therapy@nuriaribas.com
416-450-6127
416-450-6127
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I expect when I start therapy?
Starting therapy is a brave step. I want to ease your concerns and support your process every step of the way.
First, contact me to schedule a 15 minute intake call or schedule it online.
Then, prior to the first session, you will be asked to complete the following electronic forms:
- 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. 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. This will include exploring your past experiences, how these have shaped your view of yourself, how you relate to others and the world, and in turn, how this contributes to your current distress. This will help us to create a roadmap for therapy which leads to healing and wellbeing.
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 much longer (a year or more). 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, like cleaning an old wound, it can be uncomfortable. Ultimately, however, it does provide relief, healing and transformation. Having said this, therapy should not throw you into crisis nor be unbearable - you will work with your therapist to make sure that the pace feels right and you feel safe throughout this process.
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.
What are the fees?
Typically, sessions are $190 + HST and are 50 minutes in length. However, the first assessment session fee is $228 + HST and is up to 60 minutes. The preferred method of payment is via eTransfer and is payable before or at the appointment.
Why do I have to pay HST?
Unfortunately, CRA has not yet added Registered Psychotherapists to the list of providers that are exempt from HST. The good news is that the government has made a commitment to change this. However in the meantime, I have the legal requirement to add this fee to my services. For more information or to advocate for change, visit OAMHP or #stoptaxingmytherapy
Are services covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies provide coverage for the services of a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) through their extended benefits plans. Some insurance providers can be billed directly, avoiding the step of taking your receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Any remaining balances not covered by your insurance will still have to be paid by you at the time of your appointment. To sign up for this service, please provide your insurance information at your next appointment. In doing so, you are consenting to the release of your information to your insurance provider through OWL Practice and Telus Health.
If your insurance company does not cover the services of a Registered Psychotherapist, you may want to learn more about what you can do to change this by going to the linked website.
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
- 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