how long does therapy take?

Each session is about 50 minutes long. I typically recommend weekly sessions in the beginning as I am getting to know you and we are developing a plan to reach your goals. Ultimately, frequency is up to you and can range from weekly to check-ins a couple times a year. People stay in therapy for varying lengths of time, depending on their reason for coming to therapy and their overall goals. For a very focused issue, we can plan to do a structured treatment protocol in 6-12 sessions. Others will choose to develop a therapeutic relationship with their therapist that lasts decades. I’m here for both.

Is therapy covered by benefits?

Insurance companies typically do cover psychotherapy. You will need to check your specific plan for eligibility and yearly maximum amounts. I am a registered clinical psychologist with a Ph.D., so services here will be covered if your plan indicates it covers “psychology services”, “psychological services” or “psychotherapy”. I do not direct bill insurance companies so you will pay for each session via e-transfer, cash, or cheque and I will then provide you with a receipt you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

If you are accessing therapy through WSIB, Veterans Affairs Canada, PCVRS, or the RCMP, I do direct bill these third-party payers.

Is a psychologist what I’m looking for?

Figuring out the mental health system is daunting. There are a lot different services available and factors to consider when choosing someone to work with. I am a Ph.D. level psychologist which means I am qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat behavioural and mental health conditions. A Ph.D. in clinical psychology requires at least 8 years of post-graduate training, a one-year clinical internship, and a year of post-doctorate supervision. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.

Research suggests that the best predictor of good outcomes in therapy is the therapeutic rapport so I would encourage you to read about me and the practice in the “About” section to start to get a sense of what therapy with me might be like. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Most people know within a few sessions whether they think the therapist is a good fit for them and I’m always happy to make recommendations to other psychologists in the community.

Do you complete medical forms?

I am able to complete a wide variety of medical forms required for insurance, third-party payers, educational institutes, and employers and do so for existing clients. I cannot complete forms for individuals I have not treated and so would not recommend booking a session for the sole purpose of having forms completed.

If you are a veteran or military member needing a VAC disability award medical form completed for your mental health condition, you can contact me to book an assessment. This will entail an assessment session, virtual or in-person, that will take approximately 4 hours and includes the completion of the required paperwork.

do you do assessments?

I do not currently offer general diagnostic assessments but do complete psychological assessments for veterans, currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the RCMP who require an assessment for pension and award purposes.

WHAT IS MISOPHONIA?

Misophonia is a disorder characterized by a decreased tolerance to specific “trigger” sounds (Swedo et al., 2022). Trigger sounds vary across individuals but are often repetitive in nature and commonly include human-generated sounds (e.g., chewing, breathing, finger tapping) as well as environmental sounds (e.g., clock ticking, windshield wipers). For individuals with misophonia, these sounds are experienced as distressing and can evoke intense negative emotional, physiological, and behavioral responses. Common emotional reactions include anger, disgust, and anxiety, while physiological reactions may involve symptoms consistent with a fight or flight reaction such as muscular tension, elevated heart rate, and sweating. When a trigger sound is detected, individuals with misophonia may experience difficulty diverting their attention from the sound and may engage in avoidance, escape, or confrontational behaviours to reduce distress. Misophonia symptoms can contribute to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning and contribute to the presentation of co-occurring mental health conditions (Swedo et al., 2022). 

Our associate, Kate Raymond, offers evidence-informed treatment for misophonia. She is currently completing here Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Western University where she is dedicated to her research in the area of misophona. She brings a wealth of knowledge about this emerging area of mental health, along with a warm, compassionate approach to care.

how do I get to the office?

We are centrally located with plenty of options for accessing our offices including walking, biking, driving, and public transit. London city bus stop #1547, on Routes 4 & 15, is right in front of the building at Ridout St & Ingleside Pl. There is plenty of parking in a private lot behind the building, accessed through the stone archway off of Ingleside Pl.

There is no sign outside of the building but please enter the front door and have a seat in the main floor waiting room. No need to check-in, I will be down to welcome you at the time of your appointment.