therapy@nuriaribas.com
416-450-6127
416-450-6127
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I expect when I start therapy?
Prior to the first session, you will be asked to complete the following electronic forms and consents:
Over the first several sessions, together we will develop a collaborative plan for how to address your challenges. Although typical sessions are 50 minutes, the first session may be longer (about 60 minutes) to delve into the assessment process. In the first few sessions, we will explore what has brought you to therapy, the context of the issues, your life circumstances, and your goals for therapy.
How much therapy will I need?
This is a very difficult question to answer because it depends on so many things. A few factors to consider include the type and intensity of the problem, how long you have been struggling with the problem, your goals for therapy including whether you are looking for some improvement or full recovery, and the frequency of the sessions. Although some people will feel significantly better after a few session (5-8), most require more. Research shows that 16 sessions can be effective in improving symptoms of moderate depression and anxiety in the majority of clients. Those have been struggling for years, whose day-to-day functioning is impaired, or those with issues related to childhood trauma or neglect may require a year or more of therapy. Most typically, once per week therapy is recommended. This helps to develop a relationship of trust as well as to maintain the gains between sessions. Once significant improvement is achieved, some people opt to decrease the frequency of the sessions before ending therapy.
Will I feel better right away?
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Although some people feel better right away through having been heard by a supportive person, it is actually common for some people to initially feel worse before they feel better. This can be because people often suppress uncomfortable emotions - the same emotions that are stirred up in therapy. Although feeling emotions that have been buried is a necessary part of the process, it can be uncomfortable. Ultimately, however, it does provide relief, healing and transformation.
How do I know if I am working with the right therapist?
The relationship with the therapist is a critical change factor in therapy. Although trust in the relationship takes time to develop, you should never feel judged or criticized. People open up at different rates and the therapist should respect this and help you build your comfort level at a safe pace. You need to feel confident that the therapist knows how to guide the process towards recovery. Also, if you have questions or concerns about the therapy, the therapist should always be willing to discuss this with you in a respectful way.
Are services covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies will cover the services of a Registered Psychotherapist who is part of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) through their extended benefits plans. However, since each plan is different, please check with your provider to determine if they will reimburse your for all or some of the fees incurred. A receipt will be provided at time of payment, which is due at each session. It is then your responsibility to claim this through your insurance provider. If your insurance company does not cover psychotherapists, you may want to learn more about what you can do to change this: http://rptherapybenefits.ca/resources/resource-list.html
What is the cancellation policy?
Please notify me as soon as possible if you will be unable to attend. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a $50 fee and if no notice is provided, the full rate of the session will be billed.
Will what I discuss in therapy be kept confidential?
What you share is confidential and it is not shared without your permission. However, there some rare exceptions including the following:
What should I expect when I start therapy?
Prior to the first session, you will be asked to complete the following electronic forms and consents:
- An Intake form - asks some basic demographic information
- A Consent to Treatment Form - asks for agreement with my general operating policies and your consent to participate in psychotherapy
- Informed Consent for Online Psychotherapy - provides information and considerations specific to this form of therapy
- Information about Your Privacy - If you are interested in additional details about how your information is stored and used
Over the first several sessions, together we will develop a collaborative plan for how to address your challenges. Although typical sessions are 50 minutes, the first session may be longer (about 60 minutes) to delve into the assessment process. In the first few sessions, we will explore what has brought you to therapy, the context of the issues, your life circumstances, and your goals for therapy.
How much therapy will I need?
This is a very difficult question to answer because it depends on so many things. A few factors to consider include the type and intensity of the problem, how long you have been struggling with the problem, your goals for therapy including whether you are looking for some improvement or full recovery, and the frequency of the sessions. Although some people will feel significantly better after a few session (5-8), most require more. Research shows that 16 sessions can be effective in improving symptoms of moderate depression and anxiety in the majority of clients. Those have been struggling for years, whose day-to-day functioning is impaired, or those with issues related to childhood trauma or neglect may require a year or more of therapy. Most typically, once per week therapy is recommended. This helps to develop a relationship of trust as well as to maintain the gains between sessions. Once significant improvement is achieved, some people opt to decrease the frequency of the sessions before ending therapy.
Will I feel better right away?
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Although some people feel better right away through having been heard by a supportive person, it is actually common for some people to initially feel worse before they feel better. This can be because people often suppress uncomfortable emotions - the same emotions that are stirred up in therapy. Although feeling emotions that have been buried is a necessary part of the process, it can be uncomfortable. Ultimately, however, it does provide relief, healing and transformation.
How do I know if I am working with the right therapist?
The relationship with the therapist is a critical change factor in therapy. Although trust in the relationship takes time to develop, you should never feel judged or criticized. People open up at different rates and the therapist should respect this and help you build your comfort level at a safe pace. You need to feel confident that the therapist knows how to guide the process towards recovery. Also, if you have questions or concerns about the therapy, the therapist should always be willing to discuss this with you in a respectful way.
Are services covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies will cover the services of a Registered Psychotherapist who is part of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) through their extended benefits plans. However, since each plan is different, please check with your provider to determine if they will reimburse your for all or some of the fees incurred. A receipt will be provided at time of payment, which is due at each session. It is then your responsibility to claim this through your insurance provider. If your insurance company does not cover psychotherapists, you may want to learn more about what you can do to change this: http://rptherapybenefits.ca/resources/resource-list.html
What is the cancellation policy?
Please notify me as soon as possible if you will be unable to attend. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a $50 fee and if no notice is provided, the full rate of the session will be billed.
Will what I discuss in therapy be kept confidential?
What you share is confidential and it is not shared without your permission. However, there some rare exceptions including the following:
- If I have information about risk of abuse or neglect to a child
- If I believe that you are at risk of serious harm to yourself or another person
- If I am required by law to release information, e.g. such as receiving a subpoena
- When disclosure is needed to receive professional or legal consultation
- If I perceive the need to report another professional to their professional body
- If I must defend myself against a complaint filed with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario or any other court action
