You can call our office manager, Lori Ferguson at our main reception line: 519-265-6960 or e-mail her at [email protected]. You can also fill out the electronic form under the "Contact Us" tab. Feel free to specify if you have a preference for a therapist. You will find information about each therapist under the "About Us" tab and the "Therapist Finder" tab. If you are unsure which clinician you would like to see, Lori can suggest which therapist would match your individual requirements.

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, relationship issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Some of the specific benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing old behaviour patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or relationship
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journalling on specific topics, noting particular behaviours, or taking action on your goals.

Therapy and medication can both be helpful parts of recovery. Therapy is particularly useful at addressing the cause of our distress and the behaviour patterns that curb our progress. Achieving sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being often requires an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office (with the exception of certain circumstances, as explained below). Your therapist will provide a written copy of the confidential disclosure agreement as well as the terms of service, so that you will be fully informed. This is called “Informed Consent”.

Sometimes, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (e.g., your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney). Your therapist will obtain your written permission to release this information.

It is also important to note that there are exceptions to confidentiality. Law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

If there is disclosure (or it becomes evident) that a client is at risk of hurting themselves or others.

If there is disclosure that a child has been, or is at risk of being physically, sexually or emotionally abused or neglected, or has been a witness to violence in the home.

If there is disclosure that there has been sexual abuse by a regulated health professional.

If the therapist is mandated (subpoenaed) by a court to disclose information.

If there is a report of abuse or neglect of residents living in Long Term Care Facilities or Retirement Homes.

If there is a random audit of your records by the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

No, you do not need a referral to be seen at Guelph Psychology Centre. However, some extended health benefits providers require that you obtain a referral from your family doctor in order to be reimbursed for psychological services.

No, services of psychologists, psychological associates and psychotherapists are not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health benefit plans do offer some yearly coverage for Psychologists, Psychological Associates, or Psychotherapists. Check your coverage carefully.

Some helpful questions you can ask your insurance company are:

What are my yearly benefits for Psychologists or Psychotherapists?

What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

Is a referral required from my primary care physician?

Each associate at GPC sets their fees in accordance with the published fee schedule of the provincial association of their discipline. You can discuss fees directly with your clinician before you schedule an appointment.

During the initial session, you can expect to discuss the issue(s) for which you are seeking help as well as some other pertinent information about your life circumstances and family history. You may also be asked to fill out some questionnaires as part of your first appointment.

Individual Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes in length. Couples Therapy sessions may be longer in duration. The duration of Assessment sessions may also vary in length. Check with your therapist before your appointment.

We require 24 hours notice for cancellations (or at least one business day). Appointments that are missed or canceled with less than 24 hours notice are subject to fees - typically, the full session rate. However, in cases of emergency or severe illness, no charges will apply. Please speak directly to your therapist/clinician in order to clarify any fees that may apply to missed sessions.

We are not a crisis service organization. However, there are crisis services available around the clock in our community through Here 24/7. They can be reached at 1-844-437-3247 (1-844-HERE-247). Or, you can call 911 or go to the emergency room of your local hospital.

There is free parking at the building, with many spots available.