Maria Aurora Psychotherapy

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. 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 counselors 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 point you in the direction of 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 behaviour 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's the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist and psychotherapist?

Psychologists deal with the way the mind works and can specialise in a number of areas, such as mental health and educational and occupational psychology. Psychologists are not medically qualified in Ontario.  Some psychologists who are considered clinical psychologists and have clients do provide psychotherapy to their clients.  In Ontario, Psychologists are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario and have obtained their Ph.D.

 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have qualified in psychiatry. They often combine a broad general caseload alongside an area of special expertise and research.  They are medically qualified and can prescribe medications just like medical doctors.  In Ontario, Psychiatrists are regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

 

Psychotherapists are mental health professionals, who have specialist training in psychotherapy. In Ontario they are not required to have backgrounds in the above fields, but are required to have in depth training in this area.  Psychotherapists help people to overcome stress, emotional and relationship problems or addictions as well as other areas.  In Ontario Psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario .
 

What happens at therapy appointments?

Your first appointment includes time to get acquainted and explore how your concerns might be addressed in our work together. After establishing your goals, we will talk about mutual expectations and how counseling might benefit you. I will be honest, supportive, and respectful of your challenges and personal goals. Therapy is an ongoing process and you have the right to question, ask for clarification, request a change in our approach, and discuss the effectiveness of therapy for you. Throughout therapy, I will encourage you to state your wants, needs and experiences.

 

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. 

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy.   Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks.  Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life.   In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives. 

 

What is therapy like?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

 

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.   

 

 

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them:

 

• What are my mental health benefits?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Is approval required from my primary care physician? 

 

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement (you can find mine under Privacy Policy on this website), and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent” (there is a copy of my Consent Form that I will have you sign at our fist session under Informed Consent).  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

 

However, law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

 

• If the client threatens grave bodily harm or death to themselves or another I may inform medical or law enforcement personnel. 

• If the client reports to me knowledge of physical or sexual abuse of a minor child by an adult, or of an elderly or disabled person I am required to inform the appropriate agencies.

• If the client reports the sexual misconduct of a mental health professional I am required to report it to the appropriate College.

• If the client becomes involved in a legal case (child custody, civil suit, etc.) I may be required to produce records or testify.