Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Many health benefit plans cover counselling from a qualified psychologist. Check with your provider to understand your coverage. Breakthrough Psychology has the ability to direct bill through most insurance provided (with the exception of Sunlife and some smaller insurance providers). 

The client/therapist relationship is an important one! Use the free 15 minute consultation to discuss your therapy goals and get to know the counsellor before making your decision. It is important that you share what you are hoping to gain from therapy, to see if the responses you receive meet the direction you want to head. 

Whether this is your first time to therapy or you have had previous experiences, it is important that you are provided information around informed consent, parameters of confidentiality, and general housekeeping items. The first session starts the process of building rapport, exploring your story, and establishing goals to work towards. 

First and foremost, the biggest therapy tool is the therapeutic alliance. Feeling safe and comfortable in session, provides a space for your healing journey to begin. There are many forms of therapy out there, but two of the most versatile approaches include:

Dialectical Behavioural therapy (DBT), which has four pillars:

• Mindfulness - Living in the present, not the fear and anxiety of the future or guilt and shame of the past;
• Emotional regulation - balancing emotions rather than living in extremes of the high highs and low lows;
• Interpersonal effectiveness - how to have, maintain, and repair healthy relationships; and
• Distress tolerance - working through those moments where your intense emotions highjack your thinking process and actions. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

• Exploring intrusive/unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and creating a healthier pathway for which to address the challenging areas of your life.

Each client is unique, so the therapeutic plan created should be unique to your needs.  

 Therapists are licensed professionals who diagnose and treat mental health disorders, focusing on healing past traumas and emotional issues. Coaches focus on the present/future to set goals, improve performance, and navigate life changes. Choose a therapist for mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression) and a coach for actionable personal/professional growth.

Generally, coaching is not covered my insurance and we cannot direct bill for it. However, every health plan is a bit different and constantly expanding, so it is worth looking into it with your provider.

Whether this is your first time to coaching or you have had previous experiences, it is important that you are provided information around parameters of confidentiality, and general housekeeping items. The first session starts the process of discussing expectations, establishing goals to work towards, and working towards a small goal for the session.

Yes! Use the free 15 minute consultation to discuss your goals and get to know the coach before making your decision. It is important that you share what you are hoping to gain from coaching, to see if the responses you receive meet the direction you want to head.