Frequently Asked Questions

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. ​ 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. ​ 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.

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, EFIT, Polyvagal theory, Mindfulness-based techniques and trauma-informed care. You can review here for more information about Kumsal's credentials, training, and experience, or you can book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs, goals, and any other questions. ​

You can complete the contact form here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and view our availability from https://ourhealingconnection.janeapp.com/​ You can also initiate the process by emailing us at hello@ourhealingconnection.ca Whether you have a clear idea of the assistance you seek or need guidance in determining the best solution, we're here to help. We'll provide you with all the necessary information. During the consultation, we'll 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. ​​

Yes, we are currently accepting new clients on a limited basis. We have weekday and weekend availability. Feel free to check our calendar for availability or reach out to us for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and schedule.

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 your safety, Please see our policies for details.

Individual sessions last for 50 minutes (except the intake session) and are scheduled weekly or biweekly based on your preferences and needs. An additional 10 minutes (15 minutes for the intake session) is allocated for documentation and administrative tasks related to the session; your presence is not required during this time.

Predicting the number of sessions needed varies from person to person, depending on the circumstances.

Details about our fees for individual sessions can be found on our fees page. ​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 insurance plan, if you have one, to ensure coverage details with your extended insurance plan. ​

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 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. 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.

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.

Currently, we do not provide couples therapy services. ​

To cancel or reschedule a planned appointment, provide a minimum of 48 hours' notice by email at 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).

Currently, we provide services in English and Turkish.

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. ​