Is there an initial consultation?
It is important that you have and establish a connection with a therapist. Choosing someone to work with can be overwhelming. In order to make this decision easier for you, if you’d like, I always provide a free 15-minute telephone (or in person) consultation. Here, I will provide answers to any relevant questions that you may have or information you would like to share. Examples may include: what you would like to work on, fees and payment methods, my background, my treatment approach, and setting up a first appointment. In speaking with you, I hope to convey to you my warm, collaborative approach in this sensitive, difficult time, and to make you feel more comfortable speaking to someone with whom you may potentially invest time and effort.
What should you expect during the first appointment?
During your first appointment, it is important that we explore your concerns and why you have chosen to seek therapy at this time. We will develop insight into and mutual agreement about what it is you would like to work on and perhaps understand better. We will also do an intake, which involves discussing parts of your past as they relate to your future and what is happening now. Towards the end of the session, we will identify and agree on realistic, clear goals that we can achieve together.
What should you expect in sessions after the first appointment?
Each session after the first will include clear exercises and tools to work on in our time together, and that can be adapted outside of our appointments. While it is important for us to learn new strategies together, it will be even more significant to apply these new tools to real life situations. I will also make suggestions for new things to work on in between appointments, which can be activities related to a better lifestyle and/or exercises to improve mental well being. Honesty is key in this process, and I appreciate all feedback on what has and has not been helpful. This process is about you and what you take from when we meet.
No, there is no set amount of sessions that you will need to come to therapy. There is also no rule for how often you need to attend. Some clients may benefit from a few sessions (short-term). Some may benefit from more sessions (long-term). Some clients like to come weekly, as they prefer the consistency and may have a number of things they are working on. Some find it beneficial to come monthly, to have more time to work on goals and strategies we have developed. For the process to be effective for you, this requires taking what you learn outside of the appointments we have, and applying it in your daily life. With respect to therapy and gaining personal insight, some or one time is better than none.
There are three ways that you can book an appointment – please choose whichever option is most convenient for you.
- Call me directly at (647) 961-9669. Please leave a voicemail if I do not answer. I am the only person who has access to this confidential line. I will call you back within 24 hours.
2. Fill out the contact form below. This will be sent directly to my e-mail address. Again, I will respond to your email within 24 hours.
3. Email me at <a href="mailto:carly@balancedmindandwellness.com">carly@balancedmindandwellness.com</a>, which is also confidential and accessed only by myself. Once again, I will respond to your email within 24 hours.
We are aware that at the time you are seeking psychotherapy or counselling, it is usually the most urgent or critical time that you would like to speak to someone. We offer minimal to no wait times, and will set up an appointment with you as soon as possible, at a time that is convenient for you.
In order to accommodate individuals with different backgrounds and schedules, I offer a range of times and days to book an appointment times, which are viewable above in the navigation area and below in the footer, as well as on the contact page.
Yes, all of our services are covered by your extended healthcare/insurance plan or workplace benefits plan. Your individual insurance provider will be able to verify details regarding the title (Registered Psychologist or Psychotherapist) and amount of coverage you have. Payment is required at the time of your appointment. You will receive an invoice directly after your appointment, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you have minimal coverage, please take comfort in the fact that the rate for therapy is flexible once you do exceed your coverage allowance, should you like to continue with our services.
Fees for psychotherapy/ counselling are available on a sliding scale. Insurance coverage will determine where you may fit in this range. Please call or email to inquire about costs for your individual services. Regarding fees for psycho-educational, psycho-vocational (career), and/ or Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) assessments, please call for further information.
Payment is required at the time of your appointment, with or without insurance. We accept cash, cheque, and all major credit cards.
Ask us a Question
Feel free to ask any physical therapy related questions over the phone, or get send your question via this form below. Your message will be dispatched directly to our staff who will answer as soon as they can.