Individual and FAmily therapy
And
Parent Counselling & CONsulting Services
All individuals and families experience difficulties; sometimes, families may feel overwhelmed and find that managing certain matters exceeds their own resources. I understand it is not always easy to reach out to a therapist, and though it may even feel like admitting defeat or failure, the decision to access services is an active step towards positive change and improved circumstances.
I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents, and with their families in family therapy, to address a range of challenges and complex mental health issues.
Some of these areas include:
Children and Youth who are experiencing issues related to, for example:
Behavioural, emotional, and social challenges
Borderline Personality Disorder
Stress and Anxiety
Self-harming behaviours, thoughts of self-harm
Regulating emotions
At-risk and/or problem behaviours
Personal relationships
Listening to/following direction
School avoidant behaviours and academic problems
Managing changes and transitioning to adulthood
Families who are experiencing issues related to, for example:
Family relationships and communication
Child’s mental health
Child’s behaviour at home and/or in school
Stress and balancing work, school, etc.
High-conflict, separation or divorce
Major changes, transitions, disruptions or losses (death in the family, unemployment)
Child’s difficulties are causing stress and/or affecting the wellbeing of the whole family
Family Therapy: Families experiencing these difficulties may find family therapy beneficial. Family therapy may include some or all members of a household, and sometimes extended family as well. I will create a safe and supportive space, and help you and your family navigate these challenges and to develop and implement skills, which may include working on:
Supporting your child’s mental health needs
Learning and implementing skills
Understanding/managing behaviors
Emotion regulation
Expectations- and limit-setting
Improving communication through validation
Developing and enhancing healthy relationships
Parent Counselling and Consulting: Parent counselling and consulting is an opportunity for parents to seek advice and discuss specific concerns related to parenting and their youth’s mental health needs without their children present. Parents may find that they benefit from the additional support offered through these sessions while also engaging in family therapy. In these sessions, we may focus on, for example, practical strategies to address specific problem behaviours at home and learning on to provide the continuity of care prescribed by the systems for your children.
Initial Consultation:
This 20-minute phone conversation is free-of-charge and allows us to introduce ourselves and explore how I can help make therapy a positive and supportive experience for you, your family, or both. I will ask you some basic questions about your background, and for you to share a bit about your concerns and what you hope to gain from therapy. This information is helpful for me to devise a treatment approach that is effective and compliments your individualized needs. I will take your questions too, and at the end of the call, we can schedule your first appointment.
My Approach:
I integrate a blend of evidence-based principles and models of therapy to my professional practice. I tailor my therapeutic approach based on an individualized assessment of the client’s needs, challenges, and circumstances. Offering support in a safe environment, I work collaboratively with my clients to develop and implement a treatment plan and to achieve their personal goals.
Structure and Frequency:
The structure and frequency of therapy sessions depends on the unique needs and goals of the individual or family. For some individuals and families, therapy services serve as a tool reserved for a difficult period of transition or to address a particular challenge, while others find that therapy plays a positive support role in their life long-term.
Each session is 50-minutes long, and typically sessions are scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Sessions are typically held in my private office in Toronto; if coming to my office is difficult, I am available to do secured online video or phone appointments.
I do not want therapy to be an added stress, but rather, something to look forward to; I will work with you to arrange an appointment time that respects your needs.
Rates and Payment:
Individual fees vary depending on the type of services offered. For more information on my rates, please call or e-mail me directly.
As a therapist in Toronto, all fees follow the recommended guidelines of the College of Social Workers of Ontario. In a commitment to maintaining an equitable practice, I offer a limited number of sessions on a sliding-scale basis for those clients who may not be otherwise able to afford the mental health services.
Payment is due at the end of each session and is payable by cash, cheque or email transfer. I will provide you with a receipt for your records and that you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Social Work services are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP). Many extended health insurance and private health insurance plans will cover all or some of the cost of the services provided by a licensed practitioner. Fees not covered by your insurance provider may be claimed on your income taxes as a medical health expense.
Privacy and Confidentiality:
I am committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. As a member of the College of Social Workers of Ontario, I follow the standards of the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
