Why Therapy

I provide individual art therapy and psychotherapy for men and women in the Toronto area at two convenient locations. The main focus of my practice is working with Canadian Veterans and front line health workers dealing with trauma; however, I also see people in therapy with a variety of other issues.

What is your background?

I am a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, in practice for over twenty years. I am also a Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist. I have worked in both hospital and community settings and specialize in the treatment of trauma as well as providing therapy to people who have experienced secondary trauma.

What is secondary trauma?

Secondary trauma is also known as secondary traumatic stress. This is when we feel traumatized by either hearing about or seeing something traumatic happen to someone else. People who are most likely to experience secondary trauma are military professionals, police officers, health care workers, teachers and other front line service workers.

How do I know when I need therapy?

Both talk or art therapy can benefit any aspect of your life that you feel is unfulfilled. Throughout our time together we can unravel and understand how and why things came to be and make small steps towards change. If you find yourself having difficulty in dealing with your present life or stuck in a painful pattern of behavior of feeling, your past is very likely impacting you in ways that you are not yet able to recognize.

Why would I come to therapy if I’m not in a crisis?

Sometimes, it is most difficult to feel happy when things in our lives are seemingly at their best. We feel guilty for feeling dissatisfied and unable to appreciate our full lives. There is no requirement to be in crisis to participate in therapy, there is only the desire to be heard and understood.

What does a therapist actually do?

Primarily, I help to guide you along your way to self-understanding and appreciation. This could be compared to taking a trip, where you are the expert on yourself guiding the two of us through the interesting parts of your life you have not visited before or for a very long time. I am there to help navigate you and keep you safe along the way. I will also keep you on track in your journey, and will notice features of your personal history that are worth appreciating. Through this time together you will have a better understanding of your life and its possibilities.

How does psychotherapy work?

Therapy is about the feeling of being heard and understood, which often not a common occurrence in our everyday life. In therapy, you get to speak freely in a safe and confidential setting and I listen, in order to understand and know you. This special dialogue either in words or through art allow valuable changes to occur.

Will you give me advice and tell me what to do?

As a psychotherapist, I believe that by sorting through issues together you will come up with the best decision for yourself. I know I can help you best by providing a caring and supportive atmosphere, free of judgement…a place to be yourself.

What if I am on prescribed medication, or considering it?

As a registered nurse I am familiar with medical concerns and medication. If you are on medication or considering it, you must always discuss this with your medical practitioner. I am happy to be in contact with your doctor so that we can coordinate your treatment, if you have questions about your medical health or if you have questions about the medication you have been prescribed. I will not contact your doctor without your written consent.

How many sessions is psychotherapy?

Making the decision to come to therapy means that you have been struggling with something in your life. Choosing therapy is a brave choice because often we put our energies into taking care of others.

Depending on the reason you are coming to therapy will dictate how many sessions we have. All in all, both you and I want you to leave feeling resolved, feeling well and feeling better about yourself. I suggest we begin with 5 sessions to get to know one another.

How old do I have to be?

I see patients that are 16 and older.

How often should I come to therapy?

Most people feel they can make progress with one to two sessions per week, each session is 60 minutes. You can talk to me about your preferences and what works best for you.

What about ethics and conduct?

As a psychotherapist and nurse I adhere to ethical codes of conduct that are outlined by the Ontario Nurses Association and the College of Psychotherapists. You can read about them here.

What about insurance?

This form of psychotherapy is not insured at this time by the OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). I am an approved mental health provider for Canadian Veterans through Medavie Blue Cross. Some private insurance companies will cover some forms of psychotherapy but you will have to find this out by referring to your own insurer.

Do you carry practice insurance?

Yes, as a registered nurse and professional therapist who cares about my clients, I do carry liability insurance through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) to protect my clients against damages.

What about fees?

My fee ranges from $85 to $150 per session including HST. Please feel free to ask me more about fees when you contact me by phone or by email.

What happens when I contact you?

I have a private, individual email address and phone number and I answer your messages promptly. You may contact me to ask any question which matter to you. You may want to speak to me about my professional experience with a particular issue, my style, my location and hours.

We will then set up an initial meeting. This first consultation interview is a mutual dialogue in which each of us will be getting a sense of the other; I want to be sure that therapy is the right option for you. If this is not the case I can help you find the best option.