“Therapy is not about becoming, it’s about unbecoming all the things you believed you had to be to be loved.”

Q1. What is your social media policy?

Social Media is a tool that Verity Counselling uses to help people get informed and engaged. As such, Verity Counselling has a social media policy which you can view below. Friending: Verity Counselling does not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.). We believe that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise the clients’ confidentiality and our respective privacy. It may also blur the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. Following: At Verity Counselling we have no expectation that clients follow our blog, business Facebook feed, Instagram account, or any other social networking sites that we operate. Clients are welcome to use their own discretion in choosing whether to follow Verity Counselling on any social networking sites. Please note, clients will not be followed back in order to protect their privacy and honour the confidentiality agreement. Interacting: Please do not message your therapist or Verity Counselling on social networking sites in order to book sessions or reach out for more information on services. To connect with Verity Counselling please do so via the contact information on our website.

Q2. What is your cancellation policy?

Verity Counselling requires 48-hours notice for cancelling a session. Should you provide less than 48-hours notice, you will be responsible for the full session fee.

Q3. How much do counselling sessions cost?

Verity Counselling charges $150 plus HST per 50-minute individual counselling session and $170 plus HST per 60-minute couples counselling session. Please inquire if this is something that interests you. Session fees may be paid by e-transfer within 24-hours of the appointment.

Q4. Do you accept insurance?

Verity Counselling does not provide direct billing to insurance companies. However, most insurance packages cover services for Registered Psychotherapists and your therapist will provide you with a receipt after each counselling session that you may submit for reimbursement.

Q5. Are there specific mental health concerns Verity Counselling does not work with?

At Verity Counselling, our therapists are trained at a Masters degree level to work with a wide range of mental health concerns including but not limited to, anxiety and mood disorders/concerns, relationship issues, body image, OCD, childhood trauma and abuse, PTSD and single incident trauma, chronic illness and pain, grief, life transitions, stress and burnout, and self-care. At Verity Counselling, we are not equipped to support those who may be experiencing psychotic symptoms, severe drug and alcohol addiction, or those who may benefit from being supported in an inpatient hospital or rehab setting. Verity Counselling, does not provide counselling services to children or those under the age of 13 years old. Verity Counselling does not provide crisis counselling and is not a crisis resource for those in need of immediate crisis support.

Q4. How long will therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on the clients’ goals for therapy, current state when beginning therapy, and commitment to therapy. Usually, clients’ seeking therapy due to trauma or childhood related concerns will need to commit to attending therapy regularly for a longer period of time before starting to feel shifts taking place. At Verity Counselling we believe it is always the clients’ choice as to how regularly therapy sessions happen and what direction the therapy goes. Your therapist will also share their recommendations for frequency and duration of therapy with you after learning about your goals for counselling. Clients’ have the choice to start and stop therapy at any time.

Q5. Do you offer online therapy?

At Verity Counselling we offer secure online counselling sessions via a secure video platform. Please visit Our Services to learn more about online counselling sessions.

Q6. What is a Registered Psychotherapist? How is a Registered Psychotherapist different from a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Social Worker?

A Registered Psychotherapist is a qualified professional therapist who has full certification with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. This college exists to protect the public and ensure that therapists are providing ethical and quality care to all people. Any person can file a complaint at any time with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, should they have concerns about any Registered Psychotherapist. Registered Psychotherapists are different from Psychologists in that Psychologists are trained at a doctoral level and provide diagnoses. Registered Psychotherapists are different from Psychiatrists in that Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medications or provide a diagnosis. Registered Psychotherapists are different from Social Workers in that they are a part of a different college and regulating body.

Q7. What happens if you see your therapist in public?

Should you run into your therapist in public, your therapist will not initiate interaction unless you acknowledge them or initiate interaction. Therapists are trained to protect client confidentiality by not initiating interaction in public unless the client does so first. The same principle applies on social media or any public internet platform.

Q8. How does the counselling process work? What can I expect in the first counselling session?

At Verity Counselling, once you have been in contact with your therapist and booked an initial counselling session, you will receive an intake form that with your consent, will require you to share information about your medical, counselling, and personal history with your therapist. You will also review a form that outlines the limits to confidentiality, financial commitment, and you will be required to sign both forms should you want to proceed with the therapy process. Once you have completed your paperwork, you will meet for an initial intake session with your therapist. This session serves as a time for you and your therapist to discuss more in-depth your current concerns, what you would like to get out of the counselling process, and any questions you have. It is also a time for your therapist to learn more about your background and life experiences. Your therapist will share their recommendations for what therapy could look like going forward and you will collaborate and form a plan together that feels good for you.