A psychologist is a registered professional trained to understand the way people think, feel and behave, and are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Psychologists assess and treat emotional, psychological or behavioral problems that may be causing distress in an individual’s personal life or relationships, using a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches and techniques.
For more information:
The College of Psychologists of Ontario: www.cpo.on.ca
Ontario Psychological Association: www.psych.on.ca
Canadian Psychological Assocation: www.cpa.ca
http://www.cpa.ca/public/decidingtoseeapsychologist/psychologistwhattoexpect/
Psychotherapists are trained professionals who provide counselling or psychotherapy services. Psychotherapists are members of professional associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) or the Ontario Association Of Consultants Counsellors Psychometrists & Psychotherapists (OACCPP).
For more information:
Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists & Psychotherapists: www.oaccpp.ca
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association: www.ccpa.ca
Counselling or psychotherapy refers to process by which an individual enters into a collaborative working relationship with a psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist to help resolve emotional, behavioural and relationship problems. Various therapeutic techniques may be used, depending on the individual, couple or group needs. Forms of therapy may include:
-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
-Solution-Focused Therapy
-Client-Centered Therapy
-Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
-Interpersonal Therapy
-Play Therapy
North Durham Professional Counsellors provides counselling and psychotherapy services to children and adolescents, individuals, couples, families and groups. Contact our office at 905-985-1130 to book an appointment with one of our psychologists or psychotherapists.
During your first session at North Durham Professional Counsellors, the psychologist or psychotherapist will explore the needs or issues that brought you to psychotherapy. They will help you gain a better understanding of what may be causing distress in your life and work with you to set goals that will help ease negative symptoms, build stronger relationships, and develop effective ways to cope with problems in the future.
First sessions are typically 60 minutes in length, and subsequent sessions are 50 minutes. We ask that you arrive 10 – 15 minutes early to your first session to complete paperwork for your client file.
The length of time for psychotherapy is based on individual needs and goals discussed in the initial sessions. To increase the potential for effective treatment, it is essential that you are honest and open with the psychologist or psychotherapist and discuss any questions or concerns you may have as they arise. Following each appointment, you may find it useful to make note of any changes in your thoughts, feelings or behaviours to bring to your next session. The psychologist or psychotherapist may also ask you to complete homework between sessions, and this is also important to the counselling process.
While most health insurance companies in Canada cover the cost of services provided by a registered psychologist, it is strongly recommended that you contact your insurance company for more information about what is covered under your policy. At the end of each session, you will be provided with a receipt that may be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. Typically, counselling provided by a psychotherapist who is not regulated by the College of Psychologists is not covered by health insurance benefits, unless services are supervised by a registered psychologist
Psychological services are confidential by law. You must provide written consent for your psychologist to discuss or release any information to anyone, including your spouse, lawyer, etc. However, there are four exceptions to confidentiality, as follows:
1. If you pose an imminent (immediate, serious) risk to yourself or to another person.
2. If you disclose that a child (under 16 years of age) is being abused or is at risk of harm.
3. If you disclose that a regulated health care professional sexually abused or sexually harassed you, the professional must be reported to their regulatory College (e.g., College of Physicians and Surgeons) but your name can be withheld.
4. If disclosure of therapy information is ordered by subpoena or court order.
If you are feeling that you want to end your life, or you are experiencing a crisis, please go immediately to the Emergency Department of your local hospital, call 9-1-1, or contact your family doctor.