how long do I have to be in counselling for?

It really depends on what your goals are for counselling. Some clients attend only a few sessions, while others may be looking for long-term support. Your therapist will discuss options with you during your first session, so that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and/or your family. And you always have the right to change your mind, or change the schedule!

what do I do when I come to the first session?

If we are meeting online, you will receive a reminder and video link for your session. Please take a few moments to make sure that you are in a comfortable, quiet and confidential space with few distractions. It's also a good idea to log on a few minutes early to test our your internet connection, microphone and sound. The therapist will meet you in the virtual therapy room at the start of your session.

what can I expect for my child’s first session?

We believe that the most important person in a child's life is their parent or caregiver, and our approach reflects this belief. The stronger the connection that your child has to you, the more successful their treatment will be - and they will be!

The first session is a Parent Consultation, where parents/caregivers are invited to share what they are noticing, the child's strengths and talents, goals for therapy and discuss your rights as a parent as well as the child's rights in counselling. The therapist then meets with the child for about 4 sessions, at a frequency that is agreed upon with the therapist. These sessions serve as introductory and assessment sessions where the therapist gathers data about the child and their experience. Caregivers may be provided with strategies or techniques to try at home, and must be prepared to be involved in the therapeutic process.

The caregivers then meet with the therapist to discuss progress, shifts and successes - and discuss whether therapy should continue for an additional number of sessions, or if therapy should cease. We require at least one final/termination session with the child before ending therapy, to provide closure to the relationship.

how does billing, payment and health insurance work?

We offer one-hour sessions for $120 + HST. Whether we meet in-person or online, this fee includes the session itself, treatment planning and documentation. Payment is due at the end of the session, and you will receive an emailed invoice following each session. Following payment, you will receive a receipt that you can submit to your insurance, or keep for your records. 

Payment can be made by eTransfer to hello@connectstudio.ca 

Many health benefit plans cover counselling services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist and/or Canadian Certified Counsellor, but it depends on your specific plan. In Ontario, the CRA announced (2016) that services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist may be deducted on your personal income tax returns, as part of the medical expense tax credit.

Please call your insurance provider and understand your plan before booking. We do not offer direct billing.