My cancellation policy requires 24 hours notice if you must cancel a session. To cancel or reschedule your session, please notify me by phone 24 business hours in advance; otherwise, you will be charged your regular fee for the missed session.

Yes, I offer tele-health psychotherapy and counselling services exclusively through telephone or secure online video options based on client preferences. Please be aware that tele-mental health is primarily for clients 16 years and older. Furthermore, tele-mental health options are not intended for emergency or crisis treatment, for those diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, or individuals with difficulties with substance use, or at risk of harming themselves or others.

Online video conferencing is provided through a Allied practice Management Software’s Jane video application that is committed to privacy between therapy providers and their clients. This is a secure and encrypted platform that meets Canada’s privacy requirements and laws.

Unfortunately, psychotherapy fees are not covered under OHIP, however many health insurance plans do cover the costs of therapy services with a registered psychotherapist. I recommend checking with your insurance provider for additional information on the details of coverage options.

Registered Psychotherapists are authorized medical practitioners in Ontario as recognized by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and these services are deductible under your medical expenses for your annual tax return.

To learn more about this option, click CRA: Authorized Medical Practitioners

If this is your first time to therapy or first time in awhile, it can seem a little nerve-racking to book your first appointment. To reduce some of the pre-therapy “butterflies” or initial anxiety as you prepare to attend, here are some things you can expect from your first session:

Welcome

Generally, sessions begin with the therapists welcoming the client and introducing themselves. This can include the therapist providing the client with information about their qualifications, experience, as well as outlining their role in the therapeutic process. It is difficult to open up to someone if you know nothing about them, so the therapist may use the first few minutes for you to learn a bit about them as a way to start building some foundation of the therapeutic alliance. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and see if they are the right fit.

Important information and Consent

It is important for the therapist to review any important information including the consent forms with both partners before proceeding further. Even if consent forms have been sent to clients ahead of time and they are already signed, it is good practice for the therapist to review the document in detail in the first session to ensure both partner’s understand and have an opportunity to ask any questions. This involves the therapist outlining:

• The nature and purpose of the proposed treatment and/or assessment;
• Benefits;
• Material risks, including foreseeable costs and any limitations to the treatment or assessment;
• Effects of the treatment or assessment, particularly those that a client might consider uncomfortable or undesirable;
• Alternative options available; and
• Consequences associated with refusing the treatment or assessment.

This process also involves the therapist highlighting any limitations they may have regarding confidentiality and the measures taken to maintain both clients’ personal health information.

Initial Assessment

Once consent has been obtained from the client to advance forward in the therapeutic process, the next step is to gather some historical information from the client to better understand what led the individual to pursue therapy. The therapist will conduct an intake interview to try and understand the history of the presenting problem or concerns, uncover any expectations the client may have for the process, as well as outline any issues or concerns that they would like to be addressed in therapy. Previous therapeutic experiences can be explored for understanding of what was successful or unsuccessful, as well as uncover if any fears or worries for treatment are present. Additionally, information on family history, relationships, and significant life events will be gathered to assist the therapist in developing an understanding of the client in the present.

Wrap-Up

The final few minutes of the session are dedicated to learning how it was for the client to share and participate in session. This is also a great time to stress how difficult it can be to share with a stranger and if they have any feedback on what could make the process feel safer for them to share going forward. Additionally, questions are always welcome at this time.

The boomerang is a symbol that has resonated with me for my entire life, as the name Kylie loosely translates into a form of the Australian boomerang. While the actual object of a boomerang has long been used for hunting purposes – I am inspired by the capability of the piece to come full circle and return to the thrower.

To me the boomerang represents opportunity and hope. No matter how difficult things may get in our lives, how far we feel we have strayed from our version of normal, or how close we feel to “rock bottom” – the boomerang demonstrates there is always a way back to better days. We are not defined solely by our setbacks or struggles in life. Rather, we have the power to work through even the most difficult experiences, to overcome the obstacles, and move forward in our lives in healthier ways.