Frequently Asked Questions
About Psychotherapy

You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek support simply because life feels overwhelming, they feel stuck, or they want to understand themselves more deeply. Therapy provides a compassionate space to pause, reflect, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, it's an investment in your mental health and overall well-being.

Every person's experience with therapy is unique. The first sessions focus on getting to know you, your story, your strengths, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve. Together, we'll create a treatment plan that reflects your goals and adjusts as your needs evolve.Therapy is collaborative. While meaningful change happens during our sessions, you'll also learn practical tools and strategies that you can continue using in your everyday life to support long-term growth and well-being.

In-person psychotherapy sessions are offered at 56 Prospect Street in Newmarket, Ontario, through our clinical partnership with The Mental Health Studio. The office offers free on-site parking and is within walking distance of the Newmarket GO Train station. Please note that the office is located on the second floor and is accessible by stairs only.

Yes. North Shore Psychotherapy Clinic offers virtual psychotherapy for clients across Ontario, alongside in-person appointments at our Newmarket office. Online sessions provide a convenient option for those who prefer to access therapy from another location.

Yes. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer your questions, learn more about what you're looking for, and help determine whether working together would be a good fit.

We draw from evidence-based approaches and tailor therapy to your unique needs, goals, and preferences. Together, we'll determine which approaches best support your healing and growth.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)A practical, evidence-based approach that explores the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. CBT helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier perspectives, and build effective coping skills.Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)An evidence-based therapy that teaches skills to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and respond to life's challenges with greater balance and confidence.Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)An evidence-based approach that helps the brain process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences that continue to affect the present. EMDR reduces emotional distress, shifts unhelpful beliefs, and helps you move forward with greater resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.Attachment-Based TherapyAn evidence-based approach that explores how early relationships shape the way you see yourself and connect with others. Attachment-Based Therapy helps strengthen emotional security, build healthier relationships, and foster greater self-understanding.Internal Family Systems (IFS)An evidence-based, compassionate approach that helps you understand and work with the different parts of yourself. IFS promotes healing by reducing inner conflict, strengthening self-awareness, and helping you respond to yourself with greater confidence and self-compassion.Family Systems TherapyFocuses on how family dynamics and relationship patterns influence emotions, behaviours, and communication. This approach promotes healthier interactions, stronger relationships, and greater understanding.Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT / Tapping)Combines gentle tapping on acupressure points with focused attention to help calm the nervous system, reduce emotional distress, and increase emotional regulation.Somatic TherapyA body-based approach that recognizes how stress and trauma are held in the nervous system. Somatic Therapy helps regulate the nervous system, increase body awareness, and restore a greater sense of safety and connection.

Research consistently shows that one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. Built on trust, empathy, collaboration, and respect, the therapeutic relationship creates a safe foundation where healing, self-discovery, and meaningful change can unfold.

All three professionals support mental health, but their roles are different.Psychotherapists provide evidence-based talk therapy to help individuals improve their mental health, develop coping skills, and create meaningful change.Psychologists provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy but do not prescribe medication in Ontario.Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and may also provide psychotherapy.

Session FeeIndividual Psychotherapy (50 minutes): $180Sessions are available in person in Newmarket and virtually for clients throughout Ontario.Payment is accepted by e-transfer or credit card at the end of each session. A receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement.Insurance CoverageServices provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) are covered by many extended health benefit plans. Coverage varies by provider and policy.Before your first appointment, consider asking your insurance provider:- Do I have coverage for a Registered Psychotherapist (RP)?- What is my annual coverage amount?- Is there a per-session maximum?- Do I need a physician's referral?

We understand that unexpected situations arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule, we kindly ask for 48 hours' notice. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice, or missed appointments, are subject to the full session fee. This policy allows us to offer appointment times to other individuals seeking care.

Your privacy is important. Everything discussed in therapy is kept confidential and protected by professional and legal standards. Before beginning therapy, we'll review informed consent together so you understand how your information is protected.There are a few rare exceptions where we may be required to break confidentiality, such as when there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else, concerns about the abuse or neglect of a child, or when disclosure is required by law. If one of these situations arises, we will discuss it with you whenever possible.