Please note that this information is given only as an indication and is to be reconfirmed with your psychologist during the first sessions.
What is being done with respect to the COVID-19 virus?
Many adjustments have been made since the beginning of the pandemic so that face-to-face consultations can proceed safely, in accordance with the requirements of health authorities.
Thus, the offices are cleaned and ventilated between each consultation by the psychologist. At the end of the day, cleaning services are responsible for disinfecting offices and common areas thoroughly. Hydroalcoholic gel is provided free of charge to clients. Wearing a mask is mandatory in the building but can be removed once seated in the office (to be discussed with your psychologist). Finally, the premises have been redesigned to allow the maintenance of a regulatory distance of 2m between the psychologist and his client.
What is a psychotherapy approach and what are the most common approaches available? (Source: OPQ)
In the field of psychotherapy, there are different schools of thought, called “theoretical approaches” and which model the practice of psychotherapy. There are four main ones which determine the conception and practice of psychotherapy. Most psychotherapists use more than one approach, or techniques drawn from different approaches.
In the Cognitive-Behavioural approach, psychological difficulties considered to be related to unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. In psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioural psychotherapists use various techniques and strategies to help their clients to modify their behaviours, thoughts, and emotions.
For the proponents of the Existential-Humanist orientation, human beings have within themselves what they need to realize their potential. Humanist psychotherapists work on the present moment, on their clients’ ability to take stock of their current difficulties, understand them, and change their ways of being or acting. They help their clients believe in their own potential and make changes in their own lives.
Strongly influenced by psychoanalysis and the concept of the unconscious, the Psychodynamic-Analytical approach draws connections between clients’ present difficulties, their past experiences, and repressed and unresolved conflicts in their personal histories. Clients are led over time to become aware of the influence of these conflicts on their current functioning, in order to understand them and gradually break free of their influence.
In the Systemic-Interactional approach, personal problems are thought of as arising and continuing as a result of the interactions between people and those around them (family, friends, colleagues, etc.). The goal of systemic-interactional therapy is to modify the relationships between clients and those in their lives. Often, this will involve meetings between the psychotherapist and important people in the client’s life.
To these 4 major currents of thought are added many other ways of practicing such as EMDR, hypnosis, the solution-centered approach, emotion-centered therapy (EFT), play therapy, mindfulness, etc.
In fact, most psychologists use different approaches in their practice to meet the client’s needs in an individualized way.
How long does a psychotherapy session last?
Sessions usually last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. However, some approaches sometimes require one-and-a-half hour meetings.
How often do therapy sessions take place?
Most of the time the meetings take place once a week. However, this decision depends on each person and is made according to different factors (reason for consultation, respective availability, financial aspect, etc.). In addition, the choice of frequency is made in collaboration and should be discussed with your psychologist.
How much does a session cost?
On average, costs range from $90 to $130 for an individual psychotherapy session. These costs may be covered by your insurance. They are also tax deductible.
How long does psychotherapy last?
Again, the answer is different for everyone. Some psychologists do more short-term work while others offer more in-depth follow-ups. This depends on the reason for the consultation, the psychologist’s approach but also on certain external constraints (financial, accessibility, etc.).
Do you accept third-party-payer mandates?
Some psychologists accept third-party-payer mandates such as IVAC, SAAQ, CNESST or Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). This is shown on their personal listing available under the “Team” tab.
Are the offices accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The building is equipped with an elevator and access to the office is possible for people with reduced mobility.