General FAQs

 
 

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, more commonly known as therapy, is a process in which mental health professionals work collaboratively with clients in exploring, understanding and managing a wide range of behavioral and emotional challenges. The goal of a skilled therapist is to create a safe, non-judgmental and welcoming partnership with their clients in which self-exploration and change is possible, leading to healthier and happier relationships with oneself and others.

To learn more about the different types of mental health professionals, psychotherapy approaches, and more, please click here.

How is CICA addressing COVID-19?

Click here for COVID-19 related FAQ’s.

What can I expect from therapy? Do I have to lie on a couch?

The therapeutic process can vary from one individual to the next and often depends on the circumstances/challenges that led you to seeking therapy at this time in your life. Whether you’re struggling with managing a specific stressful situation or are looking to explore connections between your past experiences and their impact on your present-day life (relationships?), our therapists are skilled in “meeting you where you’re at” and will support you in your journey towards achieving your therapeutic goals.

Though our couches are quite comfortable, you absolutely don’t have to lie on them (unless you want to)! Your therapist will typically sit across from you and will engage in a face-to-face conversation. However, some clients may find it more freeing to lie on the couch to help reduce inhibitions and engage in deeper self-reflection without worrying about their therapist’s reactions. Either way, it’s your choice!

How will I know if I’ve picked the right therapist?

We believe that one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes is finding the right fit between therapist and client.  Consequently, we try our best to match our clients with the therapists that they want to work with. Each of our clinicians have their preferred approach to providing therapy, so we encourage you to read their individual profiles and find one that “speaks to you” before scheduling an appointment.

Regardless of the therapist you choose, our goal is always to provide a therapeutic environment that is safe, empathic and non-judgmental, where we focus on collaborating with you as the ultimate expert in your own life!

Some questions you may want to consider asking your therapist are —

  • What is your approach to providing therapy?

  • What is the framework within which you conceptualize your clients’ struggles/challenges? How are these helpful?

What happens in the first session?

It is quite common to be nervous (or excited, as a helpful reframe!) before your first session with a new therapist. The goal of the intake session is for you to get to know your therapist and for them to get to know you (commonly referred to as “building a therapeutic relationship/alliance”). This relationship between you and your therapist will serve as a critical foundation for ongoing self-reflection and processing, that will ultimately facilitate insight, growth and long-lasting change!

Each therapist has their own intake process but you can expect to answer some of the following questions during/after the first session:

  • What is bringing me to therapy at this time?

  • What are some of my goals for therapy?

  • Who do I consider to be my supports when I’m struggling?

  • What have I found to be helpful in previous therapy relationships? What do I wish was different?

How often will I be meeting with my therapist? How long do appointments last?

Every relationship takes time to develop, and the one with your therapist is no different. We strongly recommend that our clients engage in once- or twice-weekly therapy, especially in the beginning of the process, to establish a trusting and meaningful relationship with their therapist. Most clients find that with consistency, it becomes easier to challenge/change unhelpful thought patterns, develop/practice new coping and communication skills and understand/process uncomfortable emotions. Ultimately, the ongoing frequency of sessions is best decided between the client and their therapist.

The intake/first appointment is approximately 60 minutes. Every subsequent appointment is usually either 45 or 55 minutes.

How does confidentiality work?

Sessions with your therapists are private and confidential. There are, however, some limits to this confidentiality, as follows:

  • Serious threat to health or safety of yourself and/or others

  • Ongoing abuse/neglect of a child or minor (reported to Department of Children and Families and/or other appropriate agencies)

  • Ongoing abuse/neglect of an elderly person (reported to Department of Elderly Affairs and/or other appropriate agencies)

  • Ongoing abuse/neglect of a disabled person (reported to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission and/or other appropriate agencies)

  • Judicial Proceedings where your records are being subpoenaed

In order to ensure the best quality of care, your therapists may share information from your sessions with their clinical supervisors and/or CICA’s independent clinical consultants, as is common practice in our field.

Where should I direct my billing-related questions?

Please click here to visit our Billing FAQs page.

I’m still unsure and have other questions…

Please contact us with any additional questions you may have — we’re here to help!