Your Questions, Answered

What is therapy like?
Therapy is a space to slow down, talk things through, and better understand yourself and your relationships. Sessions are collaborative and paced to your needs. Some people come with clear goals, while others come to explore what feels unclear or stuck. There’s no right way to start therapy.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on before starting?
No. Many people begin therapy knowing something isn’t working but not yet having the words for it. Part of therapy is figuring that out together.
How do I know which therapist is right for me?
Reading therapist profiles is a good place to start. Notice who you feel drawn to and whose approach resonates. If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to reach out and we can help guide you toward a good fit.
What’s the difference between individual, couples, and family therapy?
The key difference is who the client is.
- Individual therapy: the individual is the client.
- Couples therapy: the relationship is the client, not either partner alone.
- Family therapy: the family or family system is the client.
Your therapist will explain the structure and focus clearly at the beginning of therapy.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ and non-monogamous relationships?
Yes. We work with LGBTQ+ couples and families, including queer, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse partners. We also work with consensually non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships. Our approach is affirming, inclusive, and grounded in respect for each relationship’s values and structure.
Do you work with clients from different religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds?
Yes. We work with clients from a wide range of religious, spiritual, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Our therapists approach this work with humility and curiosity, focusing on understanding how beliefs and culture shape your experiences and relationships.
Do you work with clients navigating Christianity or faith transitions?
Yes. We work with clients who are Christian, ex-Christian, questioning their faith, or navigating complex relationships with church and religious communities. Some of our therapists have a strong background in Christian theology, which allows us to understand these experiences in context without pushing any particular belief or outcome.
What is the age of consent for therapy?
In Ontario, there is no fixed age of consent for psychotherapy. Individuals under 18 may consent to therapy if they are assessed as capable, meaning they understand the nature of therapy and its potential risks and benefits. Capacity is determined by the therapist and may vary depending on the situation.
Are your therapists licensed?
Yes. Our therapists are Registered Psychotherapists or Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), or student therapists working under supervision. All care is provided in accordance with CRPO standards of practice.
What are the limits of confidentiality?
Confidentiality is a core part of therapy and is taken seriously. However, there are specific situations where therapists are legally required to limit confidentiality.
These include:
- Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
- Concerns about child abuse or neglect
- Situations where records are required by law or court order
- Professional consultation or supervision, which is done confidentially and ethically
Your therapist will review confidentiality and its limits with you at the start of therapy and is always open to answering questions.
Are your services covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans cover services provided by Registered Psychotherapists. Coverage varies by provider, so we recommend checking directly with your insurance company. Receipts are provided for reimbursement.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes. All of our therapists offer Sun Life Direct Billing. To use this service, clients must complete a short form. Please request this form directly from your therapist.
We are currently in the process of applying for TELUS Health Direct Billing. TELUS Health only approves direct billing for therapists who are fully Registered Psychotherapists (not those with Qualifying status).
For all other insurance providers, clients are responsible for submitting their receipts directly to their insurer. If your policy covers psychotherapy, you should receive reimbursement according to your plan.
Do you offer sliding scale or reduced-fee options?
Sliding scale options are considered on a case-by-case basis and discussed directly with your therapist. Availability depends on capacity.
We also encourage clients seeking lower-cost options to explore working with our student therapists, who offer reduced rates while working under supervision.
Why is therapy so expensive?
Therapy fees reflect the training, responsibility, and time involved in providing ethical care. This includes graduate-level education, supervision, licensing fees, professional insurance, preparation outside of sessions, and ongoing professional development.
We also recognize that cost can be a real barrier, which is why we offer student therapist options and discuss accessibility where possible, while balancing sustainability for therapists.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book directly through our online booking system or contact us through the website if you have questions before booking.
How often do people usually come to therapy?
It varies. Some clients attend weekly or bi-weekly for a period of time, while others come more flexibly. Many people come for a while, take a break, and return when they need support again. The pace can be revisited over time.
How long does therapy last?
There is no fixed timeline. Some people come for short-term support, while others engage in longer-term therapy for deeper reflection, growth, or relationship work. You are always in control of how long you stay in therapy.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Our therapists draw from evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and expressive therapies such as art and music therapy. Your therapist will tailor their approach to your needs and goals.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression alongside conversation to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences. No artistic skill or experience is required.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy uses music and musical experiences to support emotional expression, regulation, and connection. No musical background is required.
Do I need to be artistic or musical?
No. Art and music therapy are not about performance or skill. They are ways of exploring experiences when words feel limiting.
Can I bring a guest to my session?
In some cases, yes. Guests such as partners, family members, or support people may be included when clinically appropriate and aligned with your goals.
This must be discussed with your therapist in advance so consent, confidentiality, boundaries, fees, and session structure are clear.
How does confidentiality work in couples and family therapy?
In couples and family therapy, the relationship or family system is the client. Therapists generally do not hold secrets that would significantly impact the work. Information shared individually may be brought into joint sessions if clinically relevant.
These expectations are discussed early in therapy and revisited as needed.
Can I have individual sessions if I’m also in couples or family therapy?
Sometimes, depending on the therapist’s approach and the situation. Boundaries around confidentiality and information-sharing will be discussed clearly if individual sessions are offered alongside relational work.
Can’t I just Google things or listen to podcasts instead of going to therapy?
Self-education can be helpful, and many people come to therapy having learned a lot this way. Therapy offers something different: a consistent, confidential space focused on your specific experiences, patterns, and relationships.
ChatGPT vs. human therapy: what’s the difference?
AI tools like ChatGPT can be useful for reflection or organizing thoughts and are often used as a supplement to therapy. Therapy is relational. It involves a real person who can respond to nuance, emotion, and context over time, within an ethical and accountable relationship.
How do waitlists work?
We use the Jane booking platform. When a therapist’s schedule is full, you can join a waitlist and be notified if a matching opening becomes available.
Is there a more flexible or accessible waitlist option?
Yes. Joanna offers a pay-what-you-can waitlist option designed to support accessibility and equity while respecting therapist time. Clients may receive session details at least 24 hours in advance or be notified of same-day openings, depending on availability.
What if therapy doesn’t feel like a good fit?
That’s okay. A good therapeutic relationship matters. We encourage open conversation and can help explore other options within our team if needed.
Can I pause therapy and come back later?
Yes. Many clients take breaks and return to therapy when life circumstances change or new support is needed. Therapy doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
How does termination work?
Ending therapy can be planned or unplanned. When possible, therapists encourage a closing session to reflect on the work, consolidate growth, and discuss next steps. You are always free to end therapy at any time.
What happens to my records if therapy ends?
Therapy records are stored securely and confidentially in accordance with CRPO standards and legal requirements, even after therapy ends. You can ask your therapist questions about record keeping or access at any time.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you’re curious about therapy in Toronto or wondering which therapist might be a good fit, we’re here to help.