FAQ

Ten Commonly Asked Questions

What is therapy? What about Psychotherapy v Counselling?
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
What types of techniques do you use?
How long does a session take?
What is your rate? Do you provide a sliding scale rate?
How does payment and insurance work?
Do you offer sessions online, by phone, or in person?
Do you have weekend or evening availability?
What if I don't want to talk about something?
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and psychotherapist? How do I know what I need?

1. What is therapy? What about psychotherapy verses counselling?

The term therapy refers to wider health field that encompasses both the physical and the mental. At it's core, psychotherapy narrows that focus to the mental health field.

Psychotherapy verses counselling requires a more nuanced answer. Both terms are used interchangeably and are typically practiced by the same people without necessarily distinguishing the difference. Both use the same underlying theories to effect change. However, there are some differences:

Psychotherapy usually refers to the treatment used for diagnosed or potentially diagnosable issues and symptoms associated with a mental health disorder, i.e. depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, etc. This is can be done in junction with or without medication and/or with information provided by a medical doctor. Psychotherapy tends to be longer term, but can and does use short-term treatments successfully.
Counselling usually refers to more problem-solving and quality of life building, in which techniques and strategies are used to encourage effective coping and even thriving. Counselling tends to be more wellness focused. In counselling, it is common for briefer forms of therapy to be used.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

This is something everyone needs to answer for themselves. Therapy is less effective if you lack motivation to be there. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Do I feel unusually stressed or uncomfortable despite my best efforts?
Do I feel out of control of my behaviour, thoughts, body, or situation?
Has falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or waking up and getting out of bed become difficult?
Am I experiencing any physical symptoms that I can't seem to explain with illness or activity? I.e. racing heart, daytime sleepiness, energy levels.
Has anything usually considered 'big' happened to me or near me recently? I.e. a loss, an accident, a change, a change for a close person? Any good changes?
Despite the fact that nothing major has happened, something feels off or wrong.
Do I have goals that I just can't seem to achieve despite my intentions?
Have my relationship(s) become more difficult?

If you agreed with or answered yes to any of these, or anything like it, you could likely benefit from therapy. Therapy is largely about gathering resources and tools from an expert in mental health and putting them to work for you, so that you can live life according to your values and priorities. So whether a problem needs fixing, a goal needs progressing, or you simply want to work towards growth effectively, therapy could benefit you.

3. What types of techniques do you use?

At Gwen Preston Counselling & Psychotherapy, we believe in tailored approaches to our client's main issues. This typically mean using an integrated technique. However, the usual basis is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), tailored using techniques and strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and narrative therapy (NT).

10. What is the difference between a psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist? How do I know what I need?

The difference between these three professions can be difficult to recognize. It boils down to education level and clinical focus, which dictates some important difference in what they can do, as well as their fees.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who has specialized in mental health. These doctors can provide therapy but tend to focus on diagnosing and medications.
A psychologist is person with a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health through therapy. Although, due to their high demand, the focus is usually on diagnosing - with or without brief forms of therapy, or providing treatment for those who need intensive long-term therapy. Psychologists do not provide medication.
A psychotherapist is a person who has a masters degree or higher who specializes in providing counselling or psychotherapy. They do complete diagnoses or provide medication.

There are lots of other titles used in the field of mental health, some regulated and some not. It can be confusing. If you're unsure, looking up the job titles and qualifications can be helpful. Typical fees can also give you a sense of educational and regulatory requirements by registered professionals. Also, most professionals will be able to tell you what they do and if it sounds like they can help. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!

4. How long does each therapy session take?

Sessions last 45-50 minutes. On occasion, they may last a full 60 minutes, but that extra bit of time is usually saved so your therapist can be prepared to greet you then document your session afterwards while it is still fresh.

5. What is your rate, and do you offer sliding scale rates?

The regular session fee is $165 per session.

We also offer a sliding scale rate which is discussed on a case-by-case basis for clients who do not have insurance and are a student, low income, or receiving social assistance.

6. How does payment and insurance work?

Payments are to be made at end of each session. Payments can be made by e-transfer or credit card - processed with Square.

Due to the large quantity of insurance providers and the variability in insurance plans: It is the client's responsibility to ensure psychotherapy is covered by their individual insurance plan. Upon end of sessions, clients will receive an invoice or receipt by email and client portal, which can be used for reimbursement by their insurer.

7. Do you provide sessions online, by phone, or in person?

At this time, therapy is offered primarily via online sessions. Gwen Preston Counselling and Psychotherapy uses a platform called OWLPractice, which works on most phone browsers for the client on the move. However, life is busy and complicated, so we also offer phone sessions on an as-needed basis. Please just inform us in advance which you prefer for that session.

In both of these cases, we do what we can to protect your confidentiality - using protected software, wearing headphones in a private room, being on a private network etc. Similarly, you must take whatever precautions for privacy that are necessary on your end for your own comfort and confidentiality, i.e. being alone in a room, closing a door, or wearing headphones. For those who do not have this space in their home or in their schedule to get home - offices, libraries, and other community spaces may have rooms that can be booked in advance.

I do not have an in-person office space at this time.

8. Do you have weekend or evening availability?

Evening appointments are limited at this time and typically held on Tuesdays. The latest appointment time is 6pm, and is subject to availability. Weekends are not currently available.

9. What if I don't want to talk about something?

You are under no obligation to tell your therapist something you do not wish to share.

If you wish to withhold information, you have that right and, generally, therapists respect that. If your therapists asks a question you do not want to answer, you do not need to, especially if it is irrelevant to your therapeutic goals. However, therapy is only as effective as you allow it to be and if you keep running into that thing, or actively trying to avoid it in session, there is a good chance it's important. Sometimes that thing you do not wish share, that thing that scares you? Sometimes that is the very thing stalling your ability to live life to the fullest, and most therapists want to help their client through the tough stuff! Therapy is meant to be a safe space where all the scary, bad, tough things can be said without the fear of judgement or relational consequences. This is where it can be helpful to remember that your therapist isn't the same thing as a friend, even if it feels that way sometimes. They're a professional trained to help you deal with that uncomfortable thing that's holding you back. Confidentiality is paramount and is only broken under very specific and lawful conditions - which will be listed in your informed consent form. If breaking confidentiality is a concern, you can always ask your therapist to be more specific about the rules they follow.