Frequently Asked Questions

General Therapy Questions

When you choose Made to Heal Therapy Group, you’re not just signing up for therapy; you’re entering a supportive partnership dedicated to your well-being. We believe that a strong connection with your therapist is key to effective healing, which is why we offer free, thoughtful consultations and assessments to ensure we match you with the perfect fit. Your journey with us extends beyond individual sessions; you become part of the Made to Heal community, where ongoing support is always available—simply reach out with any questions or needs. We’re committed to your long-term growth and are always here to welcome back returning clients, celebrating every step as you discover your truest self.

If you’re wondering whether psychotherapy sessions are right for you, consider this: many people find profound benefits from having a dedicated space to explore their thoughts and feelings with an objective, compassionate professional. Whether you’re navigating significant life changes, struggling with persistent stress or anxiety, or simply seeking to understand yourself better and foster personal growth, therapy can provide invaluable tools and insights. It’s a proactive step towards enhancing your emotional well-being, improving relationships, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and create meaningful, lasting change, then psychotherapy sessions could be exactly what you need.

Before starting any treatment at Made to Heal, we begin with a General Intake Assessment ($150). This 60-75 minute session is a comprehensive deep dive into your history and goals. It allows us to build a secure foundation and ensure that the path we choose—whether individual or group—is the most effective fit for your healing.

For Group Therapy: This assessment is a required first step. It allows us to ensure the group dynamic is appropriate for your current needs or if individual therapy would be a more supportive starting point.

For Couples & Family Counseling: While not mandatory, we highly recommend an individual assessment for each participant prior to meeting together. These private conversations allow your therapist to understand each person’s unique perspective, leading to more balances and productive joint sessions.

Individual Psychotherapy: $80-$180

Our fees reflect the diverse expertise of our team, fro Masters students and Qualifying Registered Psychotherapists (working under rigorous supervision) to our Senior Registered Therapists. During your intake, we will match you with a clinician who fits both your clinical journey and your budget.

Couples & Family Counseling: $250 per 60-minute session

Facilitated by a Senior Therapist with over 10 years of experience in family systems and relational dynamics.

Group Psychotherapist: $600 for an 8-week program

An intentional, 8-week journey consisting of 90-minute weekly sessions. This flat rate covers the full-program, ensuring a consistent and committed “container” for all members.

Psychotherapy For Veterans, Active Duty Members & Family

We’re proud to share that all active service members, veterans, and their family members are directly covered under Blue Cross. If you have an extended benefits program, it’s likely our services are covered; we recommend inquiring directly with your insurance provider for details.

Therapy provided by Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers is not covered by OHIP (unless the therapist is also an MD or psychiatrist). However, fees may be covered by a workplace or privately held insurance plan. Please check with your plan provider for further clarification.  However the majority of insurance plans cover psychotherapy services, we always recommend reaching out to your provider to inquire about the specifics so there are no surprises when you are submitting a claim. 

In psychotherapy, an integrative approach means that the therapist doesn’t strictly adhere to one single school of thought or theoretical model. Instead, they draw upon and combine elements, techniques, and concepts from various different therapeutic approaches to create a customized and holistic treatment plan for each individual client.

Here’s a breakdown of what that entails:

  • Tailored to the Client: The core idea is that no single therapy approach is a one-size-fits-all solution. An integrative therapist recognizes that each client is unique, with different needs, preferences, life experiences, and presenting issues. They adapt their methods to best suit the individual, rather than trying to fit the client into a rigid theoretical framework.
  • Drawing from Diverse Modalities: An integrative therapist might utilize techniques from various proven therapies, such as:
    • Psychodynamic therapy: Exploring past experiences, unconscious patterns, and early relationships.
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focusing on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
    • New wave therapies such as EMDR and Somatic Therapy
    • Humanistic therapies (like Existential or Person-Centered): Emphasizing self-discovery, personal growth, meaning-making, and the client’s inherent potential.
    • Mindfulness-based techniques: Promoting present moment awareness and acceptance.
    • Systems theory: Understanding how an individual is influenced by their family and other social systems.
    • And many more, depending on the therapist’s training and the client’s needs.
  • Beyond Techniques: It’s not just about picking and choosing techniques randomly. A truly integrative approach often involves a deeper understanding of why certain techniques work and how they can be cohesively woven together. It also emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance (the relationship between the therapist and client) as a common factor for positive change across all therapies.
  • Holistic Perspective: Integrative therapy often takes a holistic view of the person, considering not just psychological symptoms but also emotional, behavioral, physiological, social, and even spiritual aspects of their well-being.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: An integrative therapist is flexible in their approach, constantly assessing what is working for the client and being ready to adjust strategies as needed throughout the therapeutic process.

In essence, an integrative approach is about providing comprehensive, personalized, and effective therapy by creatively and thoughtfully combining the best tools and insights from the broad landscape of psychotherapy.

The regulation of psychotherapy in Ontario falls under the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) [link to CRPO website], which oversees the practice of psychotherapy in Ontario and ensures that practitioners meet the necessary standards of competence and ethics. An individual must be registered with the CRPO in order to use the protected title Registered Psychotherapist.

In addition to Registered Psychotherapists, several other regulated health professionals in Ontario are authorized to provide psychotherapy within their scope of practice: psychologists, physicians (including psychiatrists), nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers.

Every MTH therapist is a member in good standing of a regulatory body, and has demonstrated competence in their field.

Yes. Confidentiality is critical to the process. There are, however, some circumstances in which a therapist is legally obliged to breach confidentiality (for example imminent risk of self-harm or harm to another), and these should be covered as part of an initial intake when you begin therapy.

Our therapists are each bound by the code of ethics of their regulatory body. Do not hesitate to discuss your confidentiality concerns with your therapist.

While psychotherapy has proven to be incredibly effective for a wide range of individuals and concerns, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effectiveness can vary. Research consistently shows that a large percentage of people who engage in psychotherapy experience significant symptom relief and improved functioning. However, several factors influence whether psychotherapy will be effective for a given individual.  First and foremost the therapeutic connection cannot be understated, I have full faith in my selected a team of dedicated therapists, however every now and then it may not be a right fit, that’s why you are always encouraged to reach out to your referral specialist to let them know how it’s going and if you would like to be matched with someone else.   The second most important factor in successful therapeutic outcomes is client engagement, at the end of the day all you need to do is show and we will meet you where you are, because it’s so much easier to move forward together. 

How do I know if it’s time for me to seek therapy?  Deciding to see a therapist is a highly personal choice, and you don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Often, people seek therapy when they notice that their usual coping strategies aren’t working, or when difficulties start to significantly impact their daily life and relationships.

Here are some common signs that might suggest therapy could be helpful:

  • Persistent emotional distress: You’re experiencing ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, hopelessness, or irritability that don’t seem to go away or are disproportionate to the situation.
  • Difficulty managing emotions: You find yourself easily overwhelmed, have intense mood swings, or struggle to regulate your emotional responses.
  • Changes in daily functioning: You notice a decline in your performance at work or school, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little), or significant shifts in appetite or weight.
  • Relationship problems: You’re frequently experiencing conflict with loved ones, withdrawing from social interactions, or feeling disconnected from others.
  • Unhealthy coping mechanisms: You’re relying on alcohol, drugs, excessive eating, or other unhealthy behaviours to deal with stress or uncomfortable feelings.
  • Major life transitions or trauma: You’re struggling to cope with a significant life event like a loss, divorce, job change, or past traumatic experiences.
  • Physical symptoms with no medical explanation: You have chronic headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints that your doctor can’t find a medical cause for, as these can sometimes be linked to stress or emotional distress.
  • Feeling “stuck” or unfulfilled: You sense that something is “off” in your life, you’re not living up to your potential, or you’re simply looking for tools for personal growth and self-discovery.
  • Loved ones express concern: Sometimes, the people closest to us notice changes before we do. If friends or family are expressing worry about your well-being, it’s worth considering their observations.

Ultimately, if you’re wondering if therapy is right for you, it often is. It’s a proactive step towards better understanding yourself, developing healthier coping skills, and improving your overall well-being.

If you have any questions regarding our practice or therapy in general please do not hesitate to contact us.