FAQs

To connect with clients online, I use a new secure online platform called ‘Sessions’. The experience is similar to Zoom platform, but it doesn’t require creating an account. All you will require is a web link to enter my virtual office.
If you are connecting with me for a session on a computer, you will paste a link for my virtual office into your computer browser. If you are connecting with me via phone or tablet, you will download a Psychology Today Sessions App and paste the link for my virtual office in the app. Additional details for how to check-in as a client in Sessions, please click here.

Many people have mentioned to me that the biggest challenge for them in beginning their therapy, is time. Time has become a precious commodity in the fast-paced 21st century. How do we keep up?

It seems for many the answer is automation of services and technology. Although counselling is a very human interaction and process that no machine can offer, the service means can become streamlined and automated. Expat Therapy was born to provide convenience, accessibility, flexibility and added privacy to clients around the world.

1. Flexibility. If you have a busy schedule, regularly travel for work or taking care of young children; appointment scheduling can get very tricky. With online therapy, you can schedule your session at the convenient time for you. Evening and weekend appointment times are available to accommodate your needs.

2. Accessibility. If you live in an area where counselling is not readily available, have a disability, providing care for your children, have a very hectic schedule, or suffering from an overwhelming anxiety or depression: traveling to and from your therapy session might not be an option. Easy accessibility to services is the key to many. Say goodbye to the commute time and the stress that comes with traffic and crowds. You can access online Expat-Therapy from anywhere in the world as long as you have a phone or internet connection.

3. Anonymity. If you are hesitant about therapy, online therapy offers you an option to keep your true identity anonymous, because you can always conceal it you want it. A phone or one way Skype counselling can offer you an added level of security and safety. Many people report that in online sessions, unlike the in-person ones, clients feel more ‘on equal footing’ with a therapist, experience less fear of being judged and feel more in ‘control.’

4. Added Privacy. Online therapy can reduce or eliminate stigma about seeing a therapist as clients can receive counselling in the privacy of their home. This way clients do not have to be seen by others in the waiting room, the administrative staff or any other person who just happens to be walking past at the time the client walks through the therapist’s office door.

• The sessions are pre-booked and are limited by time.
• The therapist ensures the privacy of all clients’ communication and conducts sessions in a private room.
• The same confidentiality standards apply for both in-person and online therapy.
• A therapist provides a safe and non-judgmental space for the client to foster growth and exploration.

The price of a session depends on the duration and whether it is an individual or couples therapy.

Individual Counselling:

Individual Session’s length: 50 min              Individual Session’s price: $152.25 (GST is included)

Couples Counselling:

Couples Session’s length: 50 min             50 min Couples Session’s price: $168  (GST is included)

Couples Session’s length: 100 min        100 min Couples Session’s price: $336  (GST is included)

The same confidentiality standards apply to in-person and online therapy. Anything you share with your therapist and any notes or records that he or she takes are confidential. There are three exceptions to confidentiality according to the Canadian standards that I abide by:

• When disclosure is necessary to prevent clear and imminent harm to the client or others.
• When a child or a disabled person is in need of protection from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect.
• When the court orders a therapist to testify or to submit session notes for a legal review.

If any these exceptions are a concern, please connect with me for a free consultation to discuss and clarify any of them.

The number of sessions a person needs is individual and depends on some factors:

• On the type of concern presented
• On the complexity of the present and past issues
• On the quality of the relationship between a person and their therapist
• On the commitment of a person to work in and outside of the sessions

In my practice, I commonly see clients from 5 to 20 sessions. In some instances, more sessions may be needed to address the concern adequately.

I recommend starting your session weekly to ensure that the benefits that you are experiencing such as new ways of thinking and behaving become habitual and take permanent root. In some circumstances, client benefits from having two sessions a week at the start of the process.

You can choose between a 50-min session or a 120-minute session length. The longer session is perfect for people who process information verbally and would like to have extra space and time in a session for reflection.

Online therapy is not appropriate if you are experiencing hallucinations, a psychotic episode, or are immediately suicidal. Please connect with the local emergency services such as a hospital, an emergency response team such as a 911 service or call a 24-hour Crisis Line. Please click here for a list of Crisis Line numbers in different countries.