Frequently Asked Questions
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Indigo as a colour represents our deepest thoughts and spiritual wisdom. It can help with communication, meditation, peace, comprehension and inspiration. The indigo plant is also known to have a calming effect and express feelings of mystery, intuition, balance and structure. So it seemed like the perfect name. Indigo Care. I. Care.
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In Ontario, a Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist or “RN, Psychotherapist” is a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse who has completed their post-secondary education with extra training in mental health and counselling. In Ontario, all nurses must be registered and in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in order to practice in any community and independent setting. The legislation under the Regulated Health Professions Act allows Registered Nurses in Ontario through the CNO to practice psychotherapy. The CNO is 1 of 6 regulatory bodies in Ontario (with the purpose to protect the public), whose members can perform the controlled act of psychotherapy. I have been registered with the CNO and in good standing since 2007.
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Private psychotherapy is unfortunately not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) but is covered under many extended health care benefit plans. The best way to find out if it is covered under your extended health care benefit plan is to check directly with your insurance company and find out if “RN, Psychotherapy” is covered. If your extended health care benefit plan does not cover psychotherapy services, then I would be happy to provide a letter to your benefit plan provider requesting coverage to see if psychotherapy provided by an RN can be included in your coverage. If your benefit plan provider will not cover the cost of your psychotherapy session then you can choose to find another therapist, pay out of pocket and claim your session(s) as a medical expense on your income tax, or if you feel that you could use my support but do not have access to financial means or insurance, please reach out as I do offer therapy at reduced rates for a limited number of clients. Once you have paid and completed your session, I will provide you with a receipt which you can submit to your benefit plan provider or save for your taxes.
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We might be a good fit if:
You want to work with someone who is warm, nurturing and encouraging
You are ready to commit to your needs
You are ready to be honest with someone about how you are feeling and what you are struggling with
You want to strengthen your relationships
You like to laugh and want authenticity in your therapy sessions
You want someone to see your whole situation (not just a piece of it) and provide you with an individualized flexible therapy plan
You are ready to be kind to yourself, hold space for your journey and learn how to take the next step.
You see value in your mental health and wellness
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No, you do not need a diagnosis or referral from another health care provider to attend therapy. You can refer yourself. The most important factor in your therapy is the connection and trust you form with your therapist. If you feel like you will benefit from therapy then you should have the freedom to do just that. I encourage you to meet a few therapists and choose the one that feels like the best fit for you and your needs.
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Yes, you need to live in Ontario to access my services. I am only registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario which means I can only provide services to clients that live in Ontario. I do provide distance options, such as distanced ecotherapy, online therapy and teletherapy should that be something you are interested in. I can also try to help you to find a therapist in your area if that might be more beneficial to you.
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I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy and work from a client-centred, strengths-based and trauma informed approach. I have taking additional educational training Infant and Pregnancy Loss, Anxiety and CBT, Walk and Talk Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Advanced Perinatal Psychotherapy. I am currently registered in Doula Canada’s Complicated Births course and am working toward my Perinatal Mental Health Certification from Postpartum Support International and the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings Certificate Program. I am also taking my Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula Certification through Home Hospice Association.
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Ecotherapy is a type of therapy which involves incorporating the benefits of nature in the presence of a trained therapist, while working towards reaching a client’s goals. It is an evidence-based clinical treatment for stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD and grief.
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Some risks of participating in therapy may include but are not limited to recalling difficult events, situations or memories which may lead to strong and/or unexpected changes in feelings, thoughts and mood. I will work with you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of therapy. The sessions are only beneficial if they support you. If at any point in our sessions, you do not want to continue or need a break from the session, that is absolutely ok. I always welcome you to be honest and honour how you are feeling and what you need.