Question 1

How can I book a session?

Accepted Answer

As first step, you can complete the contact form here (https://www.ourhealingconnection.ca/contact-us)to schedule a free consultation or simply emailing us at hello@ourhealingconnection.ca(mailto:ourhealingconnection@gmail.com?subject=Inquiry)
 
Whether you have a clear idea of the assistance you seek or need guidance in determining the best solution, we're here to help.  During the consultation and initial intake appointment, we can discuss your needs, explore how we can support you, explain the benefits and risks of therapy, and assess if we are the right fit for you. We will make efforts to refer you to a healthcare provider or mental health professional better suited to help you if we are not the right fit.
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Question 2

Do you have availability? When?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are currently accepting new clients. We have limited weekend (Saturday) availability. Reach out to us from hello@ourhealingconnection.ca for a free consultation (https://ourhealingconnection.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1)to discuss your needs and schedule.

Question 3

Do you provide in person therapy?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide in person therapy at this time. Our services are exclusively online at this time.

Question 4

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Details about our fees for individual sessions can be found on our fees page.(https://www.ourhealingconnection.ca/fees) ​
Please note that psychotherapist and registered social worker sessions are not currently covered under the O.H.I.P. plan. 
Review your benefits package with your private health/extended insurance plan, if you have one, to ensure coverage details with your extended insurance plan.
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Question 5

Are you a licensed provider?

Accepted Answer

Kumsal is a Masters level trained registered social worker and psychotherapist, in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Learn more about the regulation of social workers in Ontario at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) https://www.ocswssw.org/public/about-rsws-and-rssws/
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Question 6

What does it mean to be a registered social worker?

Accepted Answer

A Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario is a regulated professional governed by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Registration means adhering to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that guide ethical decision-making, professional conduct, confidentiality, and accountability, with a commitment to safe, competent, and respectful practice.

Learn more about the regulation of social workers in Ontario at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) https://www.ocswssw.org/public/about-rsws-and-rssws/

Question 7

How long are the sessions?

Accepted Answer

Couples therapy sessions are 90-minutes long. This typically includes 75-minutes of active therapy and additional 15 minutes allocated for documentation and session planning. The therapeutic hour for individual therapy sessions includes 50 minutes of active therapy and additional 10 minutes is allocated for documentation and administrative tasks related to the session where your presence is not required.

Question 8

What is psychotherapy, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is a form of talk-based treatment designed to support individuals in improving their mental and emotional well-being. It provides a confidential and professional setting where individuals can openly express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. The purpose of psychotherapy is to help individuals gain insight into their emotional responses and understand the factors that contribute to feelings such as happiness, anxiety, or depression. Through this increased awareness, individuals can develop healthier and more effective ways of coping with life’s challenges.
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Common misconceptions about therapy often include the belief that therapists can read minds or that therapy involves analyzing individuals for entertainment. In reality, psychotherapy is a collaborative process rooted in mutual respect and trust. While popular culture may depict therapy as involving a couch, such settings vary widely. The therapeutic process is flexible, and individuals are not required to lie down during sessions unless they choose to. It is also important to note that therapy is not intended to "fix" anyone, as individuals are not broken. Rather, psychotherapy aims to foster resilience and equip individuals with the tools and coping strategies needed to navigate life's difficulties more effectively.
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Meaningful progress in therapy is typically gradual, and sustainable change often takes time. Therapists do not offer direct advice or prescribe specific actions. Instead, they act as guides, helping individuals explore their experiences and supporting them in finding their own solutions. The effectiveness of therapy depends greatly on the individual's active participation. This includes consistently attending sessions, being open and honest about one's experiences, and engaging with any suggested activities or exercises. In essence, an individual must be willing and motivated to engage in the therapeutic process for it to be successful. Every person’s therapeutic journey is unique. The focus of each session will depend on the individual’s specific circumstances, concerns, and goals. Topics may include current life events, relevant personal history, and reflections on progress over time.

Question 9

How can psychotherapy be beneficial?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy offers valuable support tailored to an individual’s unique circumstances and needs. It is not exclusively intended for those diagnosed with a mental health condition; many individuals seek psychotherapy to address the everyday challenges, stressors, and conflicts that can impact anyone over the course of life.
 
Psychotherapy can address a wide range of concerns and promote overall well-being. Some of the many ways it may be beneficial include, but are not limited to:
 • Fostering personal growth and enhancing self-awareness
 • Building skills to improve interpersonal relationships
 • Supporting adjustment during significant life transitions, such as divorce, bereavement, or job loss
 • Providing coping strategies for concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, unresolved issues from the past, grief, stress management, and body image concerns
 • Enhancing communication abilities
 • Identifying and modifying unhelpful behavioural patterns and developing healthier alternatives
 • Strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence
 • Managing emotional responses to stressors or triggers, even when these experiences are not considered traumatic
 • Assisting in the emotional adjustment to ongoing or serious physical health conditions
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Ultimately, psychotherapy aims to empower individuals by helping them navigate life's complexities, foster resilience, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Question 10

What is your approach to therapy/counselling/psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

We have an integrative approach to therapy, honouring your unique needs, goals and strengths.

Kumsal is a relational therapist who prioritizes working with emotion and draws from several different approaches that she has been trained in, including CBT, DBT, EFIT, Polyvagal theory, Mindfulness-based techniques and trauma-informed care.

You can review here (https://www.ourhealingconnection.ca/about-kumsal)for more information about Kumsal's credentials, training, and experience, or you can book a free consultation by emailing us at hello@ourhealingconnection.ca (hello@ourhealingconnection.ca).
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Question 11

Are your services confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We take your privacy and confidentiality seriously, recognizing that seeking help involves sharing personal and private matters. The effectiveness of therapy relies on creating safety, and it is our priority. We are legally bound to maintain confidentiality for all clients and will not disclose your information to anyone without your consent. In certain cases, we have a legal obligation to disclose specific information to ensure safety. Please see our policies for details.(https://www.ourhealingconnection.ca/fees)

Question 12

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Predicting the number of sessions needed varies from person to person, depending on the circumstances.  Typically sessions are scheduled weekly or biweekly based on your preferences and needs.

Question 13

Are you able to provide medication/prescription support?

Accepted Answer

In terms of prescription support, it is important to understand the differences between mental health providers such as psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. You may refer to these articles here o(https://uwaterloo.ca/mechanical-mechatronics-engineering/mme-wellness-program/get-help-now/who-does-what-types-mental-health-practitioners)r here (https://globalnews.ca/news/3825025/psychotherapist-psychologist-psychiatrist-difference/)to understand the differences between these professions. 
 
In short, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Prescription support is not within a social worker's scope of practice. 
 
At times when needed, depending on unique client needs and goals, for instance, if a client is exploring medication options, with client consent, we will work with the client to ensure they have access to the level of care they need and support them with proper referrals and system navigation support.

Question 14

Do you provide a receipt?

Accepted Answer

We provide a receipt for each session upon payment, which you can use for reimbursement from your extended health insurance. We do not directly bill insurance companies at this time.

Question 15

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

To cancel or reschedule a planned appointment, provide a minimum of 48 hours' notice by email at hello@ourhealingconnection.ca.(mailto:hello@ourhealingconnection.ca) In case of emergencies or illnesses, inform us as promptly as possible. It's important to note that the full session fee will be applied for no-shows or cancellations made at short notice (less than 48 hours).

Question 16

In what languages do you offer services?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we provide services in English and Turkish.

Question 17

Are you able to incorporate or honor spiritual and religious beliefs in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Kumsal uses evidence-based models in her individual and couples therapy practice, which are not exclusively faith-based therapies, yet these models are flexible and can be thoughtfully integrated with clients’ values, beliefs, and worldviews.

As a Registered Social Worker, Kumsal practices from a culturally responsive and ethically grounded lens, which includes attending to and respecting clients’ spiritual and religious beliefs. She welcomes conversations about how religious belief or faith shapes your relationship, values, and decision-making, and aims to ensure that therapy aligns with what matters most to you.

Question 18

Is virtual/video therapy effective?

Accepted Answer

Online therapy, particularly video sessions, has gained prominence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates its effectiveness is comparable to traditional in-person therapy, offering added accessibility and time efficiency.

Question 19

What arrangements do I need for online therapy?

Accepted Answer

To access our video therapy sessions, you'll need an internet-connected electronic device with a microphone and video camera (e.g., computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone). You need to ensure access to a private space for confidential conversations. ​

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