How do I do get help? Do I just walk in?

Our services are by appointment only. Give us a call at 416-473-3333 ext. 1 or email us at info@yourstorycounselling.com to arrange an appointment. Once a time has been confirmed we will send you a link to our online client portal where you will receive a welcome package with all of our information and forms to sign before your session.

How does payment work?

We take payment at the end of your appointment. Your receipt can be submitted to your insurance policy to receive your claim. Payments can be made by cash, cheque and credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) at the end of each session. We also accept E-Transfer, payments can be made to info@yourstorycounselling.com ​​ If an appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged a for the full session fee. We make exceptions for emergencies, sickness, and extenuating circumstances.

Do you take insurance?

It depends! All insurance companies have multiple types of policies, please check with your policy to see if you are covered for Registered Psychotherapists (R.P.). Many of our clinicians also work with Social Workers (R.S.W.) and Psychologists (C.Psych. or C. Psych. Assoc.) in order to provide coverage under those titles, please contact us to find out more. Extra fees may apply. We do not have the ability to directly bill your insurance policy for you at this moment in time. Some exceptions can be made for certain insurance companies tha allow us to do direct billing. Please speak to your therapist or our intake for details.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy is a highly tailored service and process. There are no requirements for attending therapy. Folks often come to us to help them in regards to achieving goal(s), managing and better understanding mental health, getting unstuck, and/or resolving issues and conflicts. At Your Story Counselling Services we do our absolute best to match you with the right therapist and modality in order to better fit your needs and goals. All of our therapists offer a FREE 15 minute Phone consultation in order to answer any questions and address any needs or concerns. ​ It is important for you to feel comfortable with the person you are working with. All our our therapist's email and phone number extensions are listed on our contact page, you can feel free to contact them directly or contact our intake coordinator to be matched to a therapist that fits your needs and schedule availability.

How long will therapy and counselling take?

It really can depend! The amount of time one spends in therapy depends on the goals or concerns one is trying to achieve and resolve in therapy. Our goal in therapy is to help you develop a deeper awareness and insight into your life in order to better know which tools and strategies to utilize. Once these steps are achieved, we will then work with the you to determine together whether the next steps are to continue with therapy and set new goals or to complete therapy for the time being.

How many session will I need?

For those curious or wanting to have a certain number of sessions to expect, we typically say that the average length of therapy before seeing long term sustainable results will be 5 to 8 sessions (each session being 50-60 minutes long, sessions spaced apart weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). These numbers can certain change depending on the particular issue you are bringing to the therapy room. For couples or family therapy, the length of time in therapy can also be longer (around 4-6 months is the average with weekly or bi-weekly sessions often times) as issues brought on can be more complex and there are more concerns and dynamics to consider with more people as well.

Does OHIP cover therapy?

Unfortunately, the answer is no, most people we work with pay either out of their own pocket or via insurance policies they hold. We do have select spots for sliding scales available for folks that are finding finances a barrier to accessing services, please contact us to find out if there are any current spots available.

What happens if I see my therapist in public?

Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us. When outside the confines of the therapy room, your therapist will not acknowledge or try to approach you. This is done to ensure that we do not jeopardize your privcy. However, if you would like to approach your therapist, you will be more than welcome to do so. Please be reminded thought that these conversations will be brief and short and that your therapist will nto be able to speak with you in regards of your therapy and process in public. We encourage you to not engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office.

Is my therapy session private and confidential?

Pschotherapy services are strictly confidential and are regulated in the Province of Ontario in order to protect your privacy.. The conversations you have with your therapist will be strictly confidential. We do not release any information about you to anyone without your permission, except as required by Ontario law. In incidents where one or more of the following is present, confidentiality may be broken and appropriate authorities would be contacted:

• harm to self or others
• child abuse (physical, sexual, neglect, emotional abuse, witnessing of intense fighting)
• court ordered release of records
• sexual abuse or harassment by a registered health professional
• extended health insurance claim via psychologist and/or social worker
• individual therapy within couple therapy (your couples therapist may see each partner individually for a few times, whatever was discussed in the individual sessions will be summarized and brought back to the couple session)

What's wrong with me?

Out sincere answer to this question is this: there is nothing 'wrong' with you, rather something is interfering with your ability to life your life in your preferred way and being. Mental health issues are complex and easy to misunderstand, we often end up blaming ourselves for things outside of our control or even influenced by the behaviours and actions of others. Each person's experience of mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression is unique, the simple asnwer is that we are human and that we are an amalgamation of nature and nurture. Seeking help when we do not fully understand ourselves and/or our actions can be extremely beneficial in eliminating the 'what is wrong with me' feeling.

When should I see a therapist?

Anytime! We often see folks when they are at their wit's end or feeing completely overwhelmed, and we often try to let people know that seeking help before you reach your mental and physical limit is extremely important. This helps cut down the amount of time you may need in therapy and can help prevent the creation of unhelpful long term coping habits and help reduce future crisis situations. If you are unsure how a therapist or counsellor can help, don't hesitate to contact us for a free 15 minute consultation. This can help you determine whether therapy is right for you.

Do I have to see a therapist to get better?

The answer is no, you don't have to seek therapy to get better... but it can be extremely beneficial. At Your Story Counselling, we are big advocates of self healing, self learning, and self study. However many folks that are feeling stuck and/or unmotivated may find it really hard to utilize those steps. Many times our goal in therapy is to help people back on their feet and feeling like themsevles again. Our ultimate goal as a therapist is to help you get back up on your and continue forward that journey of healing yourself and to help you expand in all the potential ways you can help yourself forward in.

What can therapy help with?

Therapy can help with a wide range of different issues and concerns, below is a list of some of the issues that can be addressed in therapy. You are not limited to just these concerns of course!

• Abuse (Intimate Partner/Familial Violence & Abuse, Oppression, & Societal Expectations)
• Addictions (Substance Abuse, Gambling, Gaming, Internet)
• Anxiety (Stress, Panic, Overwhelmingness)
• Behavioural (Anger, Behavioural Issues, Outbursts, Emotional Distress & Pain)
• Culture (Cultural Identity, upbringing, experiences as a Person of Colour, Intergenerational Conflict)
• Communication (Relational Skills, Conflict, Fighting, Arguments)
• Depression (Low Moods, Isolation, Apathy, Sadness, Loneliness)
• Disability & Illness (Health Struggles, Pain, Chronic Illness, Physical Traumas)
• Divorce & Separation (Family Planning, Blended Relationships, Merging Families)
• Grief (Loss, Pain, Bereavement)
• LGBTQIA2+ (Coming Out Process, Gender and Sexual Identity/Expression, Gender Nonconformity)
• Relational Conflict & Issues (Monogamy & Non-Monogamy, Pre-Marital Counselling, Polyamorous Relationships, Rebuilding Trust, Relationship Conflicts & issues, Relational Well-Being and Maintenance)
• Self-Esteem (Confidence, Guilt, Shame, Fear, Hurt, Resentment)
• Sex & Intimacy (Pain during Sex & Intimacy, Sexual and Emotional Intimacy, Desire & Pleasure)
• Trauma (Intergenerational, Past Events, Immigration, Partner/Familial Violence, Sexual Violence, Emotional Abuse)
• Wellbeing (Emotional, Spiritual, Physical Wellbeing, Calm, Positive State of Mind, Gratitude)
• Work (Stress Management and Workplace Wellness)

What is a Psychotherapist?

Psychotherapists in Ontario are individuals who are licensed to practise psychotherapy and are called Registered Psychotherapists (RP). RPs are required to undergo training and acquire relevant work hours before being allowed to qualify as a psychotherapist as regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Trainings and requirements by CRPO are rigorous and highly specific in order to prepare the clinican to be able to competently practice psychotherapy. Your Story Counselling Services goes through a rigorous hiring process, we require all of our therapists to not only be registered with CRPO but also aquire a masters level training or higher. In addition to this, our therapists all have other related exeperiences in the mental health field and have completed other extensive training in order to better fit the needs of the unique clients we serve.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

These words often mean the same thing, with counselling being a more general and widely understood term, and psychotherapy/therapy being a more technical description. You will see many therapists use these two words interchangeably. Please note thought that only those qualified to practice the act of psychotherapy are allowed to call themsevels psychotherapists and/or conduct counselling as these terms are protected terms. The College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO) states “The practice of psychotherapy is distinct from both counselling, where the focus is on the provision of information, advice-giving, encouragement and instruction, and spiritual counselling, which is counselling related to religion or faith-based beliefs. … However, psychotherapy and counselling can be highly interrelated.”

What is the difference between a psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist

​A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has a specialty in psychiatry and has gon through medical school. They can offer diagnosis, practice psychotherapy, and prescribe medications. Only medical doctors and psychiatrists can prescribe medications. A psychologist or psychological associate (Psych Assoc.) can offer diagnosis and practice psychotherapy but cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists and Psych Assoc. are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. A psychotherapist can practice psychotherapy but cannot prescribe medication or offer diagnosis. Psychotherpaists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and also by the College of Social Workers of Ontario (some social workers will train and practice in psychotherapy, but not all social workers are able or allowed to do so).

Should I choose a psychotherapist instead of a psychologist?

It depends! Psychotherapists work from the premise that mental and emotional health issues and crises are opportunities for growth and change. This method differs from the traditional medical model that approaches these issues and crises as illnesses that need to be treated. While psychologist are often trained in a more medical diagnosis approach, working to treat the symptoms of the mental health issue. Psychotherapists offer a unique approach that may deeper help you consider the impacts of psychological, social, and interpersonal links to your well-being. Helping you not just learn how to cope with you mental distress, but working towards greater mental well-being and understanding. Our team at Your Story Counselling offers a client first approach over a problem centred approach, ensuring that we hear and understand you and the unique ways you would like to move forward in your life.