FAQ & Resources | Psychotherapy in Hawkesbury & and virtually across Ontario & Nova Scotia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that helps you better understand your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships. Through conversation and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, therapy can help you develop new coping strategies, heal from past experiences, and create meaningful change in your life.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek support when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, stuck in unhelpful patterns, struggling in relationships, or simply wanting to understand themselves better. If something is affecting your well-being or quality of life, therapy may help.

What can I expect during the first session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your goals, and review relevant aspects of your personal history. There is no pressure to share everything immediately—our focus is on creating a safe and comfortable space where you can begin at your own pace.

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, circumstances, and the concerns you’re bringing to therapy. Some clients benefit from short-term support focused on a specific challenge, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and create lasting change.

Do you offer virtual therapy?

Yes. I provide secure virtual therapy sessions to clients throughout Ontario. Virtual therapy offers flexibility and accessibility while maintaining the same level of professionalism, confidentiality, and effectiveness as in-person therapy for many concerns.

Do you offer in-person therapy?

Yes. In-person sessions are available in Hawkesbury, Ontario. During your consultation, we can discuss whether in-person or virtual therapy is the best fit for your needs.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. Information shared during sessions remains private except in specific situations required by law or professional standards, such as concerns about immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or when records are subpoenaed by a court. These limits will be reviewed during the informed consent process.

How much does therapy cost?

Individual and couples therapy fees are discussed during the consultation process. Payment is due at the time of the session, and receipts are provided for insurance reimbursement where applicable.

Is psychotherapy covered by insurance?

Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for services offered by a Registered Psychotherapist. Coverage varies between plans, so it is recommended that you contact your insurance provider to confirm your specific benefits before booking.

How often should I attend therapy?

Many clients begin with weekly or biweekly sessions to build momentum and establish therapeutic goals. As progress is made, sessions may become less frequent. We will work together to determine a schedule that supports your needs and circumstances.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. I offer a complimentary consultation to help you determine whether my approach and services feel like a good fit for your needs. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions before committing to therapy.

What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?

Feeling nervous before your first session is completely normal. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you’re sharing personal experiences for the first time. My goal is to create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you feel respected, heard, and supported from the very beginning.

Free Mental Health Resources in Canada

If you are experiencing emotional distress, a mental health challenge, or simply need someone to talk to, the following free services are available across Canada. These resources offer crisis support, counselling, peer support, mental health information, and community connections.

  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
    Best for: Immediate emotional support, suicidal thoughts, or mental health crises.
    The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline provides free, confidential, bilingual support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to anyone in Canada experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide. Support is available by phone or text.
    Website: https://988.ca

  • Kids Help Phone
    Best for:     Children, teens, and young adults.
    Kids Help Phone offers free, confidential support through phone, text, live chat, and online resources. Youth can access professional counselling, crisis support, peer support communities, and self-help tools anytime, day or night.
    Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca

  • Hope for Wellness Helpline
    Best for:     First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals.
    The Hope for Wellness Helpline provides culturally responsive mental health counselling and crisis intervention services for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Services are available by phone and online chat 24/7.
    Website: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca

  • Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO)
    Best for:     Youth and young adults ages 12–25 in Ontario.
    Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario provides integrated support including mental health services, substance use support, primary healthcare, peer support, education, employment assistance, and family resources. Many services are free and accessible without a referral.
    Website: https://youthhubs.ca

  • 211 Canada
    Best for:     Finding local mental health and community services.
    211 is a free information and referral service that connects individuals with mental health programs, counselling services, crisis lines, housing supports, addiction services, and other community resources in their area. Available by phone and online.
    Website: https://211.ca

  • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
    Best for:     Community mental health programs and local supports.
    CMHA offers educational resources, support groups, wellness programs, and connections to local mental health services across Canada. Many programs are free or low-cost and can help individuals access care within their community.
    Website: https://cmha.ca

  • Good2Talk
    Best for:     Post-secondary students.
    Good2Talk provides free, confidential mental health support for college and university students. Services include professional counselling, crisis support, and referrals to additional resources.
    Website: https://good2talk.ca

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
    Best for:     Mental health education, self-help resources, and substance use information.
    CAMH offers a wide range of free evidence-based mental health information, self-help resources, guides, and educational materials covering anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and overall mental wellness.
    Website: https://www.camh.ca

  • National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
    Best for:     Survivors of residential schools and their families.
    Provides 24/7 crisis support for former residential school students and those affected by the residential school system.
    Website: https://www.irsss.ca
    Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

  • Black Youth Helpline
    Best for:     Black youth, families, and communities.
    Provides culturally responsive support, referrals, and resources addressing mental health, education, family challenges, and community well-being.
    Website: https://blackyouth.ca

  • In Case of Emergency
    If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 9-8-8 immediately.

The resources listed above are provided for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with Beacon Shore Therapy. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are at immediate risk of harm, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.