Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about therapy, services, and logistics.
If you don’t see your question here, you’re welcome to reach out directly.
Getting Started
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The first session is about getting to know each other and understanding what’s bringing you to therapy. We’ll talk about your concerns, your goals, and what kind of support may be most helpful. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for how I work. There’s no pressure to commit, just an honest conversation about fit and next steps.
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No referral is required. You can reach out directly and book a free consultation to explore whether therapy here feels like a good fit.
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No. Many people seek therapy because something isn’t working, not because they have a diagnosis. We focus on how your experiences are affecting your life now and what support would be most helpful.
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You don’t need to have everything figured out. If something isn’t working, feels overwhelming, or keeps repeating despite your best efforts, therapy may be worth exploring. Readiness often looks like a willingness to show up and engage, even if you’re unsure or nervous. We can talk through timing during the consultation.
Therapy & Approaches
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No. While talking is part of the work, therapy is active and skills-based. Sessions focus on understanding patterns, building practical strategies, and applying what you’re learning in everyday life between sessions.
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No. While Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a primary area of expertise and may be recommended when clinically indicated, therapy is not limited to DBT alone. I draw from evidence-based approaches including DBT, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), trauma-informed care, and other structured, skills-based frameworks depending on your needs.
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We take time to understand your history, current challenges, strengths, and supports. From there, we talk together about what level of structure and support makes sense. Some people benefit from weekly individual therapy; others need more coordinated or intensive care. This is an ongoing, collaborative decision—not a one-size-fits-all answer.
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No. DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, but it is now widely used for emotion dysregulation across diagnoses. What matters most is how emotions and behaviours are impacting your life — not a specific label.
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Not all DBT is the same. Comprehensive DBT includes individual therapy, skills training group, phone coaching, and a therapist consultation team. Many people have only experienced DBT-informed therapy. We’ll talk about what you’ve tried and whether a different structure or approach might be more effective.
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There’s no single answer. Some people come for shorter-term support around a specific issue, while others engage in longer-term therapy to address more complex or long-standing patterns. We revisit goals and pacing over time.
DBT & Skills Groups
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Weekly therapy can be effective for many people. For others, a more structured and coordinated approach is clinically indicated.
Comprehensive DBT includes individual therapy, skills training groups, phone coaching, and therapist consultation team support. These components work together to help skills move from the therapy room into real-life situations, especially during moments of high emotional intensity.
We assess together whether this level of structure is the right fit.
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DBT may be a good fit if you experience intense emotions, struggle with self-harm, impulsive behaviours, eating disorders, or ongoing relationship difficulties. DBT requires commitment to skills practice and structure. The consultation and assessment process helps determine whether DBT — and whether now — is the right fit.
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If you are enrolled in comprehensive DBT, yes. Skills groups teach the tools; individual therapy helps you apply them to your specific life and challenges. The two work together.
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That’s very common. DBT skills groups are structured and skills-focused. You’re not required to share personal details. Many clients find groups feel safer and more practical than expected.
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A full course of comprehensive DBT typically lasts about one year. Some people need more or less time depending on their goals and progress. This is not a quick-fix approach; lasting change takes practice and consistency.
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Many clients transition to less intensive therapy, continue practicing skills independently, or return for booster sessions during future challenges. The goal is increased stability, confidence, and independence.
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No. While DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, it is now widely used for people experiencing emotional dysregulation, self-harm, eating disorders, trauma, and relational difficulties, regardless of diagnosis.
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DBT is intensive and requires commitment. It may not be appropriate if someone is in active psychosis, has severe cognitive impairment, or is using substances in a way that makes participation unsafe or unworkable.
DBT also requires a willingness to attend sessions consistently and practice skills between sessions. If this isn’t possible right now, it doesn’t mean you’re not deserving of care, it may simply mean a different level or type of support is needed first. We assess this together.
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After completing comprehensive DBT, many people transition to less intensive therapy, continue practicing skills independently, or take a break from therapy while using what they’ve learned.
Some return for booster sessions during new life challenges. The goal of DBT is increased independence, not ongoing treatment.
Logistics & Fees
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$220 per 50-minute session (standard individual therapy)
$240 per 50-minute session (initial intake/assessment, comprehensive DBT, eating disorder treatment)
$250 per 50-minute session (parent and family therapy)
$120–$175 per group session (DBT skills groups; fee varies by group length)
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Start by booking a free 15–20 minute consultation call. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll schedule your first session from there.
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Most sessions are 50 minutes. Longer sessions (75–90 minutes) may be recommended depending on the work we’re doing.
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Please provide as much notice as possible. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed without notice are subject to a cancellation fee.
Insurance & Coverage
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No. Payment is due at the time of service. You’ll receive a detailed receipt to submit to your insurance provider.
Most extended health plans cover Registered Social Workers or Registered Psychotherapists. Check with your provider regarding coverage, limits, and referral requirements.
Third-party coverage is available through NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits Program) and GamePlan Ontario when eligible. Services are not covered by OHIP.
Online vs. In-Person
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In-person sessions are the primary mode of therapy, as this work is often most effective face-to-face. Virtual sessions may be offered when clinically appropriate or when barriers to in-person attendance exist. This is discussed during intake.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure what kind of support is right for you, that’s okay. These decisions don’t need to be made all at once.
Book a free consultation to talk through your questions and explore whether working together feels like a good fit.