Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • We recommend you start with a free virtual consultation with one of our therapists. This consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss what you hope to address in therapy while also getting to know your potential therapist and their therapeutic approach. This is a pressure free opportunity to ensure you feel confident and comfortable with your chosen practitioner before getting started. See What to Expect for more information regarding the therapy process.

  • New clients are encouraged to book a free virtual consultation or a free telephone consultation with one of our therapists at our booking page, or by emailing our team at hello@asyouarepsychotherapy.ca.

    Current clients are welcome to book their appointments at the end of their sessions, at our booking page, or via email at hello@asyouarepsychotherapy.ca. 

  • If you need to reschedule your appointment with your practitioner, please let us know as soon as possible. We request at least 24 hours notice to reschedule an appointment. The best way to reschedule your appointment is to contact your therapist directly via email or phone. 

    You are also welcome to use the JaneApp portal to reschedule your appointment yourself.

  • At As You Are Psychotherapy & Wellness, we have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation, rescheduling, or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists' day that could have been filled by another client. As such, we require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee at your therapist’s full rate.

  • Our rates are $150 per 50-minute session.

  • At this time, As You Are Psychotherapy and Wellness does not offer direct billing. However, your therapist will provide you with a detailed receipt following each session that you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. We encourage you to check your coverage with your insurance provider prior to beginning therapy.

  • If you don’t feel a connection with your therapist, that’s okay! It's important to address this early on to ensure you receive the most effective support. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for the success of therapy, as it directly impacts how comfortable and understood you feel during sessions. We do recommend trying 2-3 sessions with your therapist, and if it does not feel like the right fit for you, we are happy to provide you with a referral for a therapist who you might click better with!

  • No, we are not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, please contact 9-1-1 or call one of these crisis lines immediately. 

    9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline 

    905-972-8338: COAST, http://coasthamilton.ca/, Crisis Outreach and Support Team Hamilton

    See Resources down below for more emergency support resources

Perinatal

  • Symptoms Therapy Can Address
    Therapy can help with a wide range of symptoms, including:

    • Anxiety and panic

    • Persistent sadness or rage

    • Feelings of disconnection

    • Intrusive thoughts

    • Overwhelm and fatigue

    • Guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

    • Frustration and more


    Causes of Perinatal Mood Disorders
    Various factors can contribute to the onset of perinatal mood disorders, including:

    • Life stress and traumatic experiences (e.g., birth or reproductive trauma)

    • Societal pressures and expectations

    • A lack of physical and emotional support

    • Hormonal changes

  • Understanding the types of perinatal mood disorders can help you identify what you might be experiencing:

    • Perinatal Depression: Includes sadness and emptiness, and may also involve rage and disconnection

    • Perinatal Anxiety: Commonly associated with persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, and physical symptoms like sleeplessness

    • Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves obsessive thoughts, fears of harming the baby, and compulsive behaviours to alleviate anxiety

    • Postpartum Psychosis: Severe symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and manic episodes

    • Postpartum PTSD: Commonly associated with distressing thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the birth, pre-pregnancy, or pregnancy experience

    • Birth Trauma: A personal experience of trauma related to childbirth

    • Reproductive Trauma: A personal experience of trauma related to the process of aspiring to or achieving parenthood