Our first contact would be a free 15 minute consult, where you will tell me a little bit about why you are seeking counselling support. I will answer any questions you may have about my practice. Together we will determine if we feel we are a good therapeutic fit. If so, we can schedule a first session.
First session
This session is the ice breaker, where I get to know you. We will discuss your family, friends, work/school and I will develop a general understanding of your life.
Second session
We continue to explore the areas of your life that you would like to expand on. We will identify areas where you require support and together we will make a plan to address these issues. The intent is to have you explore your thoughts and feelings at a pace in which you are comfortable.
Continued sessions
As we work towards your goals, we may uncover other areas of your life that you want to explore further. You can take the lead on what is it you would like to discuss during session.
Ending therapy
There are many reasons that clients choose to end therapy or to put it on pause. I am in support of any decision you make. This is your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find your question below, feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to help.
Why would I choose to receive counselling from a social worker?
Social workers take a supportive and holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns. Social workers are trained to consider social, environmental, and systemic factors, promoting a well-rounded understanding of your situation.
Social workers offer empathic listening, coping strategies, and assistance in navigating social services, fostering positive change in your life.
What are the benefits of counselling?
Though not a complete list, some potential benefits are:
• Improvement in your overall mood • Improvement in coping skills, family/caregiver capacity building • Increased self-esteem and confidence • Increased ability to manage stressful life circumstances • Increased feelings of connection • Increased ability to manage strong emotional reactions such as anger, fear, and sadness • Increased ability to trust and feel close to others • Increased ability to communicate your feelings, thoughts, and needs to others • Increased ability to stop behaviors that are not serving you well and start engaging in healthier behaviors
What are the risks of attending counselling?
Though not a complete list, some potential risks are:
• You may not find the counselling helpful. If progress is not being made, you or your counsellor may decide to discontinue sessions. The main priority is making sure you get the best help for your situation and that may mean referring you to a different type of therapist, specialist, or program.
• Sometimes feelings and behaviours may worsen while participating in therapy. Talking about distressing life events can bring up uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that may take time to process and work through. I encourage you to discuss any fears, concerns, or doubts you may have with me in the intake session.
What are the advantages of online/phone therapy?
There are many advantages of virtual and phone therapy. You do not have to commute to your appointments, you can choose where you are when we talk – your own comfort zone.
You can also arrange to have therapy sessions at a time that is convenient for you. Perhaps you want to talk during your lunch break or during an afternoon walk. We can work together to make sure the time of your sessions meets your needs.
Is virtual/phone therapy safe?
I use an electronic medical records system (EMR) and offer online video counselling through this system. The EMR that is used to document and provide online counselling adhere to Ontario’s Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) and Canada’s Personal Information Protection Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
You can learn more about PIPEDA at: https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/the-personal- information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-pipeda/
You can learn more about PHIA at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/04p03
How do I prepare for virtual/phone sessions?
Find a quiet and safe place to talk. If you share a living space, you can always go into a private room and play some light music or turn on some white noise. Some people like to sit in their cars with a warm beverage or rent a private and free space at your local library.
I also recommend using headphones where possible to ensure no one can hear our discussion.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by clicking on the Book an Appointment button on my website. It will direct you to my booking page where you can view my availability and select a date and time that works for you.
What if I am late for an appointment?
If you are running late, please notify me by email or text message. Without notice, once 15 minutes has passed it is considered a missed session. Please note, your appointment will still end at the originally scheduled time.
What if I cancel my appointment?
Your session time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves an empty session in my day that could have been filled by another client.
Clients who provide less than 48 hours notice for a cancellation or miss their appointment will be charged the full fee.
Will I be able to claim my counselling sessions?
Please contact your provider to see if Social Work Services are covered under your insurance plan and verify how your plan compensates you for counselling services. You can submit your receipt to your insurance company, health care spending account or OAP funding services.
If you do not have coverage, the cost of therapy may be claimed on income tax as a medical expense provided your medical expenses exceed a specific percentage of your income.
How do I know if I would benefit from counselling?
If you are thinking of attending counselling, this is usually a good indicator that there are things happening or that have happened in your life that you would like to discuss. You may also be anticipating a future event and are looking for support and guidance.
Will our conversations remain confidential?
Our conversations are confidential, except for these specific situations:
• If there is reason to believe that a child under the age of 19 has been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.
• If there is reason to believe that you might seriously harm yourself or someone else. If a court order or other legislation legally requires me to provide information.
• If you are under 19 years of age, are not able to give permission for yourself and the responsible adult in your life (parent/legal guardian) gives permission to share information. This is usually done only to share information with other people working with you, like a school counsellor or family doctor, or similar adult.
• Please note that I may consult with external clinical supervisors in order to provide the best possible care for clients. In the event that your case is discussed, the counsellor and/or clinical supervisor in the consult will be held to the same confidentiality standards.
How long will I have to be in counselling?
There is no short answer for how long you will attend counselling. The frequency and duration of each individuals counselling experience will vary. The most important thing is that you continue to attend on your own free will.
You consent, your participation and determination to make improvements in your life is most important. We can determine length of therapy as we work together.
What payment methods do you accept?
You will be asked to add your credit card to your online account.
Your credit card will be charged immediately after each session and an invoice will automatically be sent to the email address on file.
Christina Corapi Counselling Services and Support 