Do I need Therapy?
Psychotherapy provides an opportunity for clients to speak with a therapist wherein meaningful conversations around personal experiences, and emotions can be discussed. Those clients who seek therapy can tap into and increase their self-awareness which allows them to pursue their desired path in accordance with their values and goals, while accessing additional support when it is needed. When one engages in therapy, they are taking responsibility for their thoughts, actions and emotions and they are committed to the process of making change. This can lead to a deeper understanding of self and one’s emotions. Therapy can help clients further develop skills to help them through challenges they may face.
Therapy can benefit many different people. For example, those going through major life changes (relationship changes, employment change, transition to parenthood), those who are having difficulty with life stressors, as well as those who may be struggling to manage a range of emotions and difficulties such as low self esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and creative blocks. The therapists at Calm Waters Psychotherapy work with clients to support them through life’s challenges and help them to uncover the strength they hold within.
How can psychotherapy help me?
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Therapy can help if you are going through a major life transition (starting a family, changing jobs, divorce). It can also be helpful if you notice you are not managing your emotions in a way that is conducive to positive relationships. It could also be beneficial for those who are looking to build resilience to challenges they face in their everyday lives (anxious thoughts, depressed mood, low self-esteem). Therapy can help you gain a new perspective on your past experiences, and resolve some of the painful emotions that are connected to your past. It can help you to establish short and long term goals for the future based on your values along with plans to avoid pitfalls that may arise. These goals and plans can incorporate new behaviours in hopes of finding new ways of interacting with those around you that will lead to more fulfilled relationships
What is a Registered Psychotherapist?
A Registered Psychotherapist is a regulated member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. You can find more information about the college here, as well as a list of members of this college here.
What is a Registered Social Worker?
A registered social worker is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, the governing body of the profession in the province. Information about the OCSWSSW can be found http://www.ocswssw.org/
Is a referral from a physician required to see a Psychotherapist or Social Worker?
In order to book an appointment, you do not need a referral from your physician. You can contact the therapist you would like to work with directly.
Can I claim Psychotherapy through my insurance provider?
Registered Psychotherapists (RP’s) and Registered Social Worker's (RSW's) are recognized by many insurance companies since the inception of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) in April 2015. Now that Registered Psychotherapists are provincially regulated professionals many extended health benefits provide some coverage for psychotherapy services.
However, in spite of the development of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and the new regulations for psychotherapy some employers have yet to update their benefit packages to include RP’s as providers of mental health services. If you find that Registered Psychotherapists are NOT listed as providers for psychotherapeutic/counselling services you can ask that your plan be updated to include Registered Psychotherapists. In addition, you can ask your insurance provider whether services provided by a Registered Psychotherapists under the supervision of Registered Psychologists are covered.
Given that every employer’s plan varies we strongly recommend that you verify the coverage that you have with your extended health benefit provider prior to booking sessions with your therapist.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions will vary greatly from person to person. It will depend on the goals for therapy and what is bringing you to therapy. We cannot predict the number of sessions that would be required for you to notice a change in your symptoms.
How long is each therapy session?
Generally sessions are 50 minutes long.
What is the cancellation policy?
We ask for 24-48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your session. If you provide less than 24 hours notice you may be billed for your session.
Are the sessions we have confidential?
Yes. The sessions we have are strictly confidential. Therapy is built upon high degrees of trust between the client and therapist as sensitive subject matter is discussed in sessions. Confidentiality of therapy and any limitations to the confidentiality will be discussed with your therapist in your first session.
What are the fees for sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist or Social Worker?
The fees charged by each Registered Psychotherapist are indicated on their profile page. The fees changed by therapists at Calm Waters Psychotherapy are comparable to other therapists in the Ottawa area.