Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your Questions, Answered
Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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Contact Eileen directly: eileen@uppercanadacounselling.com
1. Is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) a legitimate professional and what does the word “qualifying” mean?
Yes, this is a legitimate license status issued by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). This is a protected title and whomever holds it has completed the required education. Individuals with this title must adhere to the professional standards and the Code of Ethics of the CRPO.
Eileen is a licensed professional with the CRPO.
“Qualifying” means the registration examination of the CRPO has not yet been completed. It also means that individuals must practice under clinical supervision until a total of 450 direct client hours and 100 hours of supervision have been completed.
Eileen has successfully passed her registration examination and is working towards the completion of the necessary practice hours.
2. Will my insurance reimburse me if I see a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)?
If your insurance plan covers Registered Psychotherapists then it will almost certainly cover those with the (Qualifying) status as well. Eileen’s registration number will be on all invoices and receipts.
Also printed on all invoices and receipts will be the name and registration number of Eileen’s supervisor which should satisfy your insurer’s requirements.
3. What are the benefits of working with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)?
Think of this as getting two for the price of one. Working with a supervisor means Eileen always has someone more experienced with whom she can discuss clinical situations, ask questions and seek guidance. Clients have the benefit of both Eileen and her supervisor’s experience. Please be assured your identifying details are not disclosed and your privacy is always protected.
You also have the benefit of a lower session fee. As a relatively newer licensed professional, Eileen charges a lower rate. You have the benefit of more than 40 years lived experience, plus all of Eileen’s clinical experience, without a higher fee.
4. What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counselling, is a treatment method used to help individuals deal with a wide range of mental health issues, emotional difficulties and psychological distress. Psychotherapy occurs when the therapist and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where they work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours that are adversely affecting their day-to-day life, relationships and the ability to enjoy life.
When a client enters into a psychotherapy relationship they should expect the following to occur:
- A conversation about the benefits, risks and expected outcome(s) of the psychotherapy and the opportunity to give their informed consent.
- A clearly communicated, mutually agreed upon goal or plan for the psychotherapy.
- Each therapy session has a clear beginning and a clear end where problems or concerns are presented and discussed and outcomes are explored.
- The Registered Psychotherapist demonstrates the appropriate use of boundaries to create a safe and confidential environment.
These important elements are part of the effective client-therapist relationship that is the foundation of psychotherapy. Through this relationship, Registered Psychotherapists are expected to:
- Ensure the client’s well-being is at the forefront of the relationship.
- Work with the client to gather relevant information which supports the formulation of a plan for psychotherapy.
- Continuously evaluate outcomes of each session and the impact on overall treatment goal(s).
- Practice safe and effective use of self throughout the psychotherapeutic process.
- Adhere to the standards of practice for the profession.
5. Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. Some argue online therapy (also called virtual therapy, teletherapy or telemental health) may be more effective than traditional in-person sessions. This is because online therapy sessions are found to be more convenient. Clients may attend therapy from their home, place of work, a parked car, and in the case of students, a dorm room. Obstacles such as traffic, delays in public transit or inclement weather do not affect the attending of sessions. For clients with busy schedules, online therapy offers the flexibility they desire.
For those struggling with chronic illness or pain, physical disabilities or who are immunocompromised, virtual therapy means you never have to leave the comfort and safety of your home. If you are having a difficult day, your pain might be exhausting you, and your energy is limited. You don’t need to push past your limits to get dressed and out the door to attend therapy. And you don’t need to worry about the added stress of arranging for transportation. When you have a chronic illness, pain and physical disability, online therapy is the answer. Stay home. Preserve your strength. You can attend therapy from the comfort and safety of your bed.
6. I’ve never attended therapy before. What can I expect?
Your first session will be different from subsequent sessions, and is the beginning of you and Eileen getting to know one another. Eileen is required to review the Informed Consent and the Intake form. Some of these are housekeeping items, and while they do shape the first session they are also helping to establish the therapeutic relationship.
In terms of what you might expect, psychotherapy affects individuals in different ways. Once you begin to discuss a situation, circumstance and event, you can expect to experience a variety of emotional reactions. It is not unusual to have a range of feelings, from anger to elation. You might cry, laugh, giggle or become angry. The therapy “room” is a safe space for you to let your guard down and experience your feelings without judgment.
7. How long is a session?
Sessions are 50 minutes in length. It is in your benefit to be on time for your session as the length of your session will not be extended if you are late.
Eileen will wait for 15 minutes for you to join the call, allowing for the possibility that you are running late or having technical difficulties.
8. What is Eileen’s fee and how will I be billed?
Eileen’s fee is $136/50-minute session.
Once you book a session with Eileen, her platform (powered by OWL) will invite you to create an account. This is a fully secure and 100% confidential platform and it will maintain your (encrypted) credit card information. Eileen does not have access to your credit card. Following each session, Eileen will charge your card and you will be issued a receipt which contains both Eileen’s and her supervisor’s license numbers.
It is important to Eileen to offer both affordable and accessible mental health support. Not only does Eileen endeavour to keep her rates affordable, she reserves 20% of the space in her practice for sliding scale and reduced-rate clients. If you require financial consideration, please speak to Eileen about this during your free consultation.
9. What is Eileen’s booking and cancellation policy?
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Frequently missed or cancelled appointments will impact the effectiveness of the therapeutic process, but sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. This is understood by your therapist.
If you must cancel or reschedule an appointment you agree to do so with at least 24 hours’ notice. Appointments which are cancelled and/or rescheduled with more than 24 hours’ notice will not be charged an appointment fee.
Failing to provide proper notification via email, with 24 hours’ notice, will result in being charged a full appointment fee. Please note that an insurance receipt cannot be issued for unattended appointments.
A “No Show” Appointment:
Eileen will wait in the virtual room for up to 15 minutes in case you are running late. If after 15 minutes you do not attend, this is considered a “no show”. The session will be terminated and a full session fee will be charged, without the issue of a receipt. Please note late arrivals cannot be compensated with longer session times. (If a “no show” occurs during a free first session then no fee is charged.)
Emergency Cancellation Policy
Eileen understands that emergencies happen and life can be unpredictable. If you miss a session due to a crisis or emergency, please contact Eileen directly and as soon as possible following the missed session, to explain your situation. Circumstances such as medical emergencies, family emergencies, accidents and other unforeseeable personal crises will be discussed on an individual basis. Eileen aims to be flexible and compassionate.
10. How long is a session?
A standard session, also referred to as a “therapy hour”, is 50 minutes.
Extended sessions are permitted, and you may discuss this with Eileen. She will approve these on a case-by-case basis. The fee is $200 for a 75-minute session.
11. How long do I need to be in therapy?
This depends on many factors, including the reason(s) you are seeking therapy, the treatment plan created, and how your needs change and evolve over time.
There is no “one size fits all”.
Some clients wish to have short-term treatment plans which last for a limited duration while others attend therapy for many months and years, as they continue to learn and grow.
Other clients, such as those with chronic illnesses, appreciate therapy as a valuable and supportive resource. Their therapist becomes part of their ongoing self-care plan.
12. Are sessions confidential?
Yes. All sessions are 100% confidential. Only you and Eileen are in the video chat and your privacy is maintained at all times.
Sessions are conducted using a safe and secure platform. The platform used for sessions, note taking, the storage of your chart and documentation and billing is 100% PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) compliant.
Please note there are specific situations which might necessitate breaking confidentiality. These will be discussed during the Informed Consent process in your first session.
13. Do I need to have a specific problem, or something that feels stressful, worrisome or overwhelming, to see a therapist?
Not at all. In fact, sometimes individuals see a therapist to avoid having a problem.
Often people will attend therapy because they sense something might be wrong, or “not quite right”, and they want to learn about it, and discuss it, before it develops into a larger issue.
There is value in attending therapy even with there isn’t what you might consider a substantial issue. Many people benefit from talking with someone they feel safe with, and with whom they can share their thoughts and feelings. Therapy might be the only place where some individuals can openly and safety share their thoughts and feelings, without fear of reprisal or judgment.
Working with a therapist will also help you develop new methods of coping and handling your issues and challenges. Therapy helps you to learn, practice and develop new skills and techniques which can help support all areas of your life, from family relationships to friendships and work/employer/colleague relationships.
As your therapist, Eileen can help you learn mindfulness practices that can contribute to your well-being and happiness.
14. What do I do if my question wasn’t here?
Feel free to reach out directly to Eileen to ask a question or discuss an issue. You can reach out directly: eileen@uppercanadacounselling.com. Eileen returns all emails within 24 hours.