More info

What is your fee?
My fee is 250$ per 50-minute session. Some of this fee may be covered by private health insurance if you have some. A reduced fee is not possible (e.g., sliding scale).

How long are sessions?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long, though sometimes longer sessions are warranted (e.g., for extended or prolonged exposure). Longer sessions are always agreed upon ahead of time.

What types of problems do you treat?
I primarily treat anxiety, which is the predominant feature of numerous disorders: obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias), post-traumatic stress disorder, somatic symptom disorder (formerly hypochondriasis), and illness anxiety disorder. Though these disorders all have different names, the ways they are perpetuated and treated are similar.

What treatment do you offer?
I primarily offer a treatment called cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), or a form of CBT called exposure and response prevention (ERP). CBT/ERP helps people change their beliefs and behaviors in order to improve mental health. CBT/ERP is the best treatment available for OCD and anxiety disorders and information about these treatments and their efficacy is readily available online. I integrate other evidence-based techniques if appropriate. I also offer some general therapy (or life coaching).

How many sessions are typical in cognitive-behavioural therapy or exposure and response prevention?
CBT/ERP typically last between 8-16 sessions, though there is significant variability. Clients with severe or extremely complex or numerous issues typically require more sessions. In contrast, clients with a single mild issue may require less time. Clients who are actively engaged in therapy and do homework thoroughly typically require fewer appointments.

Must I reside in Ontario?
I am registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, which permits me to offer psychological services to individuals residing in Ontario. I can also offer services to individuals outside of Ontario if their jurisdiction does not control the practice of psychology or if they recognize my credentials. You can contact me if you have any questions or if you resident outside of Ontario and are interested in my services.

What does the first appointment look like?
The first appointment is usually a 50-minute assessment session in which I ask many questions. Those questions allow me to understand your concerns sufficiently to communicate a diagnosis (if present) and to generate a treatment plan.

What population groups do you work with?
I only treat adults. I do psychotherapy in English, though French may be an option. I have used translators in the past for persons without English or French proficiency. I help people from all walks of life regardless of culture, race, socioeconomic status, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender, and regardless of any other such personal characteristics. All are welcome.

Will I get better?
Most people who engage in CBT for OCD or an anxiety problem get much better and would say their symptoms have reduced substantially (statistically this would be considered a “large” effect). That being said, this is not true for everyone. A small proportion of individuals report a smaller improvement and unfortunately it is very hard to predict who will benefit substantially vs. who will not. My experience tells me that clients “get out as much as they put in” and that those who are dedicated to doing their homework tend to get the most out of CBT.

Do you have a waitlist?
I typically do not have a significant waitlist. People seeking CBT treatment are often ready and motivated to make changes and it is best not to wait. I try to start treatment within two weeks of being contacted; however, this is not always possible as there may be significant demand for my services.

I have OCD and anxiety, but I also have other issues. Is this a problem?
This is not usually a problem. I usually treat individuals with primary issues relating to OCD and/or anxiety, but many of my clients also have other problems. Sometimes these problems are related to or caused by anxiety and other times they may be completely unrelated. Common secondary problems include depression, substance use problems, anger, life challenges, health issues, somatic symptom and related disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, etc. The treatment I offer tends to be effective regardless of co-occurring disorders. I am also equipped to directly treat some of these other disorders, but not all.

How severe is my OCD or anxiety?
Mental disorders are by their definition severe because they impact day-to-day functioning or cause significant distress. That being said, some individuals experience far greater symptoms than others. A mild disorder could be characterized as one that does not significantly effect daily responsibilities (e.g., work, schooling, child rearing) and that causes tolerable or infrequent distress. In contrast, a severe problem can lead people to struggle in day-to-day activities (e.g., failing classes, missing work, neglecting relationships) and is often associated with extreme distress much of the time. A moderate problem is one that falls between mild and severe. CBT is an effective treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders regardless of severity.

What are the pros and cons of virtual (webcam) therapy?
Virtual therapy has many benefits, including: convenience of being able to stay at home to do therapy, facilitating in-session exposure in the home environment, increased access to evidence-based treatment for individuals who otherwise may not be able to access a local expert, and allowing me a view of what life is like in the home of my clients. Virtual therapy also allows me to keep my fees lower compared to having a large office and waiting room and overhead. Virtual therapy has no drawbacks that I know. Some clients may prefer in-person therapy but there is no reason to think virtual therapy would be any less effective. This is simply a preference. Several of my in-person clients have moved to virtual therapy and have indicated that they’re benefiting fully from virtual appointments.

What do people with OCD commonly concerned about?
People with OCD are commonly concerned about a large number of different issues, including:

• Sexuality and gender (homo/heterosexuality, pedophilia, incest, transgenderism)
• Violence (harming self or others, suicide)
• Ordering and arranging (laying things out in a perfect way)
• Checking (stoves, doors, windows, outlets, switches)
• Contamination/germs/ickiness ­(fear of contracting an illness or excessive cleaning)
• Getting things “just right” (or only being able to do things if they feel “right”)
• Safety/responsibility (fears of hurting others or being responsible for harm)
• Existentialism (questioning reality or meaning of life)
• Perfectionism/over-preparation (extreme packing, re-reading emails numerous times)
• Relationships and love (intrusive jealousy, questioning partnerships or feelings)
• “Meta” obsessions (obsessing about having OCD or about going insane)
• Religion/evil (offending God, going to hell, being a demon)
• Sensorimotor (sounds or bodily functions such as breathing or digestion)
• Morality (good vs. wrong, doing the right thing constantly, questioning motives)
• Music (getting a song “stuck” in your head)
• Somatic/bodily issues (obsessing about headaches, skin redness, pain or appearance)
• Rigid routines (showering a certain way, always using same cutlery)

References