counselling.
One disadvantage is that you are not able to fully see the other person so it is possible that some body language cues will be missed.
One advantage is that you do not need to travel to your therapist. It is also possible that you will be able to have a session later in the evening or earlier in the day.
Do you offer in-person therapy in Toronto?
Yes. Denise offers in-person psychotherapy in Toronto near Danforth and Chester on Thursdays and Saturdays.
What type of therapy is best for me?
There is no single best type of therapy. Your therapist will help you explore approaches such as CBT, ACT, EMDR, or DBT to determine what fits your needs.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Late cancellations will be charged the full session fee.
What is your no-show policy?
Missed appointments without notice are charged at the full session rate.
How long will I wait for an appointment?
We currently have availability for both in-person and online psychotherapy, often within the same week depending on your schedule.
Will my therapist give me advice?
Your therapist will not give direct advice. Instead, they will support you in developing strategies and insights tailored to your needs.
What can I talk about in therapy?
You can talk about anything in psychotherapy. Sessions are confidential (unless we are legally required to break confidentiality) and client-led.
What should I look for in a therapist?
When choosing a therapist in Toronto or Ontario, consider:
Experience with working with individuals who have your concerns
Type of therapy modalities they offer
Credentials and registration
Insurance coverage eligibility
Availability of a free consultation
What are the benefits of therapy?
Benefits of psychotherapy may include:
Improved coping skills
Reduced anxiety and stress
Better emotional regulation
Improved relationships
Long-term behavioural change
Research also suggests therapy can positively impact both mental and physical health.
How do I schedule a consultation?