YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

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1. What is a psychotherapist?

 

A psychotherapist is an expert in mental health who uses a variety of therapeutic methods to address psychological and emotional issues. They collaborate with individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them overcome their problems and enhance their mental health and overall wellness.

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Psychotherapy is a type of conversation-based treatment designed to assist people in comprehending and managing their emotions, thoughts, and actions. Psychotherapists employ various approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and humanistic therapy to aid their patients.

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2. If I start going to counselling and try to figure out past issues, I feel as if I may start accessing certain thoughts and feelings that I haven't before. Could that happen?
 

You may or may not experience emotional or physical fatigue after some sessions. It is recommended that you take some time afterwards to reflect upon and process the information that may have come up during the session. Some changes might occur in your interaction with people close to you, as the therapeutic process unfolds.

3. Are my sessions confidential?
 

The short answer is yes. There are circumstances where our counsellors or therapists may be required to break confidentiality. These circumstances may include:

• If there is reason to believe that a child is being harmed.

• If you tell us you are a harm to yourself or another person.

• If we are ordered by a court of law to break confidentiality.

4. What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?

We respectfully ask that you provide us with 24 hours notice if you cannot attend your appointment. Failure to do so will result in you being charged with a no-show fee, which is equal to the full fee of the session.

5. What happens if I am late for my session?
 

If clients arrive late, the session will take place and will end at the time originally scheduled. Clients will be charged the full amount for the session. It is best to arrive on time to maximize the benefits of your session.  

6. Do you offer free initial consultations?
 

We offer a complimentary initial phone consultation in which you can ask us any questions about our practice and you can tell us about what your present concerns are. If we decide we’d like to work together, we can then book a session.

7. How many counselling sessions will it take?
 

People can begin to feel some relief after the first session. It can be incredibly healing to finally have a safe space to talk openly about your concerns and feel genuinely heard. As everyone is unique and has different goals, there is no prescribed time frame or a number of sessions. For specific concerns, clients often come for 6 – 10 sessions, and for more complex issues clients come as long as they need.

8. My partner won’t come to our sessions. Can I still come in alone and talk about my relationship concerns and challenges?
 

Absolutely. We only have control over ourselves and only we can change our thoughts, our actions, and our reactions. Many clients have reported significant improvements in their relationships with others including their intimate partners, family members, and friends. As mentioned before, having a safe space to talk about concerns you have can be extremely helpful.  

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9. Where do our clinicians practice? 

 

Our clinicians are licensed and practice exclusively in Canada. Please ensure that you are located in Canada when booking an appointment.

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10. Are you services covered by OHIP?

 

While OHIP does not cover counselling and therapy services, many extended benefits and insurances offer coverage for such treatments. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider to determine the specific amount of coverage available for therapy services

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11. What is the process for therapy at Life In Harmony Counselling Services?

 

The therapy process at Life In Harmony Counselling Services typically involves three main steps:

1. Consultation: A free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your reasons for therapy and ask questions.

2. First Session: Exploration of your background, current challenges, and therapy goals, plus an introduction to the therapeutic process.

3. Weekly Sessions: If you continue, weekly sessions are scheduled at a consistent time with a personalized treatment plan developed.​

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12. How can I find a therapist for depression in Vaughan or Toronto?

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1. Decide on therapy type: Choose between in-person sessions or online therapy.

2. Check therapist directories: Platforms like Life in Harmony’s therapist profiles list licensed counsellors and psychotherapists specializing in depression.

3. Book a consultation: Many therapists offer free or brief initial consultations to help you assess fit.

4. Look at credentials: Ensure your therapist is a registered psychotherapist (RP), clinical psychologist, or licensed counsellor.

5. Consider logistics: Think about location, availability, and fees to find the best match.​

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At Life in Harmony, we have therapists experienced in treating depression, providing compassionate support both in Vaughan and online. See our therapists here

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13. ​How do I choose a counsellor in Vaughan or Toronto?

 

Choosing the right counsellor in Vaughan or Toronto is an important step toward getting effective support. You can also use Harmony Connect, our AI Therapist Matching tool, to help find the best therapist for your needs. Here’s how to make the best choice:

1. Identify your needs: Consider the issues you want support with—such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, or trauma.

2. Check qualifications: Look for registered psychotherapists (RP), clinical psychologists, or licensed counsellors. At Life in Harmony, all our therapists in both Vaughan and Toronto are fully licensed and experienced.

3. Use Harmony Connect: Our Harmony Connect AI tool recommends therapists based on your preferences, availability, and therapy goals.

4. Consider therapy approach: Therapists may use different methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or trauma-informed care. Choose an approach that resonates with you.

5. Look at experience: Review each counsellor’s background and areas of specialty. Some therapists focus on depression, anxiety, or couples therapy, while others specialize in youth or family support.

6. Schedule a consultation: Many of our therapists offer free or brief initial consultations so you can see if it’s a good fit.

7. Assess comfort and connection: Feeling heard and understood is essential. A positive connection makes therapy more effective.

8. Consider logistics: Check location (Vaughan or Toronto), session format (in-person or online), availability, and fees to find the right fit.

At Life in Harmony Counselling, our Vaughan and Toronto teams provide compassionate, personalized support to help you feel understood and supported. View our therapists and book a consultation here.

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14. How do I start counselling for anxiety in Vaughan or Toronto?

Starting counselling for anxiety in Vaughan or Toronto is a straightforward process. You can also use Harmony Connect, our AI Therapist Matching tool, to help find the right therapist for your needs. Here’s how to get started:

1. Identify your needs: Reflect on the type of anxiety you experience and your goals for counselling.

2. Find a qualified therapist: Search for licensed therapists specializing in anxiety through Life in Harmony, online directories, or referrals from your family doctor. Our Vaughan and Toronto therapists are experienced in anxiety-focused therapy.

3. Check availability and services: Contact potential counsellors to learn about their approaches, session formats (in-person or online), fees, and availability.

4. Use Harmony Connect: Our Harmony Connect AI tool can recommend therapists tailored to your preferences and schedule.

5. Schedule an initial appointment: Book a consultation to discuss your concerns and assess comfort with the therapist.

6. Prepare for your sessions: Be ready to share your experiences, symptoms, and anxiety triggers to get the most from therapy.

At Life in Harmony Counselling, our Vaughan and Toronto teams provide compassionate support to help you manage anxiety and build coping strategies. View our therapists and book a consultation here.