Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy, which is focused on thinking patterns, cognitions, emotional responses, behaviour modification, and social functioning. Its goal is to improve self-awareness, improve communication skills, enhance resilience, and empower individuals to make healthier choices.  Depending on an individual's needs and goals, psychotherapy can address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, parenting issues, self-esteem issues, and more. Many people find psychotherapy to be useful and beneficial when they are experiencing thoughts, feelings, moods, and behaviours that are negatively affecting their day-to-day functioning, relationships, and the ability to enjoy life.

A Nurse, Psychotherapist or RN, Psychotherapist is a Registered Nurse (RN) who combines their nursing expertise and background in healthcare with specialized training in mental health, counselling skills, and psychotherapeutic interventions to provide holistic mental health support and psychotherapy to individuals experiencing emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder is a term used to describe the full range of struggles that new moms, birthing people, and parents might face during pregnancy (prenatal) and any time during the first year following the birth of a baby (postpartum).

Perinatal Mood and  Anxiety Disorders include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Postpartum Psychosis

 

Approximately 1 in 5 women and birthing people and about 1 in 10 new dads/partners will develop a PMAD.

PMADs greatly impact mental and emotional well-being and daily functioning, including parenting capabilities.

Without proper treatment and intervention, PMADs tend to persist and can have lasting adverse effects on the mental health of mothers, fathers/partners, and consequently, the entire family.

ALL new and expectant parents can experience a PMAD. However, the following are some factors that can increase risk:

• Previous experience of depression or anxiety
• Family history of depression or a mood disorder
• Stressful life events
• History of trauma
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
• Pregnancy with twins/multiples
• Medical complications during pregnancy
• Complicated or traumatic birth
• Sensitivity to hormonal changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulties with breastfeeding
• Relationship/marital problems
• Financial insecurity
• Little or no social support network

 

It's important to note that these risk factors do not guarantee the development of a PMAD and individuals without these factors can still be affected.

No, I can provide this virtual service to anyone living in Ontario.

Currently, I am only offering virtual sessions. Options for outdoor walk-and-talk therapy sessions within the Markham-Stouffville area will be available starting in April 2024. In person sessions within a clinic setting may become available at a later date as well.

The whirlwind of demands as a new parent can make scheduling chaotic. I am happy to provide weekday, evening, and select weekend appointments. Please click here to view my current availability. If you don’t see a time that works for you, please email becoming@becomingpsc.ca and we’ll find a solution that best suits your needs.

I am currently accepting new clients. Please  click here to book your free 15 minute discovery call or to book your first appointment.

Certainly! I offer a free 15-minute discovery call during which we can determine if we're a good fit and if my approach aligns with your needs. I'll collect basic background information and discuss your therapy goals. Similarly, you'll have the opportunity to inquire about my therapeutic approach, experience, and how I can effectively support you. I would be happy to answer any and all of your questions, so feel free to send me an email at becoming@becomingpsc.ca  or self-schedule your discovery call by clicking here.

Absolutely! If your partner is wanting to participate in a session with you please book yourself in for a couples session - 60 and 90 minute sessions are available in this format.

Many extended health insurance plans cover the costs of private psychotherapy. The best way to discover if our session together will be covered is to check directly with your insurance company to see if they cover psychotherapy provided by a Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist. Once you have paid for your session, I will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. For Ontario residents, you may have the option to claim expenses for psychotherapy as a medical expense tax credit on your income tax return. Please consult with your financial advisor to confirm eligibility. At this time, private psychotherapy is not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Discovery call/Virtual consult - 15 minutes - FREE
In-take assessment - 75 minutes - $140 (required for all new clients).
Individual session - 60 minutes - $125
Individual session - 90 minutes - $175
Couples session - 60 minutes - $175
Couples session - 90 minutes - $225

*Sliding Scale/Pay-What-You-Can payment options may be available to qualifying individuals*
Email becoming@becomingpcs.ca for more information.

Following our session together I will collect payment via electronic credit card payment or e-transfer.

The number of sessions is highly dependent on individual circumstances. Some issues can be managed in 2-3 sessions and others will require more i.e. bi-weekly sessions for 8-12 weeks. We will work together to discuss your goals and to create a personalized treatment plan, which can include an estimate of the number of sessions. 

Same day cancellations and cancellations made with less than 12 hours of notice will be charged at a rate of 50% of your session fee. However, failure to attend a scheduled session without prior notice may be subject to full charge.

In the event of a crisis or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger of self-harm or harm to others, please call 911 or go to your local emergency services immediately.

A list of additional crisis phone lines is provided below:

1.  310-COPE: 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
2. Talk Suicide: 1 833 456-4566 or text 45645
3. Helpline Toronto Distress Centres: 416 408-4357 or 408-HELP
4.  Assaulted Women's Helpline: 416 863-0511
5. Suicide Crisis: 9-8-8 (call or text)

COMING SPRING/SUMMER 2024!

MomEase - a 12-week virtual mental health and wellness support group for perinatal women ($460)

Nest & Nurture - customized private prenatal education, including 4 hours of education and coaching pre-baby and up to 2 hours of education and coaching after baby is born ($499)

For more information, please email  becoming@becomingpcs.ca