FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The consultation meeting is an opportunity for me to gage if I am qualified to work with you. I cannot practice outside of the scope of my competence.

    The consultation is also an opportunity for you to gage whether you would like to work with me.

    Research has shown that the fit between therapist and client(s) is one of the best predictors of success in therapy.

  • You can reach out to me directly, via the contact form on this website or by emailing me at dradinacoroiu@gmail.com to book a 15-minute free consultation.

  • The sessions will be conducted virtually using a secure platform.

    You will receive an email with a unique link prior to every session. All you have to do is click on the link in this email at the time of the appointment.

  • Psychologist fees are covered by most insurances. It is the client’s resposibility to inquire about the services covered by their private insurance.

    I will issue a therapy receipt after I receive full payment for the session. You can submit this receipt to your insurance.

  • I accept payments via e-transfer (wire).

    I ask that payments be submitted within 1-2 days of the session, unless we make prior accommodations.

  • There are no guarantees that any particular client will benefit from any particular type of therapy.

    For any client to benefit from therapy a set of conditions have to be met, including a good fit with the therapy and therapist, having high motivation for change, being ready to address current difficulties, being able and willing to talk about and be instrospective about current difficulties.

    My practice is gounded in scientific evidence, which means that the therapies I practice have been supported by scientific research. This alone is a good starting point. In addition, I regularly ask for feedback from my clients, and adapt my approach to their needs.

  • Therapy is a collaborative and supportive process between a trained mental health professional and a client(s), aimed at addressing personal challenges, thoughts, and emotions as well as interpersonal dynamics within a safe and secure setting.

    The therapeutic approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client(s), building on personal strengths, and focusing on objectives like self-awareness and self-exploration, problem-solving, skill development, and improved mental health functioning.

    Therapy goals are set collaboratively with the client(s) and revisited periodically to ensure that both therapist and client(s) are on the same page.

    By identifying strengths and providing coping resources, therapy can empower individuals to face life’s challenges with confidence, ultimately fostering personal growth, understanding, reduction in symptoms, and healing.

  • Sometimes I assign brief exercises to practice in-between sessions. It is up to the client whether they complete the homework. Research has shown that in CBT therapy clients who complete homework tend to show better progress compared to clients who do not do homework.

    Generally speaking, reflecting in-between sessions on the content discussed during sessions is very helpful. Practicing skills learned in therapy outside of the therapy context is also a great way to make (and maintain) progress.

  • Therapy is often viewed as a beneficial journey towards mental health, yet it can also carry potential harms and negative experiences. Recognizing these issues is crucial for both clients and therapists.

    1. Misalignment of Goals: A common harm arises when there is a misalignment between a client's expectations and the therapist's approach.

      For example, if a client seeks specific outcomes, such as resolving a relationship issue, and the therapist chooses to focus on uncovering deeper psychological patterns. This can lead to frustration and a sense of stagnation.

    2. Unresolved Trauma: Therapy can sometimes unearth traumatic memories before the client is ready to confront them. This emotional upheaval might intensify feelings of distress, anxiety, or depression, particularly if the session lacks appropriate support strategies.

    3. Therapeutic Relationship Issues: A strong therapeutic alliance is fundamental to the healing process. However, if there is a mismatch in communication styles or if the client perceives the therapist as unempathetic or judgmental, it may lead to feelings of distrust.

    4. Dependency: Some clients may develop an unhealthy dependency on their therapist, relying excessively on their guidance and support. This can hinder personal growth, leaving clients feeling incapable of dealing with life's challenges without professional assistance.

    5. Stigmatization: Engaging in therapy can sometimes perpetuate stigma. Clients may experience shame or judgment from societal perceptions, which can deter them from seeking help in the future.

    6. Inappropriate Techniques: Therapists may unintentionally use methods that are not suitable for the client's specific situation. Techniques that are effective for one individual may be harmful to another, highlighting the necessity for personalised approaches.

    7. Burnout: Therapists can experience burnout, which may affect the quality of care provided. When therapists are overworked or emotionally drained, their ability to empathise and engage fully with clients diminishes.

    Awareness of these potential harms fosters a more grounded understanding of therapy. It is essential for both clients and therapists to engage in open dialogue about these risks and work collaboratively towards a safe and meaningful therapeutic journey.

  • Confidentiality is a foundational principle in therapeutic settings, fostering trust and open communication between clients and therapists. However, there are specific limits to this confidentiality that clients should be aware of.

    1. Risk of Harm: If a client poses a threat to themselves or others, therapists are legally obligated to take necessary actions to ensure safety. This may involve disclosing information to a trusted thiord party, to appropriate authorities or potentially to emergency services.

    2. Abuse and Neglect: Therapists are mandated reporters. If there are indications or disclosures of child abuse, elder abuse, or neglect, they are required by law to report this information to the relevant authorities.

    3. Legal Proceedings: In cases where therapy is connected to legal matters, confidentiality may be breached if the therapist receives a court order or subpoena. In such situations, therapists are often obliged to provide necessary documentation or testimony.

    4. Supervision and Consultation: Therapists may consult about cases with colleagues for professional development and better client support. These discussions typically maintain client anonymity, but the sharing of information is still a limit to confidentiality.

    5. Informed Consent: Before therapy begins, therapists explain confidentiality limits as part of informed consent. Clients should feel empowered to ask questions and seek clarity regarding what is and isn’t confidential in their specific circumstances.

    Understanding these limits is crucial for clients engaging in therapy. Clear communication about confidentiality helps to build a safe environment for vulnerability and personal growth while acknowledging the necessary precautions that are in place to protect everyone's well-being.

  • Realistically, this depends on the reasons you are seeking therapy and a few other factors. We can discuss this during the consultation and again during the assessment phase, if you choose to start therapy with me.

    Generally speaking most people who stay in therapy experience some benefit within the first 8-12 sessions. So if you think you are a good fit with a therapist, perhaps plan to allocate this much time to therapy from the start.

    If this many sessions are not feasible for you at this time, it is beneficial to also talk to your therapist about what is possible for you, so they can adjust the therapy goals and pace. That way you can make the best of your time and money.

  • If we begin therapy with a mandate for individual, couple, or family therapy, I maintain this mandate and cannot change it.

    Additionally, I cannot do therapy with a partner, relative, friend or family member of an existing client, as that would constitute a conflict of interests for me. What that means is that there is potential for me to have a biased view towards these other individuals, so it is best practice to avoid such dual working relationships as much as poosible.

  • In Canada, psychologists and psychotherapists are different types of mental health professionals, though their work may sometimes overlap.

    • A psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, meaning they have at least 7+ years of university training, including therapy & research. They are experts in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders using evidence-based therapies. Psychologists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies (e.g., the Order of Psychologists of Quebec (OPQ) or the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)), ensuring they meet high professional and ethical standards.

    • A psychotherapist typically has a master’s degree (1-2 years of training) and can come from various fields like social work, counselling, or nursing. They provide therapy but cannot diagnose mental health disorders—though they can help people manage mild symptoms. In Ontario, psychotherapists must be registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). In Quebec, they need a permit issued by the OPQ (the same organization that licenses psychologists). However, in some provinces, the title "psychotherapist" is not regulated, so qualifications can vary.

    When you need professional mental health support, understanding these differences can help you choose the right provider for your needs.