Let’s be honest, counselling can be hard work. However sharing your problems with a trained professional will not make them any worse. Rather, it can help to express personal problems with someone you can trust, an unbiased and skilled listener who will keep your concerns confidential, provide validation as well as valuable perspective which can help you discover new insights and solutions.

Confidentiality is important. My commitment to confidentiality and the limits that apply to it are discussed fully at the first appointment.

A summary of my experience is available on this website (About Stephen). If you have further questions, do not hesitate to call me.

The cost of counselling may be reimbursed if your employer has provided you with an Extended Medical Benefits plan that insures for Registered Psychotherapists. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover counselling or psychotherapy services.

The number of sessions a client chooses to attend can vary depending upon the nature of the issues discussed. Couples hoping to improve their communication and change their relationship pattern may wish to commit to each other to attend between 5 and 10 sessions. Clients seeking individual counseling to address immediate life concerns and challenges, including grief or loss, separation, communication, parenting issues, and stress management may also benefit from short-term therapy.

Longer term (weekly or bi-weekly, 3 months to 1 year) psychotherapy is beneficial in addressing chronic patterns of anger, depression, or anxiety.

Individuals wishing to participate in a psychotherapy group are asked to do so with the intention to remain within the group for a one-year period. Circumstances may arise making that impossible. However, by their nature psychotherapy groups require trust- and inclusion-building and therefore we ask that such decisions are made thoughtfully and responsibly.

Coaching is an option for individuals with clear specific behavioral objectives, who wish to overcome barriers, learn new skills and implement good choices over a set period of time. Coaching agreements are typically established with an annual goal, revisited quarterly, sessions provided on a weekly basis.

In-person appointments are scheduled in the afternoon on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in Etobicoke, and on Wednesday in Oakville. Video-conference sessions are scheduled Monday through Friday in the morning and (variable) certain afternoons.

Individual and family counselling appointments are one hour, including time for payment and scheduling. Monthly men’s group sessions are two hours each. Coaching agreements typically include a package of one hour consultations (in person or by phone) and 1/2 hour coaching (by phone).

Individual psychotherapy and family counselling fees are $170.00 (plus hst) per hour. All appointments are  being conducted by video at this time. Payment for the session can be made by either credit card or by e-transfer.

If you are using Extended Medical insurance, contact your insurer to confirm eligibility. You will be provided with a receipt to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

Group for men: New Moon Monthly Men’s Circle is accessible only through meetup.com. There is no charge to participate in this meetup group.