ELPI PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered.
Q: How do I know I am ready for therapy ?
A: Everyone is different and everyone seeks out therapy for various reasons. Some may include, but are not limited to, struggles with mood, overwhelming thoughts, life changes, grief or loss, identity exploration, relationships, learning new coping strategies...you name it! Every symptom, concern or problem is worthy of therapy. What is important to reflect on, as a prospective client, is how ready you feel to start talking about and working through these issues - some people may take longer than others to reach a place in their healing where they feel ready-enough to address painful topics. If you feel ready in this aspect, this may be a sign you are ready to begin therapy. If you find yourself in the middle, you are encouraged to get more information on your own therapeutic goals, the potential therapist and if the fit feels right. You are also encouraged to try out one session, before committing to any more. No pressure.
Q: Reasons why someone would seek out therapy?
A: A major factor that would encourage one to consider therapy is a feeling of losing control over one's life; feeling like one does not have control over their feelings, emotions, thoughts and/or behaviours. Further, wanting to gain more clarity on a few aspects of life, receive validation in a safe, non-judgemental space and receive feedback on ways one can start to restore a sense of control and autonomy, through a healthy therapeutic alliance. There is no issue too small for therapy and all matters deserve equal respect and time to grow through.
Q: How frequent should sessions be?
A: The frequency of sessions depend on a few factors: therapeutic goals/needs, location and/or commute, scheduling availability, client's work schedule, financial constraint, client's comfort level and therapist's feedback and recommendations. Every situation is different and both the therapist and client collaboratively map out an intervention plan during the initial session, where frequency of sessions is addressed.
Q: What are the benefits and risks of therapy?
A: Risks may include experiencing uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness and/or helplessness. Feeling more vulnerable, less emotionally stable or triggered after difficult sessions can sometime occur. The process of therapy often requires discussing unpleasant aspects of a client’s life, and therefore may stir up corresponding emotions.
Additionally, therapy has been shown to have benefits for individuals who do participate and work through their unpleasant thoughts, emotions and feelings as therapy often leads to a significant reduction in feelings such as: distress, increased satisfaction in interpersonal relationships, greater personal awareness and insight, improved stress management skills, and resolution of specific problems. In order to foster healing and growth throughout one's therapeutic journey, therapy requires an active effort from both the client and therapist. Clients are expected to work on things outside of sessions that compliments their work done within sessions.
Q: Does the clinic offer diagnostic or psychological assessment services?
A: No, not at this time. If a client wishes to receive such services, a referral to an appropriate practice or licensed professional may be made.
Q: What if I don't have a particular therapy goal/not sure what to address in sessions?
A: It is common for some individuals who wish to begin therapy to not know exactly what they would like to work on. Typically, after a general background history has been collected during the initial session, therapist and client collaboratively discuss and evaluate areas of the client's life that would benefit from improvement. A therapeutic/intervention plan is then implemented, moving forward. Additionally, some individuals appreciate monthly or bi-monthly "mental health check-ins" where relevant themes are unpacked, on an as-needed basis.
Q: What do I need to have prepared for an initial session?
A: Before an initial session, it is the client's responsibility to have reviewed and filled out the relevant consent form(s) and intake package that will be emailed to them, at the time of registration. Any other requests would be communicated by our office.
Q: What if I am feeling nervous before the initial session?
A: Feelings of anxiety, nervousness and overwhelm are common before an initial session. During the preparation for the session, some individuals have found it helpful to participate in self-care and self-soothing practices such as grounding, breathing and other relaxation techniques. Reflecting on the uncomfortable feelings and thoughts can also be helpful as these are always encouraged to be discussed at the initial session; this can foster more conversation between the client and therapist on ways to make the therapy experience more comfortable as rapport is built. Further, reminding yourself that anytime we try something new, that is outside of our comfort zone, can evoke such a response - and that is perfectly okay.
Q: Are invoices directly billed to third-party insurance?
A: The clinic does not offer direct-billing services to third-party insurance at this time. It is the client's responsibility to submit invoices and relevant paperwork to their insurance companies. Invoices and receipts are emailed to clients, once payments are processed. Additionally, clients are able to access their personal information, session history and invoices on the Owl Client Portal.
Q: What if I am not comfortable working with a particular therapist after the initial session?
A: Individuals are never coerced or expected to work with a therapist they do not 'fit' with. Referrals can be made to other licensed professionals, that can better meet an individual's needs.
Q: Can the same therapist see me and my partner for couples therapy? Family therapy?
A: It is not recommended that the same therapist treats an individual and their family/partner at the same time. If an already existing client is interested in seeking out family or couples therapy, an appropriate referral would be made to another licensed professional.
Q: What policies exist around appointments and cancellations?
A: Appointments are 60 minutes in duration. Clients are responsible for arriving on time. If clients are late, appointments will still need to end on time. If a session needs to be cancelled or rescheduled, it is the client's responsibility to provide a 24-hour notice. If a session is missed without canceling, or canceled with less than a 24-hour notice, a full fee amount will be charged. Time permitting, the appointment will be rescheduled.
Q: What if I need to speak to someone in-between sessions?
A: If you are in crisis or need immediate support, contact local police (dial 911) or visit your nearest hospital emergency room. Other emergency services include:
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24/7 Helpline: 1800.567.3334
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Telehealth Saskatchewan 306.751.0397, or 211 in Sask.
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Saskatchewan Health, 811
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Suicide Hotline: 1800.784.2433
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Kid's Help Phone: 1800.668.6868
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Farm Stress Line: 1800.667.4442
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Hope for Wellness: First Nation Support: 1855.242.3310
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Please kindly note that Elpi Psychology Clinic does not offer after-hours, emergency support or services.
Q: What are ways I can get the most out of my therapy sessions?
A: A lot of information can be discussed and covered throughout sessions, here are a few tips to help retention in-between sessions and perhaps once therapy has ended:
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continue to carve out time, in your own schedule, for self-reflection and check-ins
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use self-paced workbooks or worksheets that are relevant to your therapy goals
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keep, and regularly maintain, a list of effective coping strategies and tools that are helpful to you
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make and effort to incorporate new insights and tools into your everyday lifestyle and practice
Q: How do I pay for a session?
A: Payments are made after every session, whether in person or virtual.
In person, the client will have the option to pay with credit card, debit, cash, cheque or e-transfer. Online clients have the option to pay online using the Make a Payment tab.
Q: Why are client-therapist boundaries important?
A: Healthy boundaries between client and therapist ensure that sessions are safe and respectful for both the client and clinician. Therapist boundaries are discussed during the intake session.
Q: What are the limits to confidentiality?
A: All matters shared in session are considered confidential, and will not be shared with any other party without your written consent to do so. Exceptions to this policy include: if a client intends to harm him or herself, harm someone else, or if the client is aware of any potential harm to a minor or elder person. Should any of these circumstances occur, the therapist will be obligated to take action to prevent that from happening, which may require a breach of confidentiality. The therapist may also be required to disclose confidential information if there is a court order in place, or any other legal mandate.