Frequently Asked Questions

As first step, you can complete the contact form here to schedule a free consultation or simply emailing us at hello@ourhealingconnection.ca

Details about our fees for individual sessions can be found on our fees page. ​ ​

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) https://www.ocswssw.org/public/about-rsws-and-rssws/ ​

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/

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. Couples therapy sessions are 90-minutes long.

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. ​ Psychotherapy is a collaborative process rooted in mutual respect and trust. It is also important to note that therapy is not intended to "fix" anyone. Rather, psychotherapy aims to foster resilience and equip individuals with the tools and coping strategies needed to navigate life's difficulties more effectively. ​ Every person’s therapeutic journey is unique. 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. Every person’s therapeutic journey is unique. 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.

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 Ultimately, psychotherapy aims to empower individuals by helping them navigate life's complexities, foster resilience, and enhance their overall quality of life.

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, EFT, Mindfulness-based techniques and trauma-informed care. You can review here for more information about Kumsal's credentials, training, and experience. ​

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.

Predicting the number of sessions needed varies from person to person, depending on the circumstance, needs and goals.

It is important to understand the differences between mental health providers such as psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. You may refer to these articles here or here 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.

We provide a receipt for each session upon payment, which you can use for reimbursement from your extended health insurance.

To cancel or reschedule a planned appointment, provide a minimum of 48 hours' notice by email at hello@ourhealingconnection.ca.

Currently, we provide services in English and Turkish.

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.

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.

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. ​