Frequently Asked Questions

Will you share my information with anyone?

My services are confidential, meaning that what’s shared in the (virtual) therapy room stays in the room. This is essential for the purpose of creating safety and trust in our relationship. Unless you have given me expressed written and verbal permission to share information about your care with another party (e.g. another healthcare provider, your employer, a family member), nothing leaves our sessions. I also ensure that I review any information I will share about you with you, if you are not able to be present during the sharing of this information.

However, there are a few exceptions to the above in situations where your safety or the safety of another person is concerned. Most healthcare professionals (including Registered Social Workers) are required by law to disclose information to the appropriate authorities in these circumstances. We can discuss these exceptions and any concerns you may have about them in greater detail at our first session.

I thought therapy is provided by Psychologists. What’s the difference between you and a Psychologist?



This is a great question that I get very often! Let’s start with the differences. Most Psychologist have a PhD and can call themselves Doctors. As a Registered Social Worker who is trained to provide psychotherapy and counselling, I have a Master’s degree (so please don’t call me Doc!). Psychologists typically have more years of formal education by virtue of having completed a PhD program. They also charge more for their services compared to Social Workers.

Another major difference is that Psychologists are trained to provide mental health diagnoses using the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Most Social Workers don’t offer this service because it’s not within our scope of practice.

Both Psychologists and Social Workers are regulated healthcare professionals who are qualified to practice psychotherapy and counselling services. At the end of the day, credentials are only one part of the equation when it comes to finding the right provider. Other qualities to consider include areas of expertise, additional training in specific issues and treatment modalities, and most importantly – therapeutic fit, which means do you feel your therapist understands you and is able to help you with your problems.

What should I expect when we start?

In our first session together, we'll focus on assessing your strengths & challenges and setting goals for therapy. We’ll also address any questions or concerns you may have about starting treatment with me. We'll discuss your mental health history, relationships with others, and your experiences at school or work. Together, we'll identify the main areas you want to work on and improve. You will also be asked to complete some intake forms before our meeting so I can get to know you a little better.

If your needs and background are a little more complex, this initial assessment might take place over two sessions. Typically, by the end of our first meeting, I can share my initial thoughts and begin planning how we'll proceed together.

Got a question you don’t see answered here? Book a free 20-minute consultation with me and ask away.