Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy can be beneficial for anyone seeking personal growth, struggling with specific challenges, or wanting to improve their mental well-being. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. If you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that interfere with your daily life, having difficulty managing emotions, struggling with relationships, or going through a major life transition, therapy might be especially helpful. We offer a free 15-minute initial consultation to help you determine if our approach is a good fit for your needs.

In a typical session, you'll have the space to discuss whatever is on your mind or what you're currently struggling with. Your therapist will listen attentively, ask questions to help deepen your understanding, and work with you to develop insights and strategies. Unlike traditional approaches where the therapist acts as the "expert," our humanistic approach involves a collaborative relationship where we explore challenges together. The exact nature of each session varies depending on your needs, goals, and the therapeutic approach being used.

The duration of therapy varies widely depending on your individual needs, the nature of your concerns, and your personal goals. Some clients find that short-term therapy (8-12 sessions) is sufficient to address specific issues, while others benefit from longer-term therapy to work through complex or deep-seated patterns. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. You and your therapist will collaborate to determine the appropriate duration and frequency of sessions, regularly reassessing your progress and needs.

While we don't directly bill insurance companies, many of our clients use their extended health benefits to cover therapy costs. Our therapists are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and many insurance plans cover services provided by registered psychotherapists. After each session, we can provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about coverage for psychotherapy services before beginning therapy.

Most clients start with weekly sessions, as this provides consistency and momentum in the therapeutic process. However, the frequency can be adjusted based on your specific needs, availability, and financial considerations. Some clients may benefit from twice-weekly sessions during particularly challenging periods, while others may transition to bi-weekly or monthly sessions as they progress. You and your therapist will determine the optimal frequency together, with the flexibility to adjust as needed.

You can schedule an appointment in several ways:

• Contact us directly through our contact form
• Call us at (613) 882-2653
• Email us at danleroy@ottawa-counselling.ca
• Visit a specific therapist's profile and request an appointment through their booking form

We'll respond promptly, typically within 3 business days, to confirm your appointment or provide alternative times if needed.

Finding the right therapist is crucial to successful therapy. The therapeutic relationship should feel comfortable, safe, and collaborative. We offer a free 15-minute initial consultation to help you determine if there's a good fit. During this consultation, you can ask questions about the therapist's approach, experience, and how they might work with your specific concerns. Trust your instincts about whether you feel understood and respected by the therapist. It's perfectly acceptable to speak with several therapists before deciding who to work with.

Traditional therapy can sometimes position the therapist as the "expert" who diagnoses problems and prescribes treatments from a distance. Our Human First approach is more collaborative and authentic. We believe that you are the expert on your own experience, and our role is to walk alongside you, offering support, insights, and tools while acknowledging our shared humanity. We don't pretend to have all the answers, and we value transparency, authenticity, and mutual growth in the therapeutic relationship. This approach creates a more equal, respectful dynamic that many clients find more effective and empowering.

Yes, we offer secure virtual therapy sessions through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Virtual therapy makes it convenient to access care from your home or other private locations, eliminating travel time and making therapy more accessible. Many clients find that virtual sessions offer comparable benefits to in-person therapy, and some even prefer the comfort and convenience of connecting from their own space. Each therapist's profile indicates whether they offer virtual sessions, in-person sessions, or both.