FAQs

It's typical to be skeptical about psychotherapy for a variety of reasons, including stigma, cultural misconceptions, fear of being judged and feeling vulnerable, uncertainty about the procedure, or previous unpleasant experiences.

Try the free 15-minute consultation if you have any queries regarding psychotherapy or are uncertain about the procedure. We can offer assistance, dispel any myths, and assist you in determining whether therapy is the best course of action for you at this time.

The complimentary meeting is provided as an opportunity for you to ask any questions about our style of work, what to expect in therapy, and the expected fee.

Our team member would like to know about your primary concerns and ask a few screening questions related to certain kinds of past experiences, current symptoms, and behaviors to assist us in recommending the most appropriate therapist for your needs.

There are many benefits to remote therapy. It gives simplicity and accessibility. Through remote therapy, you can get therapy sessions in the comfort of your home or another place. You won't have to make any travel plans as a result, which will make it simpler for you to fit therapy into your calendar. Additionally, remote counseling offers additional privacy and anonymity. Some people might feel more comfortable conversing with a therapist over the phone as opposed to in person.
Additionally, remote therapy might be more affordable. The cost of daycare or alternative accommodations, as well as transportation, is typically added to the cost of traditional therapy.

Common concerns that psychotherapy or counseling can help with include examination anxiety, academic performance, family relationships, difficult situations or people at school, memories of hurtful or traumatic experiences, stressful work conditions, and challenging workplace environments.

People also commonly seek professional support for anger management, building self-confidence, depression, domestic abuse, prenatal and postpartum stress, marital and premarital counseling, and improving work-life balance.

Common concerns that psychotherapy or counseling can help with include examination anxiety, academic performance, family relationships, difficult situations or people at school, memories of hurtful or traumatic experiences, stressful work conditions, and challenging workplace environments.

People also commonly seek professional support for anger management, building self-confidence, depression, domestic abuse, prenatal and postpartum stress, marital and premarital counseling, and improving work-life balance.

Our team has diverse professional training and provides evidence-based therapy using a range of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Integrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is based on Polyvagal Theory, also known as the science of feeling safe, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor.

Polyvagal Theory focuses on how the body and nervous system respond to cues of safety, danger, or life threat, and how these responses influence our emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

Understanding this theory provides a scientific framework for using physiological, or "bottom-up," therapies to support positive changes in how we feel, think, and connect with others.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, emotional regulation, and social engagement through specially filtered music.

As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP functions as a non-invasive acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to support nervous system regulation and enhance connection, collaboration, and resilience.

The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones with guidance from a provider, either in person or remotely. It is suitable for children and adults and has shown benefits for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and related challenges.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and finding a therapist who aligns with your values, understands your concerns, and supports your growth is crucial to the success of your therapeutic journey. The ideal approach for psychotherapy can vary depending on your needs, preferences, and the nature of your concerns. However, key principles and approaches that are beneficial include, a trusting therapeutic alliance, person/client-centered, and evidence-based individualized treatment. Finding the right therapist is a personal process, and it's okay to switch therapists if you feel the current one isn't meeting your needs. At TherapySupports, we strive and thrive on these approaches, and work with collaborative goal setting and provide culturally sensitive practice to our clients.

Therapy is effective if you can observe a change in your thinking pattern, emotional management, your behavior, and the change is towards the therapy goals that you have set for yourself. You would be able to understand if the therapist is the right one for you, if you have a good rapport with your therapist, you are choosing healthier coping mechanisms, you are reacting better to your triggers, and your sleeping, eating, working, and/or social life is flowing in a healthier direction.

The only thing we can do in these situations is to recognize that it is out of our hands to change their way of thinking and identify that their perspective comes from their life experiences and mindset. We can avoid adding this conflict to our existing distress, by accepting them as they are. This can be challenging, especially if we are already experiencing difficulties and are looking for support. In this situation, reaching out to others—like a group of individuals going through a similar experience, our close friends, or a mental health professional who is familiar with our cultural background and can offer us the support we need—may be useful.

Yes. In-person psychotherapy sessions are available exclusively in Toronto. Virtual sessions are available across Ontario through a secure platform with servers located exclusively in Canada. The platform is PHIPA-compliant and uses encryption to protect your data while it is being transmitted and stored.

Psychological care is not covered by OHIP. Also, Registered Psychotherapists need to collect HST on the services provided. Fees range according to the training and experience of the therapist:

• $120-$150/hour (Plus HST) for Registered Therapists Qualifying, who undergo mandatory Supervision.
• $150-$180/hour (Plus HST) for Registered Psychotherapists with independent work experience of less than 5 years.
• $180-$210/hour (Plus HST) for Registered Psychotherapists with independent work experience of more than 5 years.

All therapists have some capacity for sliding scale fees.

The process of choosing the ideal psychotherapist for you is unique and subjective. The following actions can be used to find a therapist who might be a suitable fit for you:

• Establish your needs and goals.
• Research therapists
• Interview potential therapists
• Trusts your instincts
• Try a few sessions with the professional you like

Alternatively, you can call us for a free 15-minute meeting to understand your needs and match you to the therapist who is the best fit.