Frequently Asked Questions
1Why should I speak to a therapist instead of a friend?
Speaking to a therapist rather than a friend offers several advantages. Therapists are trained professionals who bring extra benefits to the conversation, including expertise in mental health and effective therapeutic techniques. We offer objectivity and maintain strict confidentiality, ensuring that your personal information remains secure. It’s our job and passion to prioritize your well-being, and we focus on providing a welcoming space where you can express yourself openly without fear of judgment.
2How do I know when its time to speak to a therapist?
You can come to therapy anytime; you don’t need to wait until there’s a big issue. Sometimes it’s just nice to offload and share what’s going on in your life with a neutral person! If you are dealing with:
- Not feeling like yourself
- A change in your thoughts, patterns, emotions, and behaviours
- Big life changes, events, or transitions
- Challenges and/or suffering in your relationship(s)
- A loss of interest in hobbies or things that you used to find joy in before We will sit with you, listen, and offer guidance to help you sort through it.
3How much does therapy cost?
At PsyKey Therapy, we offer a wide range of therapy services that vary in cost. Student interns offer reduced-fee counselling services to fit every budget and full-service providers offer a variety of fees depending on the provider selected. Make sure to discuss therapy fees during your consultation call.
4Does my insurance cover therapy?
Most private health insurance providers cover the cost of therapy. We always encourage potential and new clients to phone or inquire with their private health insurance provider prior to booking your intake assessment. You want to know if your covered to work with social worker, psychotherapist, or psychologist. We offer direct billing services to Greenshield, BlueCross/BlueShield, Non Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), Jordan’s Principal, Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP), and Veterans Affairs. When booking we require the details for the above insurance providers to be able to direct bill on your behalf.
5How do I know if my therapist is a good fit?
We offer a free 15-minute consultation call with up to two providers so you have the opportunity to connect, ask questions, and determine if the provider you selected is a good fit based on your needs. Signs if it’s a good fit:
- You feel comfortable speaking openly with the provider
- Your sessions are productive, they provide you with constructive and helpful feedback
- You feel motivated to attend your therapy appointment
6Is my session confidential?
Confidentiality is respected at all times. No information will be communicated, directly or indirectly, to a third party without your informed and written consent, unless required by law. Exceptions to confidentiality include the legal and/or ethical obligations to:
- Inform a potential victim of violence of a client’s intention to harm;
- Inform an appropriate family member, health care professional, or police, if necessary, of a client’s intention to end his or her life;
- Release a client’s file if there is a court order to do so;
- Inform the Children’s Aid Society if there is suspicion of a child being at risk or in need of protection due to neglect, or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse;
- Report a health professional who has sexually abused a client;
- Share information with another practice associate or the Ontario College of Social Workers or Social Service Workers for supervision or auditing purposes;
- In the case of couples/family counselling, when a session is held without all family/couple members present, information shared in that session may be shared when the family/couple sessions resume.
7How long does trauma therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on several complex factors. Thus, it is hard to determine the number of sessions that may be required. Once we understand your history and therapeutic goals, we may be able to provide a better estimation of how many therapy sessions may be required. Generally, we suggest between 10 and 20 sessions to experience relief and peace.
8How do I know if I have trauma?
Trauma occurs when you have been through distressing events and the disturbance remains within your mind or body. We are not able to work naturally through the experiences as there is shock and disturbance that is beyond how we normally regulate our emotions and physiologically modulate our body. Trauma can occur at any age and create disturbances in different ways through negative thoughts of self. For instance, thinking we didn’t do enough, it’s our fault or we are not worthy or love. Trauma often impacts our body leaving as with unexplained body aches or auto immune sensitivities. Emotionally we can also become hyper vigilant, feel depilated or fluctuate between the two.
9How do I prepare for my first session?
For the first session, you need to complete all intake paperwork. Sometimes it can be helpful to bring a pen and paper to your appointment to take notes. Be prepared to be asked a lot of questions, and explore your thoughts, needs, and emotions. It can be helpful to write down specific topics or themes you wish to discuss in the appointment. Keep an open mind!
For phone appointments or virtual video appointments, make sure your phone, tablet, or laptop is in good working condition. Check that your camera and microphone are functioning properly. Install any necessary software or updates in advance. Choose a confidential and quiet space for the session and make sure your device is charged to prevent disruptions.
10Where do you offer therapy sessions?
All of our team members are licensed to offer therapy in Ontario. Our expert therapists offer online (virtual) sessions as well as In Person sessions at Mississauga.