The first one or two sessions are “assessment” sessions. You assess if the therapist’s style fits with you and the therapist assesses if they can provide the services you are looking for. If we decide there is a good fit:
sessions are generally weekly for the first few sessions
at that point in time we may move to bi-weekly sessions if that appears appropriate
depending on the concern and the length of time it has been troubling them, individuals generally start to notice an improvement in the first 4-8 sessions
additional sessions may be helpful to further explore issues and practice new skills.
The typical scenario above is subject to change depending on circumstances. You may receive “homework” assignments or have books or other resources suggested to you. Taking part in this work outside of session can decrease the number of sessions you require to reach your goals.
Couples & Marriage Counselling:
The first few sessions are “assessment” sessions. You assess if the therapist’s style is a good fit for you and the therapist assesses if couples therapy is best for you given your circumstances. The first sessions generally take the following format:
a joint session with the 2 of you for about 75 minutes
the next two sessions are individual sessions of 50 minutes each
the following appointment is a 75-minute joint feedback session
If there is a good fit and if couples therapy is a good treatment option for you:
the following sessions are 75 minute joint sessions
sessions are generally weekly to start
we may move to bi-weekly sessions as this appears appropriate
couples generally start to notice improvement in their relationship in the
first 8-12 sessions
additional sessions are used to build on these changes and consolidate new patterns of interacting
The typical scenario above is subject to change depending on circumstances. You may receive “homework” assignments or have books or other resources suggested to you. Taking part in this work outside of session can decrease the number of sessions you require to reach your goals.
Sex Therapy:
In the case of sex therapy, it may make sense to come in on your own or to invite your partner to join you. We can discuss this at the first session if you are not sure which is best for you. Sex therapy may involve a combination of relationship work and work on your particular sexual concern.
Depending on the concern, you may be referred to your family doctor or another medical specialist for medical consultation. Sex therapy may be conducted at the same time as medical treatment.
The length of treatment depends on the concern and your particular circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions about Counselling
click on a question below to view the answer.
What type of approach do you use?
Therapists at East Toronto Therapy use an eclectic approach, combining components of multiple models of therapy, rather than strictly adhering to one approach for all clients. In couples counselling, the therapists use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as their primary model of therapy. Research has found that 75% of couples who completed EFT reported that they recovered from distress. You can read more about EFT at this website: http://www.iceeft.com
Counselling or Therapy? What’s the difference?
The terms counselling and therapy (or psychotherapy) are often used interchangeably, as on this website. In other cases counselling is used to refer to a short-term problem-focused approach, while therapy refers to a more in-depth approach, exploring the issues underlying the client’s concern. Both counselling and therapy use conversations as a tool to explore options, facilitate personal growth and improve relationships.
We’ve had problems for a long time, can couples counselling still help?
Participating in couples counselling can being a new perspective to long-standing concerns and guide you to a resolution. The benefits you receive depend on your level of participation and your willingness to apply what you learn. Therapy can also help you develop tools to cope with stress and can increase your self-confidence.
My partner refuses to come for couples counselling, should I come on my own?
East Toronto Therapy provides both individual and couples therapy. While couples work with just one partner is not the ideal, individual therapy can help you cope with stress, increase your self-confidence, and perhaps provide you with a different way of approaching your concerns with your partner. Often when one partner changes, the relationship changes.
How many sessions do I need? How will I know when I’m finished?
The length of time varies for each client. Generally, couples will start to notice an improvement in their relationship within eight to twelve sessions, with additional sessions used to build on these changes and consolidate new patterns of interacting. You will know that you are finished therapy when you are able to have difficult conversations in a healthy way outside of sessions.
Individuals generally start to notice an improvement in four to eight sessions. Additional sessions may be helpful to further explore issues and practice new skills. You will know that you are finished therapy when you feel confident in your ability to address your concerns independently.
Both individuals and couples may benefit from periodic check-up sessions every four to eight months.
I’m not sure I can afford therapy? Do you have any suggestions?
If you have extended health benefits, your therapy from East Toronto Therapy may be partially or entirely covered.
East Toronto Therapy has reduced fees during non-peak hours (Monday-Friday before 4:00 pm). You may be able to flex your work hours to accommodate therapy appointments.
We offer a limited number of appointments on a sliding scale fee. Please speak with your therapist to enquire about this possibility.
Individuals and couples who spend time between sessions doing relevant readings and homework assignments suggested by East Toronto Therapy may make more effective use of therapy time and require fewer sessions.
You can schedule sessions further apart. Therapy typically begins with weekly sessions, however, you could arrange for bi-weekly sessions.
