Is therapy right for me?
People choose to seek therapy for a variety of reasons. They may be suffering from stress, anxiety or depression, substance or behavioural addiction, struggling with painful situations such as divorce or death, or they may want guidance for personal growth or self-exploration. Every person and situation is different. Psychotherapy is right for you if you are experiencing personal distress in any area of your life and are motivated to change.
How can therapy help me?
Therapy takes place in a very supportive environment that facilitates personal growth, insight, self-awareness, and can help you in the acquisition of skills to address various life circumstances. Psychotherapy offers problem-solving skills and helps you in developing coping strategies to deal with stressful issues you may have. It provides long lasting benefits by teaching you how to avoid triggers and to re-direct negative thinking and behaviour patterns.
How long does it take?
Psychotherapy sessions can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or long-term, focusing on a variety of more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. The duration of therapy is determined on a case-to-case basis, as each individual is unique and has unique needs.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
We believe that medication is not a substitute for psychotherapy. Research has shown that patients who undergo therapy for depression and anxiety do better in the long term than those who receive medication alone. Depending on the severity of a person’s symptoms, medication may be used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Medication may help to alleviate distress immediately, while psychotherapy targets the underlying psychological causes for the negative feelings, to ensure they are dealt with more permanently.
Who pays for psychological services?
Psychological services are not covered by OHIP. However, the services of a psychologist are covered by most extended health plans. You will be provided with a receipt that can be submitted to an insurer for reimbursement. Because different insurers offer different amounts and types of coverage, please be sure to find out in advance what your insurer offers and expects from you. For instance, some insurance companies require a physician’s referral for psychological services. At HLPS, we accept all kind of insurance.
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is respected at all times. No information will be communicated, directly or indirectly, to a third party without your informed and written consent, with exception of, but not limited to, the following: At risk of seriously harming oneself; At risk of harming someone else; Suspicion of child abuse; Suspicion of abuse by another regulated health professional.