Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in therapy?
Every client’s therapy journey is unique, which is why I tailor the process to your individual needs, experiences, strengths, and goals. In your first online counselling session, you can expect a warm welcome as we begin with gathering consent and completing an intake process to better understand your background and concerns.
Therapy will be guided at your pace, as you are the expert of your own life. The session is dedicated to you, allowing you to discuss anything you feel comfortable bringing into the room. Once rapport is established, we will collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at addressing your specific concerns and achieving your goals.
How long will it take to notice changes from therapy?
The time it takes to notice changes in therapy varies for each person and depends on the specific concerns being addressed, such as anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges. Your commitment and dedication to the psychotherapy process play an important role in your progress. Some clients may see improvements within a few sessions, while others may find that longer-term therapy is more beneficial. Together, we will regularly review your progress, adjust our approach as needed, and celebrate each step forward along the way!
Do I need a referral to start therapy?
You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a psychotherapist. You can reach out directly to book an appointment.
Are you covered by health insurance & do you direct bill them?
Psychotherapy services are covered by most extended health insurance plans. We encourage all new clients to review their benefits before their first appointment to confirm coverage, determine eligibility for reimbursement, and check the number of sessions included in their plan.
At Branching Out, we currently offer direct billing through Sun Life for eligible plans.
A valid credit card is required to be kept securely on file when booking your Initial Intake Session. Following each appointment, you will receive an emailed receipt that can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement if direct billing is not available or applicable.
What does your cancellation policy look like?
Clients are asked to cancel appointments at least 24 hours before their scheduled session. If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the appointment or if there is a no-show, the session fee will be charged as per the cancellation policy.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and heal from distressing or overwhelming experiences. While it is well known for treating trauma and PTSD, EMDR can also be effective for anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, grief, relationship difficulties, and other experiences that continue to impact daily life.
During EMDR therapy, your therapist will guide you through a structured process while using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds). This helps the brain reprocess difficult memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming, allowing you to respond to present-day situations with greater calm, clarity, and confidence.
EMDR does not require you to talk in detail about every aspect of your experience, and therapy always moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable. Your therapist will first focus on building coping strategies and ensuring you feel prepared before beginning the reprocessing phase.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist is an important decision, and it's completely normal to want to ensure we're the right fit. Therapy is most effective when you feel safe, supported, respected, and genuinely understood.
We encourage you to book a complimentary consultation so you can ask questions, learn more about our approach, and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you. Our team is committed to creating a welcoming, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable throughout your therapeutic journey.
If, at any point, you feel that we're not the best fit for your needs, we're happy to help connect you with another therapist in Ontario who may be a better match. Our priority is ensuring you receive the support that feels right for you.