Why do people seek support for their mental health? 

Our mental health is part of our overall health and wellbeing. While physical pain is visible, mental health is not. People seek support for various reasons. Mental health professionals, such as social workers, help individuals manage stress and other mental health concerns. Common reasons people have sought my services include managing chronic stress, coping with grief and bereavement, and navigating new beginnings, such as retirement.

 

What is the difference between psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists?  

All these professionals can provide the controlled act of psychotherapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications. Psychologists offer therapy services but may also focus exclusively on assessment and diagnosis. Social workers and psychotherapists provide psychotherapy to assist with a range of mental health concerns. While some are general practitioners supporting diverse communities, others may focus especially on issues like substance abuse or depression. I have a strong focus on first responder-related issues such as chronic stress and operational stress injuries, including transitions from the workplace to home or retirement and grief and bereavement. View my About page for more details about me.

 

What is the difference between counselling and therapy? 

I am a Registered Social Worker. Social workers can provide both counselling and therapy. Counselling involves a professional relationship aimed at addressing specific issues in a client's life, including helping them find solutions, identify strengths and resources, and locate information. Counselling does not include psychotherapy services or the controlled act of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is any form of treatment for psychosocial or emotional difficulties, behavioural maladaptations, and other problems considered emotional. In therapy, a therapist establishes a professional relationship with the client to promote positive personal growth and development.

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Do you provide crisis services? 

Unfortunately, I do not provide crisis response services at this time. However, I offer critical incident stress management (CISM) in a group setting. CISMs are intended to be held shortly after the event occured. Learn more about setting up your own CISM. 

 

Canada-wide Crisis Line: For immediate support, crisis lines are available. For instance, you can contact 9-8-8, which is coordinated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and funded by the Government of Canada. Texting or dialing 988 connects you to a crisis line worker or visit 988.ca for more details.

 

Do you offer services to children and teens?  

I do not provide counseling services to youth and adolescents. Currently, I support adult individuals, couples, and groups. If you are looking for a therapist or counsellor for children, you may wish to explore the PsychologyToday.com database. 

 

What can I expect if I have never been to therapy?  

Making that first call can be intimidating, but therapy is not scary. It is a confidential, non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss what is bothering you and receive tools and strategies to manage those issues. You do not have to carry stress longer than necessary. 

 

What can I expect in our first meeting?  

Our first meeting is called a consultation and will be held virtually. I will send you a secure link, and the meeting will take place on a secure platform with a Canadian-based server. Although the first meeting can last a full hour, I offer free 15-minute consultations. Consultations allow us to review Innate Renewal's consent and confidentiality policies. You will also have the opportunity to understand your rights as a client and meet me to see if therapy feels like the right fit for you. If you'd like to explore this further, we can schedule a session to discuss what brought you to counselling, your goals, and how we can work together to achieve them. Contact me to schedule a free 15 minute consultation. 

 

What area do you serve?  

I can see clients virtually from all over Ontario.

 

Do you see people in person? 

Currently, I do not meet individuals or couples in person. However, groups, such as critical incident stress management groups, can meet in person at their locations within the North Bay and Sudbury areas. Clients can arrange CISM sessions to be held on-site at their organizations, and I can travel to these locations, provided they are within the North Bay and Sudbury regions. I also offer Walk & Talk sessions in various outdoor locations around North Bay and Sudbury, weather permitting. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or are interested in these services. 

 

What is the goal of therapy?  

You set your own goals. These are your sessions, and you choose what you want to work on and what you don't. I can provide direction, but our primary focus is addressing the issues that concern you most and preventing you from living your best life. 

 

How long will I be in therapy?  

A typical session lasts one hour and occurs weekly or every second week. However, the number of sessions is unique to you. It depends on multiple factors, including the stressors you are experiencing, the type of therapy you are receiving, the progress you are making, your therapist's opinion, your own views, and any limits set by your insurance coverage or Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

 

Do I need a diagnosis to see a counsellor?  

No. People seek social workers for many reasons, and you don't need a diagnosis to receive services from a registered social worker.

 

What is your approach to counselling?  

My approach to counselling centers on meeting clients where they are in their lives. We explore your current situation, environment, motivation for goals, psychosocial balance, and self-care routines. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT helps clients identify and challenge negative thinking patterns that can lead to emotional distress and unhelpful actions. This practical method addresses immediate issues, making it a popular choice for both new clients and those who have experienced therapy before. Additionally, I incorporate a strengths-based perspective to help clients recognize and leverage their existing strengths.  

 

Isn't therapy better in person than online? 

Over a decade ago, CBT was proven effective in significantly reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress while increasing quality of life, both in-person and online. Since COVID, many people have gravitated toward the convenience of online therapy. With online therapy, you will receive a link to meet me on a secure video platform hosted on a Canadian-based server. Here are a few pros and cons of virtual therapy:  Pros: It is convenient and appeals to working individuals, those with limited time for travel, and those who prefer the comfort of their own space. There is also no travel involved, so you won't have to spend time or energy getting to your therapist's office, and you can work with someone who doesn't live nearby, meaning anywhere you are in Ontario, you can choose a practitioner who does not necessarily live in your area.   Cons:  Technology: For online sessions, you need a reliable computer, tablet, or smartphone, as well as basic technology skills to join a video session. Depending on your connection, interruptions may occur. In these situations, we may need to use the phone as a backup. Finally, it may be challenging to find a private space at home, and understandably, it could feel harder to trust a therapist you have only met virtually.  

 

How much does therapy cost?  

My rate is $170 per hour for individuals and couples. Please get in touch with me for group, CISM rates, and workshops. Most insurance policies and extended benefits cover or partially cover services offered by registered social workers; check your personal insurance policy for details. I also include more details on Fees & Insurance. 

 

Do you offer direct billing?  

Yes, I offer direct billing to a variety of insurance companies, including but not limited to: GreenShield, BlueCross, Medavie BlueCross, NIHB/Express Scripts, Telus Health, and Sunlife. Feel free to get in touch to discuss direct billing further.