Got questions about how therapy works? We've got answers

Due to COVID-19, all sessions currently are offered virtually.  
 

At Centred Self we have learned just how much emotional development can happen virtually. 

While it is always ideal to see each other in person, you will find that secure video sessions are very effective for us getting emotional work done. 

You will need a safe spot to talk, and maybe a nice cuppa tea, and you are all set to see your therapist.

Session lengths are the usual therapist 'hour' of 50 minutes in length.

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Your therapists at Centred Self primarily work longer term - especially because of our specialization in relational therapy. 

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We am very flexible when it comes to frequency. 

A good rule of thumb is to think about it in terms of progress: Meeting weekly gives us a chance to get to know each other faster, and often less happens from week-to-week so we can focus on what you are bringing. Progress can be made in a similar fashion with bi-weekly sessions as well. However, longer gaps between sessions does slow down progress. Which is not a bad thing, just something to keep in mind. 

  While you may already 'know' the answer to this one, it is vitally important that you understand that what you say in clinical psychology and psychotherapy is confidential. Sessions are rarely, if ever, recorded, and the notes written after sessions are in a secure and data-protected space. 

When might that change? 

If your therapist fears any imminent harm to yourself or another – if they become worried that something harmful will happen when you leave the therapy office (ex. suicidal intent, or violent intent to others). Then, they may need to break confidentiality to keep you and others safe. Almost always, however, they will tell you before this happens.

These topics are important to bring to therapy. But it is important to know that if your psychotherapist is worried for any immediate danger they will tell you, and may need to bring in help. 

NOTE: If a therapist hears of harm posed to any child, that will always be cause to break confidentiality. 

What does therapy entail? Great question! This is definitely one of the biggest questions to ask in therapy - where in the world do I begin?
 

Let me put you at ease: it really does not matter where we start! We can start with your childhood, your relationships, your problems, what you want to work on, how your week went... the list goes on. 

In our experience, no matter what we are talking about, you are doing the work – because many aspects of our lives link together. 

 This question is harder to answer because sessions are never prescriptive. Your Therapist at Centred Self wont work from a workbook, or a set rubric on what our sessions need to be.  

Why?  

Because every single client is different. Every single one. 

And because of that, we do not believe in providing a band-aid approach, so your therapist will tailor the sessions to you and your needs.

Some associates do have a waiting list for clients at the moment. 

 However, many associates - including those in our low-cost clinic - are available and taking on new clients. 

Jump to: Meet our Therapists to find someone who fits with you today!

Also, feel free to watch  the videos below to get more info on what therapy is like to take away some of the 'unknowns' to seeing a therapist and get your therapy questions answered!

Being late happens. We would rather you come a bit late than not come at all!! 

The session length, however, cannot be extended for lateness. And the session rate also stays the same.

Unfortuneately, because we have a waiting list for appointments, we charge the full session rate if you do not attend your session or cancel with less than 24 hours.  

If cancellation was due to an emergency, we can definitely talk about this, but out of respect to our services and fellow clients, most missed sessions would have the full payment charged.

Short answer is absolutely! 

Email with any questions etc., either here at Centredself.ca/contact 

or

Email us at: therapy@centredself.ca 

Please note: Email is not a secure/confidential form of communication.  Please limit content of emails to that which you would be comfortable discussing in public.  

If it is an emergency please do call: Toronto Distress Centre (416) 408-4357 or text 45645

 Referrals are probably the biggest form of a 'thank you' that any therapist can receive.  

However: Sometimes you may want to have a therapist that is just yours.

Seeing the same therapist as your friend can create what we call a 'dual relationship' - and while we may feel comfortable seeing someone you know, it is helpful for you to know that sometimes this can create an unhelpful dynamic for you. 

  Complaints are unfortunate, but also something that can happen from time-to-time. 

The best practice if there is a complaint is to talk with your practitioner. This can build trust in the relationship, and we call these the 'ruptures and repairs' of therapy.

If you want to contact the Centred Self Practice Team, you can absolutely do so. Please email: therapy@centredself.ca. 

If you feel the need to complain about a Centred Self practitioner and would like to do it through the formal channels of CRPO – their website has some great resources for this at:  CRPO Complaints.