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By comparison, speaking with a therapist and speaking with a friend are like "apples to oranges"; neither is better or worse, and both serve distinct purposes.
Friendships are among the most meaningful and intense relationships we can cultivate in our lives. We share our time, and stories, and often, these connections are forged over time and help carry us through the day.
A therapist, on the other hand, undergoes years of academic and professional training to help guide you through your specific life challenges. Therapy sessions are dedicated to focusing solely on you, your needs, and your mental health goals. This unique relationships with a therapist allows for objectivity, healthy boundaries, confidentiality, while still offering genuine emotional support, compassion, and a space for safety and supportive healing.
We acknowledge that seeking therapy often coincides with intense personal challenges one might face, so, we at Beacon of Light have tried to make the process as simple and self-explanatory as we could.
A detailed explanation of our services and break down of costs can be found on our SERVICE page.
These rates have been carefully set to reflect the industry standards for the level of professional service and experience provided. We encourage you to speak with your psychotherapist before beginning session to explore available options.
Health benefits, insurance, or other financial coverage must include counselling services covered under a “Registered Social Worker”.
Some benefit packages may have specific limitations, such as a set number of sessions, time with a clinician, or a capped dollar amount for coverage. We recommend contacting your provider directly to discuss your coverage options and ensure you have all the necessary details or information.
At this time, we are unable to accept direct billing from insurance providers. Payment for services will be due at the end of each session.
Please visit our SERVICE page for more information.
We want the method the services are delivered to be able to work for you. We are proud to provide therapeutic services face-to-face, digitally (online), or even over the phone to anyone in the province of Ontario.
At times, life's challenges can make us feel isolated, as though we are the first and only person to face such difficulties. While your personal story is unique, our team of professionals bring a diverse range of expertise, specialties, and backgrounds - both personal and professional.
On our TEAM page, you'll find a comprehensive list of our clinicians, complete with photographs and a short biography detailing their professional history and skills.
If the team page doesn't answer your questions, feel free to reach out (by phone or email). We'd be glad to discuss your questions and concerns in more detail.
Furthermore, if you determine that we don't offer the services or specialization you're seeking, we'll happily assist you in finding options for next steps, or speak with you about a referral to one of our trusted associates who may be a better fit.
When choosing a therapist, there are some obvious factors to consider, such as: their area of expertise, location, session costs, and availability. However, there are also some less tangible aspect to keep in mind, such as: how comfortable you feel discussing difficult topics, whether your clinician is open to your feedback and questions, if you're excited to attend, and feel content at the end of session. It is also important to consider whether you're finding the sessions productive.
Choosing the right therapist isn't always a logical or finite choice to be calculated. Often, it's more about your emotional response and feeling of comfort and fit, than one of rational analysis.
Remember, there is no "right" or "wrong" therapist universally, only ones that are "right" or "wrong" for you. Trust yourself and your judgment.
There are no specific rules or permission required to access therapy. If you're facing a life challenge that feels overwhelming, struggling to connect with yourself or others, or finding it difficult to process a painful experience, it may be time to seek supports. Often, if you find yourself asking, "Is it time?" is a good indicator that the answer is "Yes".
Although everyone's story is unique, some common themes emerge in the concerns individuals bring to therapy, including, but not limited to:
Whatever brings you to therapy, our clinicians will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
When it comes to therapy, there is no universally accepted number of sessions to complete. The number of sessions needed depends on various factors and is sometimes not something that can be narrowed down during the initial meeting.
Several variables come into play, such as: previous therapeutic experiences, the intensity and duration of the concerns, and how well treatment is absorbed, to name a few. One of the most important factors in determining the number of sessions is your own feelings, agency, and input. Many people often describe knowing they need to continue or its time to transition to the end of the process because "it feels right".
Ideally, therapy sessions will be scheduled less frequent over time, allowing space to practice skills, process what has been learned, and arguably mostly because of the healing process; life's challenges become less intense and activations happen less frequent.
If it is necessary to determine a specific number of sessions, there may be limiting factors to consider, such as: insurance coverage, clinician or client availability, upcoming events, or caregiver responsibilities.
If you have concerns about therapy timelines, we invite you to discuss them during a free 15-minute consultation with your clinician.
Other than completing a short online registration and coming to session with an open mind, no specific preparation is required for your first session.
Primarily, the focus of the first session will be on building a relationship between you and your clinician. This is your opportunity to help your clinician understand your unique perspective that comes from you being the expert in your own life. Everyone's story is different, and it's important to us that you feel heard, understood, and have time to share. Only after this will the clinician have the tools to develop a mutually agreed upon treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
We believe in transparency, so you will not face any surprise expectations or last-minute tasks before the next session. Any follow-up sessions, expectations, "homework", or progress reports will be discussed during the session and will involve your input, be mutually agreed upon, and be tailored to your treatment goals.
We understand the comfort that can come with knowing what is expected, so if there are still concerns, feel free to ask your clinician for any expectations during your free 15-minute consultation.
Therapy is expected to involve both challenging days coupled with moments of significant insight or progress. The process is designed to be gradual and purposeful, nurturing gentle change with-in a judgment free, safe, and compassionate space. There is no one-size fits all metric for "success" for this, as it looks different to everyone. Therapeutic goals are set by individuals and are as unique as the people themselves.
While there may be no definitive measurement of "success" or "failure", many people gauge process by their personal growth and transformation. Some common indicators for success include:
Remember, there is no "success" or "failure" outside the measurements and goals you set, as an individual, with your clinician
Yes, like other healthcare professionals, our clinicians adhere to professional standards set by the relevant professional colleges they are registered with, as well as, the laws and regulations of the area in which they practice. The documents which outline these practices are public record and can often be found on the appropriate college's websites.
Often, when people inquire about these limits, they often are seeking practical examples, such as:
In the words of the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers:
"College registrants shall hold all client information in strict confidence and comply with any applicable privacy and other legislation. College registrants shall disclose such information only with client consent or when required or allowed by law."
It's important that your clinician clearly establish the limits of their confidentiality early in the therapeutic relationship. If you have questions or concerns regarding these limits, please discuss them with your clinician