FAQs
Common Therapy Questions/Concerns

I am here to provide you with support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. You will also find that I am a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. I can provide you with a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits you may experience include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Everyone faces challenges in life, and while you may have successfully managed difficulties in the past, there is no shame in seeking additional support when needed. In fact, therapy is for those with the self-awareness to recognize the value of professional guidance—a sign of strength and growth. By taking this step, you are taking responsibility for your well-being and committing to positive change! Therapy offers long-lasting benefits, equipping you with the tools to manage triggers, break harmful patterns, and navigate the obstacles in your life with resilience and confidence.

People seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some may be navigating significant life transitions, such as unemployment, divorce, or starting a new job, while others may be struggling to cope with stress or difficult circumstances. Many seek support for issues like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship challenges, spiritual conflicts, or creative blocks. Therapy provides valuable encouragement and equips individuals with the skills needed to manage these challenges. Others may come to therapy with a desire for personal growth, self-discovery, or a clearer path toward achieving their goals. Ultimately, those who seek psychotherapy are ready to face life’s challenges and committed to making meaningful changes.

Since each individual has unique concerns and goals for therapy, the therapeutic process varies from person to person. Typically, you can expect to discuss current events in your life, relevant aspects of your personal history, and reflect on any progress or insights gained since your previous session. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex patterns or personal growth. Regular sessions, often scheduled weekly, are common to maintain progress.

Active participation is essential to achieving meaningful results in therapy. The goal is to integrate what you learn during sessions into your daily life. To support this process, your therapist may recommend activities outside of sessions, such as reading, journaling, tracking behaviors, or taking steps toward your goals. Those who engage in therapy are committed to making positive changes, open to new perspectives, and ready to take responsibility for their personal growth and well-being.

It is well recognized that long-term solutions to mental and emotional challenges cannot be achieved through medication alone. While medication may help alleviate symptoms, therapy addresses the underlying causes of distress and the behavioural patterns that hinder progress. Sustainable growth and a deeper sense of well-being are best attained through an integrative approach to wellness. In collaboration with your medical doctor, you can determine the most appropriate course of treatment, which may involve a combination of medication and therapy for optimal results.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship and essential for building trust between client and therapist. Effective therapy relies on open communication about highly sensitive matters, which are typically not discussed outside the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written confidentiality agreement, ensuring that anything shared in session remains private. This is known as “Informed Consent.” In some cases, you may wish for your therapist to communicate with other members of your healthcare team (such as your physician, naturopath, or attorney). Still, by law, your therapist cannot release any information without your written consent.

However, provincial and federal laws and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.