Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Here are some of the most common questions asked by therapy clients.

 

How long will it take for me to see results?

The timeline for therapeutic progress is highly individualized and depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your symptoms, your personal goals, and the therapeutic modality used.

 

Some clients experiencing acute, situational stressors may notice improvement or gain actionable coping strategies within 4 to 8 sessions (short-term therapy).

 

For chronic, complex, or deeply rooted issues, such as developmental trauma or long-standing personality patterns, therapy may require several months to years of consistent work.

 

Progress is rarely linear, and initial symptom relief is often followed by deeper, more gradual cognitive and behavioral restructuring.

 

Will I cry during our sessions?

Crying is a very common, natural, and physiologically therapeutic response to processing difficult emotions, memories, or insights.

 

Many clients do cry during sessions, and the therapeutic space is designed to be a safe, non-judgmental environment for this expression.

 

However, crying is not a prerequisite for successful therapy. Some individuals process emotions through cognitive analysis, somatic awareness, or verbal expression without shedding tears.

 

Both responses are entirely normal and clinically valid.

 

What actually happens during a typical therapy session?

While the structure varies depending on the clinician's theoretical orientation, a standard 50-minute session generally involves:

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Check-in: A brief review of your week, current symptom presentation, and any homework or reflections from the previous session.

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Collaborative Agenda Setting: Identifying the primary focus or theme for the day's session.

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Processing and Intervention: Exploring thoughts, behavioral patterns, or emotional responses using evidence-based techniques (e.g., cognitive restructuring, somatic tracking, or trauma processing).

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Integration and Wrap-up: Summarizing key insights, discussing practical applications or "homework" for the week ahead, and grounding before departure.

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Please remember that you are entirely in control of every therapy session. You are never obligated to discuss topics or attempt therapeutic strategies that feel uncomfortable or for which you do not feel ready.

 

Is what I say completely confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a foundational element of the therapeutic relationship and is protected by laws in Canada (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and professional ethical codes.

 

However, there are legally mandated exceptions to confidentiality where a clinician is required to intervene or report. These exceptions include:

 

-Clear evidence of imminent risk of harm to yourself (suicidal intent) or others (homicidal intent).

 

-Reasonable suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult or sexual abuse by a health care professional.

 

-A court order or subpoena signed by a judge.

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These exceptions will be reviewed in detail during your initial informed consent process.

 

How do I know if we are a "good fit"?

The "therapeutic alliance"—the collaborative relationship between therapist and client—is one of the strongest predictors of successful treatment outcomes.

 

A good fit generally means you feel safe, respected, heard, and intellectually aligned with your therapist's approach.

 

During the first 2 to 3 sessions, evaluate whether you feel comfortable sharing vulnerable information, whether the therapist's explanations make sense to you, and whether you feel actively supported rather than judged.

 

If you feel the dynamic is not optimal, discussing this openly can often lead to adjustments, or your therapist can provide referrals to colleagues who may better suit your needs.

 

Can you prescribe medication, or will I need it?

Licensed psychotherapists (such as Clinical Social Workers,  Professional Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists) and Clinical Psychologists (PsyD/PhD) do not prescribe medication.

 

If your symptoms are severe enough to significantly impair your daily functioning, sleep, or ability to engage in therapy, a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy (medication) may be indicated.

 

In such cases, your therapist can provide a referral to a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or your primary care physician for a medical evaluation.

 

What if I don't know what to talk about?

It is entirely normal to arrive at a session feeling unsure of where to begin.

 

Therapists are trained to facilitate the conversation. Your therapist may ask open-ended questions, reference goals from your initial treatment plan, explore physical sensations you are experiencing in the moment, or review patterns from previous sessions to help guide the dialogue.

 

You do not need to prepare a script for your sessions.

 

 

Still have questions?

While these FAQs cover the basics, your situation and journey are unique. You are always welcome to reach out to me directly to ask any further questions or to address specific concerns.

 

To help you determine if this is the right fit for your therapeutic goals, I offer a complimentary, no-obligation initial consultation. ​​