Why should I go to counselling?

The teen years are sometimes a difficult time in your life when you are finding your place in the world.  There are so many changes that you will go through emotionally, mentally and physically, that life can feel  overwhelming.

Do you:

Feel depressed and like no one understands you?  Wonder if you’re normal?

Feel like you’re an outsider looking in?  Have no one to talk to?

Have a hard time making or keeping friends – or have you experienced high school bullying?

Have relationship issues at home or with friends?

Have feelings of self-loathing or anger?

Have unanswered questions about sex or sexuality?

Therapy and counselling can help you to cope with life’s pressures, gain insight into your behaviour, understand your emotions and work towards the change that you desire.

What are the benefits of counselling?

With a counselor or therapist you can share whatever is on your mind and in your heart without worrying about being judged, criticized or rejected. The relationship you have with the therapist is a special one in which you can explore difficult issues and know that your secrets are safe. A therapist will help you sort through your feelings, experiences and questions.

With a counselor’s support, you can become more comfortable with your feelings and with expressing them. You can gain a better understanding of your current situation and increase your knowledge about life choices.

 

What should I expect from a counselor?

You can expect that your therapist will be non-judgmental and supportive. Your therapist will guide your therapy but she will not tell you what to do.  I provide a full description of what to expect when you first come to me for therapy.  Read about what to expect in therapy.

And if you have more questions, check out the Q’s on Therapy or call or email me!

What about confidentiality?

I keep everything we discuss in the strictest confidence. Information is only released with your informed, voluntary and written consent. There are a few circumstances under which I am compelled to release information.

• If I assess that you may be a danger to yourself or others.
• When I suspect child abuse or neglect.
• When the court subpoenas professional records.
   

What about fees? 

First you should find out whether your parents’ health benefits will cover the cost of therapy with me. As a registered social worker, generally my fees will be paid by private health insurance. Check my Q’s on Therapy for more information about my fees.

If you have other questions or want to know more, you can: 

• Contact me
• Call me at 416-873-9716
• Check out my Q’s on Therapy
• Read Thoughts on Therapy (my approach)