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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about therapy, insurance, booking, and what to expect.

I've never done therapy before. I don't even know where to start.

We hear this a lot, and it’s a perfectly reasonable place to be. You don’t need to arrive with a clear sense of what you want to work on, or the right language for what you’re experiencing. The first session is largely about us getting to know you and you getting a sense of whether this feels like a place you could open up. There’s no pressure to have it figured out before you walk in the door. Part of our job as therapists is to help you figure that out.

This is a question a lot of people ask themselves, often for years before they reach out. The honest answer is that you don’t need to reach a particular level of distress to deserve support. If something is affecting your quality of life, your relationships, your sense of self, or your ability to do the things that matter to you, that’s enough. Therapy isn’t a last resort. It’s a resource. The earlier you access it, the more it tends to help.
That concern makes complete sense, especially if what you’re carrying has never been said aloud before. Our therapists are trained to move at your pace. You will never be pushed to go somewhere before you’re ready, and you’re always in control of how much you share and when. Some people feel relief early on. Others need time to build trust before anything feels possible. Both are completely normal, and neither is wrong.
The first session is what we call an intake, which is essentially a conversation to get to know more about you. This is not a test, or something you can pass or fail. Your therapist will ask some questions to understand what’s brought you in (Absolutely ok, if you are not 100% sure yet), what you’re hoping for, and what matters most to you. They’ll also give you space to ask questions and get a feel for how they work. By the end, you’ll have a sense of whether this feels like a good fit and what it might look like to continue to work together.
This is one of the most important questions to ask, and one we take seriously. Therapy not feeling right, is often more about fit: the wrong therapist, the wrong approach, or timing that wasn’t right. Our team has specific expertise in areas that are frequently undertreated, such as OCD, trauma, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, neurodivergent affirming therapy, post-partum and perimenopause/menopause life changes. Additionally, our therapists use approaches that go beyond talk therapy alone. If something hasn’t worked before, we’d rather understand why than assume another try at the same thing will be different.
How much does therapy cost?

Session fees vary by therapist and are available in their individual bios here. They generally range from $150-$175 per therapy hour (50 minutes of in session time and 10 minutes for clinical note preparation). Rates are $240 per therapy hour for couples or multi party relationship therapy (50 minutes of in session time and 10 minutes of clinical note preparation). If cost is a concern, please mention it when you reach out. We often have a student intern (currently, the skilled and lovely Sarah Airey) who is supported under our supervision and offers low cost sessions.
We also direct bill many insurers, subject to confirmation that your plan allows this, or covers our services. More on this below.

Many extended health benefits plans cover therapy with a Registered Social Worker (RSW), Licensed Counselling Therapist (LCT), or Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), which includes our full team. Coverage varies significantly depending on your plan, so we recommend checking with your provider directly. We can provide receipts for reimbursement or direct bill many insurers, provided your plan allows for this option. At this time, we work with the following insurers for direct billing: Medavie Blue Cross, Canada Life (including PSHCP), Manulife, SunLife, Greenshield, and several others. Some members of our team also work with VAC, and CAF directly for military members and veterans. Please feel free to ask us directly.
Sessions are typically 50 minutes of active therapy time, with an additional 10 minutes for your therapist to complete their clinical note. Frequency depends on what you’re working on and what’s realistic for you. Many clients start with weekly sessions and adjust from there. Your therapist will discuss what makes sense for your specific goals and circumstances in your first session. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the schedule can shift as things evolve.