Frequently Asked Questions
Answer 1:
What is therapy?
Psychotherapy is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being.
The Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning.
Therapy is personalized and tailored to your specific needs. It is a journey of learning more about yourself bringing awareness in.
Sometimes the biggests shifts in our life come from some of the smallest inward changes.
We use evidenced-based and researched methods to help support you to live the life you want to live!
You may book a Free 15-minute consultation to take that next step!
Answer 2:
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker, and Psychotherapist?
Psychiatrist (MD): is a medical doctor that prescribes medications, diagnoses mental health conditions, and completes assessments.
Psychologist (C.Psych, PhD, or PsyD): is a clinician who completes mental health assessments, can diagnose mental health conditions, and perform therapy.
Social Worker (RSW, MSW): is a clinician who helps to solve problems, forms connections within the community providing resources, and can perform case management and therapy.
Psychotherapist (RP): is a clinican who performs therapy supporting mental health conditions, provide coping skills and tools, and provide community resources.
The distinction between who will be effective to help support you is based on being a "good fit". It's best to find someone you feel comfortable speaking to about your situations, problems, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable with them. Establishing good trust is important to the therapeutic relationship and promoting healing in your journey.
Answer 3:
How long will therapy take?
Every person, body, and situation is different! Therapy is greatly based on what your goals for therapy are and what your needs may be.
People generally start to notice change and feel better when they feel heard, validated, seen and safe.
Since therapy is customized to each persons, and family's needs the therapist develops a treatment plan to help the client get to their established goal. Reaching goals is not guaranteed however, we will work together to help you one step at a time to get to where you want to be.
The course of therapy typically lasts between 12-15 sessions or 3-4 months.
For trauma recovery it may take upwards of 2+ years depending on the person, family, and situation.
Reach out for a Free 15 minute consult to explore.
Answer 4:
What is sliding scale?
Sliding scale are when fees for the services are set at a reduced, lower and more affordable rate.
The cost is provided within a range to make therapy more accessible for each persons individual circumstance.
Sliding Scale Rates Offered at Mindful Steps Therapy range from $80.00 to $100.00 (HST included) with limited slots availability.
- No Insurance Coverage
- Limited Insurance Coverage or Sessions Not Fully Covered by Insurance Companies
- In Financial Need (Financially Impacted by Job loss, Covid-19, Disability, etc.)
- University/College Student (Where therapy is not covered or avaiable on campus)
Answer 5:
How do I file a complaint about my therapist?
If you feel there is a concern, ethical/moral issue, or a complaint about your Registered Psychotherapist and need more information.
Click to go to the CRPO complaints page: https://www.crpo.ca/filing-a-complaint-about-a-member/
Answer 6:
What happens if I don't like my therapist and want to stop therapy?
That's okay!
Let your therapist know that things aren't what you thought it would be or it's not the path you'd like to continue in.
Here at Mindful Steps Therapy we will help connect you to someone that you feel more comfortable with and suit your needs.
We believe in being the stepping stones along the healing journey no matter what that looks like for each person.
