Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of psychotherapy is to help you understand and work through personal challenges, and to develop healthier, more effective ways of coping. Your therapist’s role is to listen with care, offer insight, apply evidence-based techniques, and support your growth based on their professional training and experience.

Your role is just as important. Therapy works best when you actively participate by sharing your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and personal history as openly and honestly as possible. A strong therapeutic relationship depends on your commitment to the process, including showing up consistently and working on the goals discussed both in and between sessions.

Change takes effort, but with time and dedication, therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.

The goal of your first session, sometimes called a “consultation,” is to gain a clear understanding of your concerns and to create an appropriate treatment plan. Your therapist may ask questions about your history, current needs, and therapy preferences. In some cases, the initial session may also involve psychological testing or collaboration with other professionals or family members (with your informed consent). Once the session is complete, your therapist will share treatment recommendations with you, and together you will develop a personalized plan moving forward.

No. All therapists at CITC are trained in both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), which complement each other well. CBT techniques can be integrated into IPT sessions and vice versa. At times, one approach may be recommended over the other, for example, CBT for social anxiety or IPT for coping with a recent loss. During your first session, you and your therapist will explore the treatment options together and develop a plan that fits your needs.

While CBT and IPT are at the core of our work, our therapists are also trained in a variety of other evidence-based therapies to ensure your treatment is personalized, flexible, and effective.

The frequency of your therapy appointments is decided during the first few sessions and depends on your individual needs. Typically, after six to eight sessions, you and your therapist will review your progress together. Treatment goals are revisited periodically and may be adjusted as needed to ensure your care remains effective.

It’s important to remember that you remain in full control of the therapy process. You have the right to pause or discontinue treatment at any time, even if your therapist recommends continuing.

Psychological and psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP, but many extended health insurance plans provide partial coverage. Because coverage varies by provider, we encourage you to review your plan for details about:

• Coverage for psychological or psychotherapy services

• Claim procedures and receipt requirements

• Whether a physician’s referral letter is needed

Our fees follow the guidelines set by the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Payment is due at the end of each session, and you will receive a receipt that can be submitted for insurance reimbursement or kept for income tax purposes.

Psychotherapy can be very helpful, but it’s important to know that it can involve both benefits and risks. Because therapy often explores difficult or painful experiences, you may sometimes feel uncomfortable emotions such as sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness. These feelings are a natural part of the healing process and can help lead to meaningful growth and change over time.

If you would like to book a consultation or intake appointment at the Cognitive and Interpersonal Therapy Center call 647-508-2020 or email office@citcassociates.com. You can also book directly online using our Owl Booking System. 

An appointment will be scheduled with one of our therapists who will conduct a comprehensive intake interview and determine the need for psychological treatment. The wait times are approximately 1 week, depending on therapist availability. You can also fill out the referral form here, or ask your family doctor to fill out the referral form.

All services and elements of your client file are securely stored in our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, ensuring complete confidentiality. Our therapists strictly adhere to the ethical and legal standards set by their respective regulatory bodies, including the College of Psychologists of Ontario and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, to maintain the confidentiality of all client information. Without your explicit consent, no details about your therapy sessions will be disclosed to third parties.

However, please note that there are specific circumstances where we are legally obligated to disclose certain information to protect you or the public. These situations will be clearly explained to you during your initial consultation.

For clients engaging in teletherapy, please be assured that all online sessions are conducted on Owl Practice, a HIPAA-compliant and secure platform. Additionally, all client documents and session notes are securely stored on Owl Practice, our encrypted EHR system, further safeguarding your confidentiality.

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists all offer psychotherapy, but their training and licensing requirements vary.

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