What should I expect from my first appointment?
Your first appointment will be an intake appointment, where your therapist will ask you many different questions, including the reasons why you are seeking counselling. This will also be a time for you to share some of your objectives, and ask any questions you might have. The intake appointment will last 1:30. All other appointments will be 50 minutes.
If you are seeking help for your child or youth, the intake appointment will be done with you, the parent. Although child counselling will be done in person, the intake appointment can be done virtually.
Are the sessions virtual or in person?
Stepping Stones Therapy offers both in person and virtual sessions. Child play therapy is offered in the office, located in Brantford, Ontario. For individual counselling, child and adolescent counselling, couple counselling and EMDR therapy, the sessions are offered virtually using a secure platform.
What is your confidentiality policy?
All sessions are confidential, and your information will not communicated to a third party without your written informed consent. Should we require to talk to a third party, you will be asked, if you agree to, to sign a release of information. We may however be legally obligated to disclose information to the appropriate authorities or to a third party if we have reasonable grounds to believe that you or someone else may be in danger.
Confidentiality does also pertain to your child or adolescent. When working with children, we do acknowledge that the parent needs to know certain things that happens in the counselling sessions in order for them to support and help the child at home. Although certain aspects of the treatment will be shared, it is important for the parent to understand that the therapeutic relationship is based on trust, and therefore the therapist will not be sharing with them everything that is said in the session. Informed consent will be explained in detail to both you and your child/teen.
What can therapy help me with?
Life is not always easy, and sometimes we need some help and support in dealing with our feelings or with different life circumstances. Counselling can provide you with a safe, non judgmental environment that allows you to take the first step in your healing process, and help you develop adequate coping strategies. At times, we all need help to overcome some challenges, develop better skills and strengthen our relationship with ourselves and those around us.
At Stepping Stones Therapy, we can help you manage issues like:
- Abuse
- Addiction
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Behavioral issues
- Coping skills
- Depression
- Divorce
- Emotional disturbance
- Family conflicts
- Grief and loss
- Infidelity
- Life transitions
- Marital difficulties
- Parenting
- Peer relationships
- Substance abuse
- School issues
- Self-esteem
- Self-harming
- Trauma and PTSD
Do I need a referral from my family doctor?
No, you do not need a referral from your family doctor. If you are using your benefits to pay for the sessions, you may be require to have a referral from a doctor. Please contact your insurance provider before starting therapy to determine your eligibility to the services.
Can my therapist give me a mental health diagnosis?
A social worker is not allowed to give a mental health diagnosis. If a diagnosis is suspected, your therapist will discuss this with you, and will be able to guide you in the next steps to assess and obtain a diagnosis.