Is it okay to have the same therapist as my friend?

Something to consider is the amount of overlap there could be if you and your friend see the same therapist. Are you each exploring individual concerns or is your relationship one of the reasons you are seeking therapy? Different therapists may have varied approaches to this situation so it is always a good idea to ask.

How long do I need to be in therapy for?

Therapy can last anywhere from a few sessions, to a few months, or even years. Some people come to therapy with specific goals and feel that they only need a number of sessions to help them feel more centered, while others seek therapy to process and understand very complicated situations and emotions. There is no ‘correct’ amount of time in therapy that applies to every person seeking support.

How do I find the right therapist for me?

Searching for a therapist can feel overwhelming. Important factors in therapy are trust and safety because it can be difficult to discuss personal thoughts, feelings, and situations. Sometimes people feel right away whether it is a good fit (or not a good fit) but sometimes further research or reflection is necessary. Here’s a great article with different questions you could consider asking during a consultation or in a first session with a new therapist.

How can I prepare for an online therapy session?

Having your session in a place that feels safe and is confidential within your home is important. It could be helpful to set up a consistent therapy space. Things to consider are: Is there enough light? Are you seated comfortably and is there enough space for your creative process? What can be seen in your space? You could also consider whether it is a space you can step away from when the session is over.

I’m seeking therapy for my child. How does confidentiality work?

The right to consent to treatment is connected to the right to privacy in treatment. Since children cannot legally consent to therapy, the caregiver acts as their personal representative by signing an Informed Consent form in the intake session. In Quebec, youth from the ages 14-17 can legally consent to healthcare decisions without a caregiver.

Although a caregiver of someone under 14 can legally access session information, I encourage caregivers to follow the child’s lead in conversations about therapy sessions by respecting the boundaries children may set about what they do and do not want to talk about. When a child can see that the content of their sessions is protected, it builds feelings of trust between them and their therapist and contributes to more effective treatment.