Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a therapy or counselling session?
You may complete the appointment request form by clicking HERE.
What if I do not live in Toronto?
All sessions are currently offered online via Zoom. You are welcome to request Online session(s).
What is the cost per session?
The fee for a 50-minute session is $200.
Are your services covered under OHIP?
No. Psychotherapy and counselling services are not covered by OHIP.
Are your services covered by extended health care plans?
Yes. As a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), my services are covered by many extended health benefit plans. Please contact your insurance provider to confirm that your plan includes coverage for psychotherapy with a
Do I need a referral from my family physician?
No referral is required. However, some insurance providers may request a physician’s referral for reimbursement.
What if I cannot afford the therapy fee?
If you have extended health insurance, your plan may cover a portion of the fee. If the cost remains unaffordable, please let me know. Sliding scale options may be available in limited circumstances.
How long does therapy take?
The duration of therapy varies depending on individual goals and circumstances. Some clients notice meaningful improvement within a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term work.
What is CBT?
CBT focuses on the present — on the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that are happening now.
For example, if you send a message and don’t receive a reply, you might immediately think, “They’re upset with me.” That thought can trigger anxiety and lead you to over-explain or withdraw. In CBT, we slow this process down, examine the thought, test its accuracy, and replace it with a more balanced interpretation.
When thinking shifts, emotions and behaviours often shift as well.
CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and typically shorter-term. It is especially helpful when you want practical tools to manage anxiety, low mood, stress, or specific behavioural patterns in your current life.
For example, if you send a message and don’t receive a reply, you might immediately think, “They’re upset with me.” That thought can trigger anxiety and lead you to over-explain or withdraw. In CBT, we slow this process down, examine the thought, test its accuracy, and replace it with a more balanced interpretation.
When thinking shifts, emotions and behaviours often shift as well.
CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and typically shorter-term. It is especially helpful when you want practical tools to manage anxiety, low mood, stress, or specific behavioural patterns in your current life.
What is Schema Therapy?
Schema Therapy works at a deeper level. Rather than focusing only on present thoughts, it explores long-standing emotional patterns that often develop earlier in life and continue to shape relationships and self-perception.
For example, someone who becomes intensely distressed when a partner replies late to a message may not only be reacting to that moment. This reaction may reflect an Abandonment schema — a deeply rooted belief that important people will eventually leave. Such a schema can develop in childhood within an emotionally inconsistent or insecure relationship environment.
Because Schema Therapy works with these underlying emotional patterns, it is often a longer-term process. The focus is not only on managing thoughts, but on understanding and gradually transforming the deeper themes that continue to influence present relationships.
For example, someone who becomes intensely distressed when a partner replies late to a message may not only be reacting to that moment. This reaction may reflect an Abandonment schema — a deeply rooted belief that important people will eventually leave. Such a schema can develop in childhood within an emotionally inconsistent or insecure relationship environment.
Because Schema Therapy works with these underlying emotional patterns, it is often a longer-term process. The focus is not only on managing thoughts, but on understanding and gradually transforming the deeper themes that continue to influence present relationships.
How will I know if therapy is working?
In CBT, many clients notice a reduction in symptoms within a few weeks, particularly when they attend sessions consistently and apply the strategies discussed between sessions.
In Schema Therapy, change may take longer, as the focus is on modifying deeper, long-standing emotional patterns.
In Schema Therapy, change may take longer, as the focus is on modifying deeper, long-standing emotional patterns.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a core principle of psychotherapy. What you share remains private, except in situations involving serious risk of harm to yourself or others, child abuse or neglect, or a legal court order.
What about medication?
Many concerns can be addressed effectively through psychotherapy alone. However, some conditions respond best to a combination of therapy and medication. If appropriate, we may discuss a referral to a family physician or psychiatrist for consultation. The decision to pursue medication is always collaborative and informed.
In what languages do you offer therapy?
Therapy is offered in English and Farsi.
Do I need to pay double if I bring another person (e.g., a partner
No. The fee for a 50-minute session remains the same regardless of how many individuals attend. Please note that I do not currently offer couple or family therapy.
Can I bring my child or teenager for therapy?
My practice is focused on adults. I do not provide psychotherapy to individuals under 18. However, I offer consultation sessions to support parents with strategies and guidance.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend a scheduled session, I require at least 24 hours’ notice so that I may offer the appointment time to another client. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to a 50% fee. Missed appointments without prior notice, or cancellations after the session has begun, will be charged the full session fee.
What is the difference between psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and social workers?
These titles vary by jurisdiction. For information specific to Ontario, please click HERE.
How do I pay for online sessions?
Payment methods may include e-transfer or secure credit card processing, depending on your location.