Frequently Asked Questions

In Ontario’s Regulated Health Professions Act, the controlled act of psychotherapy involves five elements:

i) Treating,

ii) by means of psychotherapy technique,

iii) delivered through a therapeutic relationship,

iv) an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that,

v) may seriously impair the individual’s judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning (RHPA 1991).

The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) defines psychotherapy as
occurring when a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and client enter into a psychotherapeutic
relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking,
feeling, behaviour and social functioning. Registered psychotherapists practice in accordance
with the CRPO’s Professional Practice Standards and its Code of Ethics.

The terms “counselling” and “psychotherapy” are often used interchangeably. In Ontario, “counselling” may be more of a supportive service for everyday problems related to wellness, relationships, personal growth and career development.

Registered psychotherapists and counsellors do not diagnose mental health disorders or prescribe medications. If you are interested in diagnostic or pharmacological services, please speak with your primary care provider.

There are many benefits to participating in virtual care from the comfort of your home. Recent studies show that electronically-delivered therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100442

To participate in virtual care, you will need a private space, a computer or smartphone, an email account and a good internet connection.

Virtual psychotherapy requires a personal level of stability. Clients may need a higher level of care/referral to a different service if they are considered to be of higher risk, experience frequent crises or struggle with psychosis, unmanaged bipolar symptoms or severe addiction.

If you are new to therapy, you may feel nervous. Your therapist will aim to develop a therapeutic alliance and create a safe, non-judgemental and compassionate space to understand life’s challenges and find healing solutions. Your therapist will first review the consent for treatment form and then get to know your personal history, strengths, values and problems.

Your goals for therapy will be discussed and a collaborative treatment plan established. If there are any areas of your life that you are not ready to talk about, that is okay, you can pass on any questions. If you have any worries or concerns about the process, please do not hesitate to discuss this with your therapist.

To ensure your privacy, online psychotherapy sessions cannot be recorded, by either party in any way, unless agreed to in writing by mutual consent.

Every individual is different and presents with various levels of complexity which will determine the length of treatment. Most clients attend a minimum of 8 sessions.

Please speak to your therapist about your preferences regarding short or long-term therapy as well as the amount of structure desired and willingness to engage in home-practice between sessions. We are flexible and client-centred. You are the expert on your life, on what hurts and on what direction to go.

CareWay is here to accompany you on your healing journey.