Therapy FAQ
Michele Wolf RP Collingwood Psychotherapy

Yes, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before we begin. It's a chance for you to ask questions, get a sense of how I work, and find out whether this feels like the right fit. There's no obligation and no pressure. Reach out through the contact form and we'll find a time.

I work with women who want to understand themselves more deeply and find steadiness through life's changes and challenges. You might be navigating stress, self-doubt, or a sense of disconnection that's hard to name. It's easy to minimize your struggles or tell yourself they're "not serious enough." But pain is pain. You matter and what you're carrying matters. You don't have to hold it all alone.

I offer a supportive, quiet space for women through individual psychotherapy or through small-group offerings.Personal 1:1 sessions give us the room to dive deep into your unique story while the women's programs offered in A Journey of Wholeness bring together reflection, connection and creative expression.Both paths offer a thoughtful space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and hold room for wherever you are standing right now without pressure or expectation.Read more about A Journey of Wholeness women's programs.

Sessions take place online via secure video or by phone, whichever feels more comfortable for you. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of being able to switch between the two depending on the day. All you need is a private space where you can speak freely.

Most private health insurance plans in Ontario cover services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). I recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your annual coverage allotment.Additionally, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recognizes psychotherapy as an eligible medical expense, allowing you to claim your receipts on your personal income tax return.You will receive an official receipt after each session to submit for insurance reimbursement or tax purposes.

If you're paying out of pocket, psychotherapy fees with a Registered Psychotherapist qualify as a medical expense for CRA purposes and can be claimed on your tax return. Keep your receipts as they'll have all the information you need.

Sessions are $180. Psychotherapy fees with a Registered Psychotherapist also qualify as a medical expense for CRA purposes, so if you're paying privately you can claim them on your tax return. If you have extended health benefits, many plans cover psychotherapy. Check for "psychotherapy" or "registered psychotherapist" in your plan details and submit your receipt directly for reimbursement.

You're welcome to reach out on your own. A referral isn't needed to begin. I do, however, also accept referrals from physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health or wellness professionals.

The first session is a chance for me to understand what's brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to get from it. There's no pressure to have everything figured out before we begin. We'll talk, I'll ask some questions, and by the end we'll have a clearer sense of how to move forward together.

Yes, everything you share in our sessions is confidential. I'm bound by the ethical guidelines of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, which means your information is never shared without your consent. There are a small number of legal exceptions to confidentiality, for example if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, which is outlined in the Consent & Policies form. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to explain these.

There's no single answer as it depends on what you're bringing, what you're hoping for, and how the work unfolds. Some people come for a focused period of a few months. Others find value in longer-term work. We can talk about this in sessions and revisit it as we go. Therapy isn't open-ended by default — it moves at a pace that makes sense for you.

Therapy can help with a wide range of experiences — anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, grief, life transitions, relationship difficulties, perimenopause, and more. It's not only for times of crisis. Anyone who wants to understand themselves better, develop more resilience, or move through a difficult season can benefit. Visit the Therapy page to read more about the specific areas I work with.