FAQ

What is a Clincial Social Worker and how can you help me?
The College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers require that anyone who calls them self a Social Worker must be a registered member (registration #807690). Social workers are trained, usually at the Masters level, to provide intensive assessment and treatment services. Social Workers are professionals who work to improve the quality of life and development of individuals,couples and groups. Specifically as a Clinical Social Worker I have extensive training and experience in individual and family therapy, with a specific interest in adolescents, adults and families. I can help you in many areas including issues of depression, anxiety, relationship and communication problems, family difficulties, parent-child conflict, feeling lost, isolated, hopeless or not living your life as you imagined.

Are your services covered by OHIP or insurance plans?
Social Worker fees are not covered by OHIP, however many group benefit plans provide coverage for the services I provide. Contact your human resources or union to ensure that your coverage plan meets your specific needs. Additionally, services received by a Registered Social Worker are eligible as a medical expense on your income tax.  Make sure to save your receipts. 

What should I expect in the first session?
The first few sessions will be an assessment period where I learn about you, the difficulties you are experiencing and how we can work together.  The assessment phase is different for each individual and does not mean that therapy has not started because part of the therapy is building a trusting relationship and understanding of the goals for our time together.  In the first session we will meet for one hour. This will allow us time to discuss my policy, confidentially and any other issues with respect to the business aspect of our work together. Subsequent sessions will last 50 minutes. If you are late I will need to end the session on time in order to meet with the next client.

What if I miss a session?
For therapy to be useful it needs to be consistent and be based on a respectful relationship. I will do my best to honour your appointment and ask that you do the same, for both of us. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment please give me 24-hours notice to avoid being charged for a missed appointment. Since life happens, including illness and crisis please speak to me if you need to cancel an appointment with less notice. Missed appointments with no communication will be charged.

What about my privacy?
Confidently is essential to our relationship and is an important principle of mine. In addition, I am bound by my code of ethics to maintain your privacy and confidentially. I will not share information with others without your permission, except in certain circumstances where I am required to by law, which include in cases where I suspect you or someone is at risk of imminent harm, in cases of suspected child or elder abuse or if I am subpoenaed. These cases are rare and out of respect of our relationship I will do my best to inform you, if I can, if this situation arises. If you have any questions in this regard I welcome those questions.

What are your office hours?
My office hours are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  I have both weekday and limited weeknight appointments available. 

How long will I need to be in therapy?
The length of therapy depends on many factors, including issues of concern, commitment to the process, stage of willingness to change and frequency of appointments.  Therefore, the length of therapy varies for each person.  We will work together to determine how long we will need to meet, keeping in mind that change takes time, commitment and a maintenance plan in order to be most successful. It is my personal goal to have you moving forward in your life as soon as possible.

Will you provide me with a tax receipt?  How is payment arranged?
Yes, each session will include payment, in the form of cash, cheque or credit card.  A written receipt is provided.  Credit cards are processed by a square reader attached to my ipad or iphone.  Information on the Square processing system can be found at www.squareup.com 

What are your fees?
My fees are $150 per session.  Should you wish to include phone consultation between sessions we can discuss a price plan.  Depending on the type and length of written reports fees may apply.  This will be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

What "type" of therapy do you do?
Although I use a variety of tools and techniques I primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Thearpy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Narrative, Interpersonal, Positive Psychology and principles of manifestation.  However, each individual requires different "therapy" and sessions will be tailored to your needs.   

Do you offer workshops or groups?
Yes I offer several workshops and groups on topics such as stress management, simple ways to boost mood, energy and positive feelings, introduction to therapy.  Groups and workshops are done as needed or requested.  Please contact me if you have questions or need more information. 

Can you recommend any books, services or information that I may find helpful?
Absolutely.  Please click on the following link to be directed to my blog page.  If there is certain information that you are looking for please let me know and I will add it to my blog or email you personally. MY BLOG >>

Where are you located? Is there free parking?
J.W. Counselling Services is located at 600 Brant Street, Burlington ON.  In addition to ample free parking, there are other professional offices in the building allowing you to remain anonymous as to what service you are using.

Other questions or comments?
I welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact me by phone, email or fill in the contact form on the contact page.  I make every effort to return your call/message within24-hours (I know how it feels to want an answer to something and to be checking my email or awaiting a return call).