Common Questions
What is Couple and Family Therapy?
Couple & Family Therapy is about you and your relationships - your family, friends, work and community. In therapy I collaborate with people to help them with the relationships that are important to them. To do this work I meet with couples, families, individuals, friends, co-workers and others. Together we will build on skills that people have already developed and work with them to explore new possibilities.
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or support you in finding a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes to an hour. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Do you offer Direct Billing?
Yes! We offer direct billing with many of our therapists (please confirm with your provider and therapist to ensure direct billing as an option)
Direct Billing for insurance coverage through Telus Health eClaims available - See this link to learn more about insurers signed up for eClaims: List of Telus Health eClaims Insurers. Therapists approved for direct billing at this clinic include: Shannon Lawless, Julie Dagenais, Rana Musa, Taylor Gaunce, and Whitney Ricard.
Blue Cross Approved providers can also offer direct billing for the following programs: Blue Cross Insurance, Veterans Affairs Canada, RCMP and IFHP. Blue Cross approved providers and direct billing at this clinic include: Shannon Lawless, Rana Musa, Julie Dagenais, Taylor Gaunce, Joelle Willett and Rabieh Abou Rahal.
Public Safety EAP approved providers and direct billing at this clinic include: Shannon Lawless, Rana Musa, Julie Dagenais, Taylor Gaunce and Rabieh Abou Rahal.
Direct billing is available through CUPE EAP with Shannon Lawless
What are the fees for therapy services?
Fees for therapy services are determined by considering level of experience and training.
Clinical Intern Rates - Whitney
Individual therapy - $110 - 50 minute session
Couples therapy - $130 - per 50 minute session
Sliding scale appointments are available - pay what you can options.
Clinical Therapist Rates - Rohini
Individual therapy - $160 - 50 minute session
Couples or Family therapy - $175 - 50 minute session
Registered Therapist Rates - Rabieh, Joelle and Becca
Individual therapy - $175 - 50 minute session
Couples or Family therapy - $185 - 50 minute session
Associate Therapist Rates - Rana, Julie and Jason
Individual therapy - $185 - 50 minute session
Couples or Family therapy - $195 - 50 minute session
Shannon and Taylor's Rates
Individual therapy - $190 - 50 minute session
Couples or Family therapy - $200 - 50 minute session
Longer sessions with any therapist are available and rates are adjusted in 15 minute increments.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Payment for psychotherapy services is accepted by e-transfer. Payment is expected at the time of service.
What is the clinic's Cancellation Policy?
If you do not attend your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified your therapist at least 48 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.
Are your services covered by my insurance plan?
Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- Are Registered Psychotherapists covered directly or only under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Resources
If you are in need of immediate support please contact your local emergency provider (9-1-1) or any of the following local and Ontario wide Crisis Resources:
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Child, Youth and Family Crisis Line for Eastern Ontario: 613-260-2360 (In Ottawa), 1-877-377-7775 (toll free)
Suicide Crisis Help Line: 9-8-8
Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region: 613-238-3311 or 613-722-6914
You can now text and chat with the Distress Centre between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., 7 days a week — text 343-306-5550 or chat www.dcottawa.on.ca
Tel-Aide Outaouais: 613-741-6433 (Ottawa-Gatineau), 1 (800) 567-9699 (Outaouais rural)
Mental Health Crisis Line: 613-722-6914, toll free 1-866-996-0991
Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre: 613-562-2333 (24-hr Crisis Line)
Trans Lifeline: 877-330-6366
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa:613-234-2266 (24-hr support line)