Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Questions about beginning therapy and what to expect.

  • Therapy can be helpful for many reasons. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, disconnected from yourself, navigating a difficult relationship or life transition, carrying unresolved experiences from your past, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply. You don't need to be in crisis or have everything figured out to begin therapy. Sometimes, the fact that you're wondering whether therapy might help is enough of a reason to explore it.

  • That's completely okay. Many people come to therapy feeling unsure of where to start. You don't need to have the "right" words or a clear agenda. Therapy is a collaborative process, and part of our role is helping you make sense of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we'll gently explore what feels most important and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

  • The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, explore any goals or hopes you may have, discuss relevant background information, and answer any questions you might have about the process. There is no pressure to share everything right away, and there is no expectation that you'll have all the answers. We believe therapy works best when you feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood, and our hope is that the first session begins laying the foundation for that relationship.

  • Emotions are welcome here. Many people cry, feel nervous, become frustrated, or experience moments of uncertainty during therapy. There is no expectation that you need to hold everything together or have everything figured out. Therapy can be a place to set down some of what you've been carrying and allow yourself to be fully human. We will move at a pace that honours your comfort and boundaries and support you through whatever emotions arise.

  • The frequency of therapy is unique to each person and depends on your needs, goals, and circumstances. Some individuals find weekly sessions helpful, particularly when beginning therapy or navigating a difficult season of life, while others prefer bi-weekly or monthly appointments. Together, we'll discuss what feels supportive and sustainable and can adjust as your needs change over time.

  • There is no set timeline for therapy. Some people seek support for a specific concern and attend for a few weeks or months, while others choose to engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, heal from past experiences, or continue investing in personal growth. Therapy is a collaborative and voluntary process, and you are always welcome to pause or conclude services whenever it feels right for you. Our goal is to support you for however long your journey requires.

  • It's not uncommon to have had a previous therapy experience that didn't feel helpful or wasn't the right fit. Every therapist brings a different personality, approach, and perspective to the work. Sometimes it isn't that therapy doesn't work; it's that the timing, relationship, or approach wasn't what you needed at that particular moment. If you've had a disappointing experience in the past, you're not alone. Together, we can explore what did and didn't feel helpful and work toward creating an experience that feels more supportive, meaningful, and aligned with your needs.

About Our Practice

Learn more about our therapists, services, and approach.

  • Our therapists have completed graduate-level training in counselling psychology and are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). We are committed to providing ethical, compassionate, and evidence-informed care and regularly engage in ongoing professional development to continue deepening our knowledge and clinical skills.

  • In some circumstances, yes. Virtual and telephone services may be available to individuals residing outside of Ontario, depending on the regulations and requirements of the province or territory in which you are located.

    If you reside outside of Ontario and are interested in working together, please reach out. We would be happy to discuss your location and whether services can be provided.

  • Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. Information shared in therapy remains private and protected, and creating a space where you feel safe to speak openly is something we deeply value.

    There are, however, a few circumstances in which we may be legally or ethically required to share information, such as if there are concerns about immediate safety, the abuse or neglect of a child, or a court order requiring the release of records. We will review confidentiality and its limits in detail during your first session and are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

  • Walk and talk sessions are currently available at two locations in St. Catharines:

    • Jaycee Gardens Park, where we can walk across the bridge and into beautiful Port Dalhousie.

    • Welland Canal Lock 1, located along Lakeshore Road.

    These locations offer a peaceful, scenic setting while providing enough space and privacy for meaningful conversation. For many individuals, walking side by side in nature can make it feel easier to slow down, reflect, and engage in therapy in a way that feels grounding and comfortable.

Fees & Insurance

Information about fees, insurance coverage, and payment.

  • Individual Therapy

    • Sessions with Jennifer, Registered Psychotherapist: $160 (tax included) for a 50-minute session.

    • Sessions with Gerri-Lynn, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying): $60 for a 50-minute session.

    Groups and Workshops
    Rates vary depending on the length and format of the group or workshop. Please feel free to contact us for specific pricing and upcoming offerings.

    If you are looking for a different session length or have questions about fees, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are always happy to help.

  • Yes. We offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation as an opportunity for us to become acquainted and determine whether we may be a good fit for your needs.

    During this conversation, you are welcome to ask questions about our approach, discuss what has brought you to therapy, and share any hopes or concerns you may have about the process. There is absolutely no obligation to schedule services afterward. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with and genuinely connected to is important, and we want you to feel confident in whatever decision is right for you.

  • We believe that access to mental health support is important and strive to make therapy as accessible as possible. A limited number of reduced-rate spaces may be available for individuals experiencing financial hardship or who do not have access to insurance coverage.

    If cost is a concern, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are happy to discuss your circumstances and current availability.

  • Psychotherapy services are covered under many extended health benefit plans. Coverage varies by provider and policy, so we encourage you to contact your insurance company directly to inquire about your specific benefits and whether services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist are included in your plan.

    Following payment, you will receive a detailed receipt that can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement, if coverage is available.

    In Ontario, psychotherapy services provided by Registered Psychotherapists are also recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as eligible medical expenses and may qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

  • At this time, we do not offer direct billing to insurance providers. However, many insurance companies reimburse clients for psychotherapy services. After each session, you will receive a detailed receipt that can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

    Because coverage varies between plans, we encourage you to contact your insurance company directly to confirm your eligibility and benefits.

  • Payments can be made by credit card or e-transfer. Payment is due at the time of your appointment, and you will receive a receipt immediately following your session.

Booking & Policies

Scheduling, cancellations, and other helpful policies.

  • Scheduling a session is simple. Appointments can be booked through our secure online booking platform Jane App (Book Online | the beginning: counselling), at a time that feels convenient for you.

    If you're unsure where to begin or would prefer a little guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We would be happy to answer your questions and help make the process feel as smooth and straightforward as possible.

  • We kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Missed appointments or appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled start time will be charged the full session fee.

    We understand that unexpected situations can arise and appreciate your understanding that this policy helps us honour the time reserved specifically for you and allows us the opportunity to offer appointments to others who may be waiting for support.

  • We make every effort to respond to email inquiries within one business day. However, response times may occasionally be longer due to weekends, holidays, or periods of increased demand.

    Please note that email is not monitored continuously and should not be used for urgent concerns or mental health emergencies. If you require immediate support, please contact a crisis service, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.

  • You are always welcome to reach out by email regarding scheduling matters, administrative questions, or brief updates that may be helpful for your therapist to know before your next appointment.

    However, psychotherapy and crisis support cannot be provided by email, and email should not be considered a substitute for therapy sessions. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or require immediate support, please contact a crisis service, call 911, or attend your nearest emergency room.

    Because email is not a fully secure form of communication, we also encourage you to limit the amount of sensitive or personal information shared electronically whenever possible.

Crisis & Supports

If you are in crisis or need immediate support.

  • If you're facing a mental health emergency, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. You can contact your local crisis hotline, call 911, or seek immediate care at the nearest emergency room.

    • COAST Hamilton 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (905) 972-8338 or 1 (844) 972-8338

    • Talk Suicide Canada 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1 (833) 456-4566

    • Kids Help Phone 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-800-668-6868

    Crisis mental health supports:

    If you are in a crisis and at risk of causing harm to yourself or others, please consider reaching out to a 24/7 mental health service such as 988 or calling 911.

    The Niagara Region’s crisis hotline for adults is 1-866-550-5205 and for children it is 1-800-263-4944. The Niagara Region also has a list of crisis mental health supports here:

    https://www.niagararegion.ca/living/health_wellness/mentalhealth/default.aspx