+ What happens during a therapy session?

We call this "Talk Therapy" for a reason. Sessions are 50 minutes long and we will talk. Yet each session is unique to you and your needs. In the first meeting, you will be asked questions related to what you hope to accomplish during therapy and how long you have been experiencing difficulties. We will discuss the relationships in your life and what things are working or not working. Some therapy can be short term. Sometimes therapy will need to be ongoing for several months to work on deeper issues. Together you and your therapist will come up with a plan. You will be encouraged to be an active participant in sessions, and perhaps be offered some reading or exercises which you can do on your own to integrate the best possible change. Our aim is for you to leave the first session feeling some relief and with a plan in mind.

+ What can I expect from the therapists?

You can expect to receive compassion, empathy, respect and understanding from us in an environment that feels warm, safe and inviting. You can expect to receive practical guidance and perhaps new perspectives to help you uncover and understand patterns and negative feelings that are inhibiting you from living your best life.

We can help you in several ways, some of which include allowing therapy to move at a pace that you are comfortable with, as well as checking in with you periodically to ensure that we are staying focused on your goals. By using empathy and by paying careful attention to your words, mood, and body language (a technique known as “tracking”), we work to join you in experiencing your thoughts and emotions. This joining, when done in a way that feels comfortable for you, can decrease the feelings of isolation, fear, shame, or despair that sometimes accompany personal struggles.

+ What does each session cost? Will my health insurance pay for it?

Our fees range from $95 - $175 per individual therapy session and $195 - $235 per couples or family therapy session. We offer a limited number of spots at a reduced rate to those who are facing financial difficulties. Simply contact us for more information and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Psychotherapy sessions may be covered by your extended health benefits plan. However, as every plan is different, so we ask that you confirm the exact details of your benefits in advance. We will assist you as much as we can but it ultimately your responsibility to ensure sessions will be covered should you choose to use your benefits.

All our therapists are members of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and some of our therapists are supervised by members of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Psychotherapy is recognized as a medical expense by the Canada Revenue Agency and is eligible for tax credit.(So, please retain your invoices for these purposes.)

+ I'm not sure where to start, or which therapist to choose. Who can help me?

Whether you’re looking for a new therapist, or have never been to therapy before, the process of finding the right mental health professional can be overwhelming. Navigating through hundreds of profiles online and confusion about the process itself may be a barrier to receiving the support you need. At Mindful Maelstrom we want to help make that process as stress-free as possible. Our Intake Team, will help find the right therapist for you.

Our Intake Team will:

• Work with you to understand your unique needs and goals, and will identify a therapist who is best suited for you based on their approach and expertise

• Help you to understand your extended health insurance benefits and will work with you to get maximum benefit from your coverage

• Help you to navigate your options if financial limitations have created a barrier to receiving mental health support

• Answer any questions you have about therapy and guide you through the process of becoming a new client at Mindful Maelstrom

• Help you to schedule your initial and ongoing appointments as needed