FAQ

What Should I expect on my First Visit?

After you have contacted Susan and booked an initial visit, you can expect to receive a link through your email to a that provides you with a unique secure link to a “video office” where we can meet confidentially for your first visit, and any sessions afterwards. In this visit you will be invited to talk about why you are seeking therapy, what your goals are for therapy, and Susan will inform you about the training and experiences she has that can help you with your problem, or she will let you know if your needs are not in her scope of practice. In this initial visit you can get a sense of what Susan’s style is like, whether you think you will feel comfortable doing therapy with her and to ask any other questions you may have. Some of your questions may also be answered below. After the initial meeting, should you decide to continue therapy, you will be sent by email several forms to sign regarding Informed consent for psychotherapy as well as a questionnaire.

How Long will my Appointment be? How often will I have a session?

Appointments are typically for 60 minutes, unless you and Susan have mutually decided to lengthen them to better meet your therapy goals. Clients often choose to meet weekly but the frequency can be less, depending on your goals for therapy. The pace of the sessions is determined by you in conversation with your therapist.

How much will it Cost? And How will I need to pay? Do you accept Health Insurance?

An Individual therapy or Individual grief support session is $100 per 60 minutes plus $13 HST for a total of $113. Payment is due by e-transfer or Credit card prior to session and a paid receipt is sent by email to you afterwards. Clients are responsible to pay up front and submit their own claims to their insurance companies. Please note - not all insurance companies pay for RP = Registered Psychotherapists. It is the client’s responsibility to determine whether Susan’s services will be covered by their insurance plan, or not.

A Guided Group Forest Therapy walk is $30 /per person for a 2.5 hour walk. A private Forest Therapy walk for a specific group or persons can be arranged for $250.00. Participants will be asked to register in advance and complete the waivers and submit payment by e-transfer prior to attending the walk.

Is therapy difficult?

At times, therapy can be difficult, stressful, frustrating and even scary. For some, remembering certain moments - especially traumatic moments - can trigger difficult emotions. For others, it can be hard to face habits and tendencies that may be causing pain to their loved ones or themselves. But facing the events that have shaped us, and various truths about ourselves frees us to choose to respond to life’s circumstances and the people around us in different ways. Getting there can be a difficult journey, and it is why many therapists refer to therapy as “work”. It requires your engagement as well as your therapists, and it asks you to become the change you desire to see in yourself. But the beauty of therapy is that you don’t have to make that journey on your own.

How do I choose a therapist?

In addition to finding a therapist whose Scope of practice/competencies are a good fit for your needs choosing a suitable therapist depends on your own personality and preferences and what you hope to get from your therapy sessions. Some people desire to be pushed and challenged, while others prefer to be gently questioned and encouraged. Some people prefer to work on their actions first, while others want to understand the emotions and thought processes. Therapists have different methods they use based on the issues you want to work on and based on their training. Some methods are suitable for many issues while some issues have very specific methods of treatment. Your therapist should be familiar with the type of practice competencies your issues need and will refer you to someone else if they are not trained to meet your needs.

What is a video office?

Susan’s practice is provided online through a video office, even when there is not a pandemic. The video office is a web browser platform called Telehealth by SimplePractice, which can also be loaded as an App on your smart phone or tablet. This platform employs bank level encryption standards, which maintains the confidentiality of your call and guards the privacy of the therapeutic relationship. Many people find that meeting face to face in a Video office is convenient and reduces the stress and anxiety of in-person sessions. The Video Office platform gives clients the benefit of access to psychotherapy from remote locations, or to meet from a place that they feel comfortable. The application is simple and easy to use and secure. Telephone sessions are also an option upon request.

What is the cancellation policy?

Life happens and sometimes it’s necessary to reschedule. There is no penalty for rescheduling or cancelling a session if there has been more than a 24 hour notice. Because appointment times are held exclusively for you if you must cancel within 24 hours or do not attend your appointment you are responsible for the full session fee to be paid on the day of the missed session.