Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is psychotherapy?

 

Psychotherapy is a collaborative, supportive process where you explore your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and experiences with a trained mental health professional. It helps you develop insight, self-awareness, build coping skills, and expand your mental health resources.

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How can psychotherapy help me?

 

Psychotherapy help you:

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- Understand your emotions

- Reduce anxiety and stress

- Improve boundaries and communication

- Develop coping strategies

- Process difficult experiences

- Improve relationships

- Increase self-awareness and self-esteem

- Navigate life transitions

- Regulate emotions more effectively

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Everyone's goals are different, and therapy is tailored to your unique needs.

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What happens in a therapy session?

 

Sessions​ usually involve:

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- Discussing your concerns

- Reflecting on patterns or feelings

- Learning copings skills

- Exploring thoughts, emotions, and behaviours

- Working on goals set together

- Making sense of experiences in a safe, non-judgemental space

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You guide the pace, there's no pressure to share anything before you're ready.

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How do I know if therapy is right for me?

 

Therapy can help if you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, confused, anxious, stressed, or simply want personal growth. Some clients seek therapy during transitions; others come to understand themselves better. If you're unsure, a consultation session can help you decide.

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What age group does Umi Psychotherapy work with?

 

Umi Psychotherapy provides psychotherapy for youth (13+), teens, and adults across Ontario.

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What therapeutic approaches does Umi Psychotherapy use?

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At Umi Psychotherapy, therapy integrates several evidence-based approaches for anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and relationship challenges. Each approach may be used individually or combined depending on your needs, goals, and therapeutic process.

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Therapeutic approaches may include:

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• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – supporting values-based living, acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions, and greater psychological flexibility

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety, stress, and emotional distress

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps individuals process traumatic experiences by examining beliefs such as self-blame, guilt, or feelings of danger

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – developing skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) – helping individuals understand, process, and transform emotional experiences in a supportive therapeutic environment

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) – exploring different “parts” of the self to foster self-compassion, healing, and internal balance

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches – increasing present-moment awareness and supporting nervous system regulation to reduce anxiety and stress

• Narrative Therapy – separating individuals from their problems and exploring personal stories, identity, and meaning

• Strengths-Based Counselling – focusing on resilience, personal strengths, and existing coping capacities

• Relational Psychotherapy – using the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for healing, insight, and personal growth

 

Therapy at Umi Psychotherapy is collaborative, personalized, and tailored to your needs, supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm.

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Is psychotherapy confidential?

 

Yes! Everything you share is confidential unless there's a legal or safety requirement to break confidentiality (i.e., risk of harm, court order, or mandated reporting). We review this clearly during your first session.

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What should I expect in the first session?

 

The first session is gentle and introductory. We will:

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- Talk about your reasons for seeking therapy

- Discuss your goals

- Review confidentiality

- Explore what's been difficult

- Begin to develop a treatment plan

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It's a chance for you to ask questions and get comfortable.

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How often do sessions occur?

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Most clients attend weekly or biweekly, depending on their needs. Frequency can change over time as you make progress or your goals shift.

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How long does therapy last?

 

It varies. Some clients attend for a short time to focus on specific goals, while others prefer longer-term work. We decide this collaboratively as therapy evolves.

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Does Umi Psychotherapy offer both in-person and virtual sessions?

 

Yes!

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In-person sessions are available in Markham, Ontario at The Curators Hub and Mississauga, Ontario at Nurturing Wellness.

Virtual sessions are offered across Ontario, Canada using a secure, PHIPA-compliant platform.

 

I don't live in Ontario, can I still book a session?​

It depends on your location!

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Virtual psychotherapy is available for clients located in Ontario and in Canadian provinces where psychotherapy is not currently regulated. Clients must be physically located in an eligible jurisdiction at the time of session. If you are unsure whether I can work with you from your location, please reach out to maryjoy@umipsychohtherapy.com before booking.

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Do you offer direct billing to insurance?

 

Yes and no! Umi Psychotherapy provides direct billing for Sun Life insurance and is unable to provide direct billing to other insurance companies. Any insurance companies other than Sun Life insurance will be self-pay and provided a receipt after each session.

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Do you offer receipts for insurance?

 

Yes! Receipts include the therapist's title, registration number, session date, and service provided. Many extended health plans cover psychotherapy, clients are encouraged to verify their coverage directly with their insurance company.

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Do I need a referral?

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No! You can begin therapy at any time, no referral is needed.

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I've never done therapy before. Is that okay?

 

Absolutely! Many clients are new to therapy. Umi Psychotherapy will guide the process, help you feel comfortable, and move at a pace that feels safe for you.