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Information and Frequently Asked Questions I'm in crisis. What should I do? If you are in immediate crisis or danger, please do not call me. I may not be available to assist you immediately. If you or someone you know is in physical danger, call 911. You can also go to your nearest Hospital Emergency Room. If you are not in immediate danger, but require the support of a mental health crisis worker, please contact the following phone numbers. 24/7. Toronto Distress Centre - 416-408-4357 Gerstein Centre Distress Hotline - 416-597-8808 Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868 What's the best way of getting in touch with you? If you're new to my services, I encourage you to call for a free phone consult. Existing clients can call, text or email me. If I miss your call, I will try to return it within 24 hours. Emails should be returned within 24 hours. Your background is social work. Are you an RSW (Registered Social Worker)? Yes. As of October 2015, I am a registered member (an RSW) of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and I currently adhere under their codes and regulations. I am a member of the Canadian Association of Psychodynamic Therapists (CAPT) Are you covered under most workplace benefit insurance policies? Many workplace insurers offer coverage for psychotherapy services from an RSW, so yes! However, some insurers require that practitioner to have a graduate degree in social work (an MSW). At this time, I possess a BSW, with an MSW pending completion in October 2016. Please check with your insurer regarding any details around whether your RSW benefits require the services of an MSW or not. Do you give receipts? Yes, by request. Please let me know in advance if you require a receipt. What kind of payment do you accept? I only accept cash, certified prepaid money orders and certified cheques. No other methods of payment are accepted at this time. Payment is received upon the completion of the session. What ages do you work with? At this time, all clients I see are 16 years of age and older. Do you provide a sliding scale? At any given time, I operate 2 sliding scale spots: 1 is available for full-time post-secondary university/college students; 1 is for individuals accessing financial support through Employment Insurance, Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Assistance Program. These spots are $30/hour and must be paid by cash. Sliding scale fees must be agreed upon prior to the commencement of services. Please speak to me before your first session. Is your office accessible? While it is a beautiful office, it unfortunately is not barrier-free. There are four steps going up to the front door. The area near the office door is off the kitchen, and is also pretty narrow. The client bathroom is on the second floor and is only accessible by stairs. Do you only work with Indigenous clients? No. I work with everyone. One of the great joys of living in Toronto is being able to meet people of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds! What can I expect in my first session with you? Warmth. Support. A time to get to know one-another. Every client is different. Some clients prefer to talk, whereas others may want to jump right into "the work" with art, body work or experiential play. Some like both. In our first sessions, I will ask you some questions about your life for the purpose of intake. This gives me a "snapshot" picture of what your working through in your life right now. A Limits of Confidentiality form is also signed, which I will speak about with you further in-session. Does an Aboriginal Approach to Psychotherapy mean you use smudging/drumming/ceremonies, etc. in your sessions? Many mental health professionals within the Indigenous community, as well as Healers, Elders and community members, make use of sacred medicines, drumming, song, prayer, etc. during their sessions. While I do have access to my bundle (a collection of sacred and ceremonial items) during our session, I do not always use them, especially if a client is not interested. An Aboriginal approach to psychotherapy can make use of bundle items, but it doesn't necessarily have to; the approach speaks more to the way in which a therapist works with the client from a cultural, wholistic, intrasubjective and relational way. If clients want further teachings and cultural support, I encourage them to access the wonderful First Nations, Inuit and Métis Traditional People who work in Toronto. The Dodem Kanonsha is open to the public for anyone to meet and consult with a traditional Elder or Healer. Native clients can access cultural and spiritual support through Anishnawbe Health of Toronto. Purification lodges (sweatlodges), pipe ceremonies, naming ceremonies, etc. are conducted by community-appointed Elders and Healers. I do not provide, facilitate or organize these kinds of ceremonies. What kind of experience do you have? With nearly a decade of experience in working as a service coordinator, program facilitator and counselor, I have been able to support clients through a variety of issues. Including:
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