Frequently Asked Questions

Starting Therapy

What should I expect during a free initial consultation?

Your first step is a free 20-minute Connection Call — a no-pressure conversation to share what's bringing you to therapy and make sure we're the right fit before you book anything. There's no assessment at this stage, just a chance to ask questions.

What can I expect in my first session?

Getting Started

Your first session is all about getting the lay of the land so we can support you without guessing. We'll go through the consent form together and cover anything you need to know about how therapy works here — clear, transparent, no hidden fine print.

Structured Questions to Understand You

From there, we'll ask some structured questions to help us understand the who's-who and what's-what of your world. That does not mean you have to spill every detail of your life story in the first 50 minutes. We're just gathering the essentials so we can start shaping a treatment plan that actually fits you.

What We Cover

We'll touch on your family of origin, your support system, how things are going at work or school, and the basics: sleep, food, movement, stress, and mental health symptoms.

You're in the Driver's Seat

And honestly? From the first session onward, you're in the driver's seat. We've got the map, a few ideas for pit stops, a mental checklist for snacks and fuel, and yes… maybe a gentle nudge toward that place you've been avoiding and secretly hoping we wouldn't ask about (LOL, growth gets real). But we go at your pace, with your consent, toward the life you're trying to build — together.

How long are therapy sessions, and how often should I attend?

Individual follow-up sessions are typically 50 minutes, though longer 90-minute sessions or intensives are available if you need more time. Couples therapy starts with individual 50-minute sessions before meeting together, and family sessions are planned around who needs to attend. Most clients start weekly or biweekly — monthly tends to be too infrequent to build momentum, so we'll help you find a schedule that fits your needs and budget.

Location & Access

Do you offer therapy in Nepean or West Ottawa?

Yes — our office is located at 1439 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, ON K2G 1W1, serving Ottawa's West End, Barrhaven, and the broader Ottawa area. We also offer secure virtual therapy across Ontario for anyone who can't make it in person.

Do you offer virtual or in-person therapy?

We offer both, Monday to Friday, though each therapist keeps their own schedule — some are in-office most days, some are virtual-only, and some offer just one in-person day a week. Bring up your scheduling preferences on your free Connection Call so we can match you with a therapist whose availability works for you.

How do I choose a therapist who offers both online and in-person sessions?

Ask about this directly on your free Connection Call — we'll walk you through which of our therapists offer in-person sessions at our Nepean office versus virtual-only care, and most clients are able to mix and match depending on their week.

Our Specializations

Do you support autistic adults, not just ADHD?

Yes — our neurodiversity-affirming care includes support for autistic adults as well as ADHD, whether you're self-identifying, newly diagnosed, or exploring assessment. We tailor our approach to how your brain actually works, not a one-size-fits-all model.

How do I know if I might have ADHD as an adult?

Adult ADHD looks different for everyone. Self-assessment tools like the ASRS v1.1 on Embrace Autism can help you start noticing whether it might be relevant, though a family doctor is the right place to start for a formal diagnosis. We've also partnered with Psychotherapy Matters to help clients access psychiatric consultations when needed, and our team can support you at whatever stage — exploring, assessing, or already diagnosed.

Do you offer support for disordered eating from a non-diet approach?

We offer body-liberation, anti-diet informed therapy for disordered eating, including ARFID, without judgment about food, weight, or body size.

Logistics

Do you offer sliding scale or reduced-fee therapy spots?

Yes — low-cost and reduced-fee spots are available through our clinical interns. Just note that you're looking for low-cost services on our Contact Page form so we can check current availability.

What's your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice — automated reminders go out at that mark, and cancellations after that window need to go directly through your therapist rather than online. We understand life happens and will always do our best to accommodate rescheduling.