
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can feel daunting, and you may have questions. Here are some common concerns about therapy and what you can expect from working with me. If there’s anything else you’re unsure about, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help you feel understood and at peace every step of the way.
How do I know that therapy is the right fit for me?
If you're wondering whether therapy is right for you, it can help to consider how you're feeling and whether you'd like to explore your thoughts, emotions, or life challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Therapy can be particularly helpful if you're struggling with anxiety, grief, and self-esteem, or if you are navigating life transitions, seeking personal growth and looking to connect more deeply with your values. If you are uncertain, I encourage you to reach out for an initial session, where we can discuss your concerns and determine if therapy is the right fit for you at this time.
Do you offer therapy online or in-person?
​I offer therapy in-person at an office in Embrun, Ontario, and occasionally offer online sessions when it is a better fit for my clients. Whether in-person or online, having a therapist by your side allows you to uncover patterns in your thinking and behavior that may be hard to spot on your own. I do believe that in-person psychotherapy offers unique benefits that can lead to deeper self-discovery and growth. The personal connection with your therapist creates a sense of accountability and encouragement, helping you stay committed to the process. People often take their progress more seriously when they’ve invested the time and effort to show up in person. Additionally, the physical separation between your everyday life and therapy session provides a healthy mental space, allowing you to approach therapy with a fresher perspective and fuller focus.
What will we talk about during the first therapy session? What if I don't know where to start or what to say?
During the first session (also known as an "Intake Session") we’ll briefly take some time to go over a few important policies relating to ethics and privacy and to review general therapy guidelines so you know what to expect. Then, we’ll dive into talking about the reasons you’re seeking therapy. If you are unsure where to start or what to say, that’s completely okay! Many people find it challenging to know where to begin or how much to share. During the first session I will guide the conversation and ask questions about your childhood, schooling, career, social life, health, family, relationships, and spiritual beliefs. This will help me get to know you better and to understand your situation more holistically. At the end of the session, if we both feel it's a good fit, we’ll collaboratively establish a therapeutic focus, set goals, and discuss the frequency of sessions and the next steps.
You are talking about ACT...I haven't heard of ACT before, what is it?
ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is a branch of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that focuses heavily on values and living a meaningful life. Traditional therapy often emphasizes eliminating problems or discomfort, whereas ACT teaches you how to embrace challenges and difficult emotions with psychological flexibility. The goal of ACT is not to rid your life of every problem, but to help you pursue living and coping in a way that aligns with your core values. This process involves identifying what those values are, developing mindfulness, accepting thoughts and emotions, and committing to actions that lead you toward the life you truly want to live.
Do you offer psychotherapy sessions in French?
Unfortunately my French language skills are too limited to provide therapy sessions in French. I offer psychotherapy sessions in English only.
How do I book a session?
Booking a session is easy! You can reach out to me through the contact form below or send me an email directly: maria@restorationpsychotherapy.net
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Once we connect, we’ll find a day and time that works and get everything set up. I am looking forward to working with you and supporting you in this process!
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You can also book a session directly clicking the button below:
Ready to Start? Let's Talk...
@restorationpsych_embrun
Embrun Ontario
993 Notre Dame Street
unit 104 B