Frequently Asked Questions

1.will therapy help me?

Odds are, if you’re visiting this site, you can benefit from therapy. Therapy is not only for those struggling with debilitating mental health issues. It can be helpful in all stages of life, regardless of where you’re at. It is now understood that physical health, mental health, and spiritual health are all connected. So therapy can have holistic benefits, not only on your mental health but all other areas of life as well. Everyone’s need for therapy becomes more apparent when we begin to see improvements. Contact me today, and I can speak directly to how therapy can help with your situation. You can also check out my article Can Therapy Help Me?

2.How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy depends on many factors like the type of concern, severity of the problem, frequency of sessions, the degree of change desired, your own investment in therapy, and so on. The path of healing is not linear and is often a lifelong journey. So if we have an end goal of what “healed” would look like, each time we engage in therapy, (or take a class, start a project, etc) we’re passing a milestone and taking another step towards our ultimate goal. It is always within your control, how long or short, you would like to be in therapy.

3.How frequent are the sessions?

How often we meet is completely up to you. I may have a recommendation depending on the issue and its severity, but you are in control of how you would like to engage in therapy.

4.What is registered Psychotherapist (RP)?

A registered psychotherapist is someone who is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO) to practice psychotherapy. CRPO is the regulatory body for all psychotherapists in Ontario. An RP receives extensive training, education, supervision and practice.

5.What forms of payment do you Accept?

I accept cash, e-transfers, and all major credit cards. Payments can be made in person, or online. Receipts will be provided for all forms of payment.

6.Does ohip cover psychotherapy?

At this time, psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP. Only medical doctors, including psychiatrists, are covered by OHIP.

7.Does my health insurance/health benefits cover psychotherapy?

This would depend on your health benefit provider and your plan as each one is unique. I would recommend contacting your provider to see if Registered Psychotherapists are covered and my registration number can be provided.

8.Why are your fees so low?

In the current socio-economic climate, therapy services are such a need but often very limited or completely inaccessible to those with no health benefits or have very limited benefits for mental health. My fees are intentionally kept low in order to make therapy available to those that otherwise may not be able to afford therapy.

9.What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?

The terms are synonymous and often used interchangeably. However, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) makes the distinction: “The practice of psychotherapy is distinct from both counselling, where the focus is on the provision of information, advice-giving, encouragement and instruction, and spiritual counselling, which is counselling related to religion or faith-based beliefs…However, psychotherapy and counselling can be highly interrelated.” (CRPO.ca).

10.What is your Cancellation policy?

I require 24-hours notice minimum, otherwise missed sessions will be charged a $50 late cancellation fee. In the event of severe weather conditions or an emergency, the cancellation fee will be waived.

11. Can i book my sessions online?

At this time, online booking is only offered for consultation appointments. To book a free 30-minute consultation go to elaineparktherapy.janeapp.com select “Consultation Appointment” on the left under “Select a Session” and choose the time that works best for you. You will be asked to login/sign-up to complete your booking. If you have any issues, or would like to book an appointment that is not a consultation please contact me.

12.How does confidentiality work?

Everything discussed in sessions, virtual sessions (video or messaging) or through phone calls is confidential, meaning that it cannot be shared to anyone without your permission. The only exceptions are as follows:

• disclosed intended harm to self or others

• disclosed child abuse (including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing intense fighting)

• a court order to release records

• disclosed abuse by a registered health professional

In regards to supervision, anything disclosed within supervision is bound by confidentiality and identifying information is not revealed so that the confidentiality of the client is always maintained.

13.What happens if we see each other in public?

Respecting your privacy and maintaining confidentiality is very important to me. Thus, if we see each other in public, I will follow your lead. If you choose to greet me, it will be reciprocated, and I will refrain from discussing anything relating to our therapeutic work. If you choose not to greet me, I will not be offended and do likewise. If I do not greet you, I am not ignoring you, but trying to respect your privacy.