Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

BeWell Therapy

Find answers to common therapy and counselling questions at BeWell Therapy in Whitby. Learn about therapy services, child and family support, couples counselling, depression and anxiety therapy, EMDR, DBT, CBT, affordable sessions, and direct billing options. Book a session today!

Policies and Non-Negotiables
Whitby Counselling
Therapy Cost and Billing
Credentials
General Wellness and Offerings
Couples Counselling
Child/Youth Counselling
Family Counselling
Walk and Talk Therapy/Ecotherapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Policies and Non-Negotiables
Whitby Counselling
Therapy Cost and Billing
Credentials
General Wellness and Offerings
Couples Counselling
Child/Youth Counselling
Family Counselling
Walk and Talk Therapy/Ecotherapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Policies and Non-Negotiables:

BeWell Therapy requires 24 hours advance notice for appointment cancellations to avoid charges. This policy ensures therapists can offer cancelled time slots to other clients who may need urgent appointments. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice typically result in a full session fee charge.

You will receive an email reminder of your next session two days prior to your appointment and a text message reminder two hours before.

The 24-hour cancellation policy protects both clients and therapists by ensuring consistent access to mental health services. When clients cancel with adequate notice, therapists can offer those appointment times to others in need of urgent support.

To get your preferred appointment date and time, it’s recommended to schedule appointments at least 2 weeks in advance. For ongoing therapy appointments, it’s best to schedule as far out as possible to ensure consistent weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Many of our therapists offer recurring appointment slots for regular clients if they book ahead. For initial consultations, most practices can accommodate new clients within 2 weeks, though some specialized therapists may have longer wait times. If you need urgent support, many practices maintain a cancellation list for last-minute appointment availability.

Availability varies by therapist. Some have openings right away, others have a short wait. The fastest way to get started is to reach out. Our admin team will match you with someone who fits your needs and has current availability.

If you provide 24 hours notice, you can typically reschedule without any fees. Our team will work with you to find an alternative time within the same week or the following week.

We do not provide court-ordered counselling or complete court-related documentation for new clients. This type of work falls outside our area of specialization, as our practice is focused on voluntary, client-centered therapy in a non-evaluative and supportive environment. If you’re seeking court-mandated counselling or documentation, we recommend reaching out to providers who specialize in this area.

We can provide documentation to support medical leaves of absence from work, extension of sick leaves where the insurance provider requires documentation  (such as Manulife), or for long-term disability (LTD) assessments. In these cases, an additional fee for documentation applies ($50-$200, depending on extent of form).

While confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, there are specific legal limits that all therapists must follow. Confidentiality may be broken if there’s imminent risk of suicide or self-harm, threats to harm others, suspected child abuse or neglect, or if court-ordered to release records. Your therapist will explain these limits during your first session and will always discuss any confidentiality concerns with you first whenever possible. These exceptions are rare and exist to protect safety.

BeWell Therapy places a high value on the confidentiality of the information shared by clients. Personal information that you share may be entered into your records in written form and your therapist is the only person who has access to your file. All information is kept confidential within the limits of the law. If for some reason there is a need to disclose your personal information, you will be consulted first and then asked to sign a form authorizing the transfer of the information.

BeWell Therapy does not use AI in therapy sessions. We do not believe that the privacy and confidentiality protections currently in place around AI can be guaranteed at the level counselling requires. Therapy is one of the few places where you can say the hard things and trust that they will stay in the room. We aim to keep it that way.

There are times when a therapist may request a client to consent to being audio or video recorded for their learning or certification purposes. This will only be done with client’s full, written consent.

Whitby Counselling:

BeWell Therapy is conveniently located in downtown Whitby, in the heart of Durham Region  at 4-214 Dundas Street East. We also offer virtual sessions across Ontario. You can call us at (647) 302-9355 or book an appointment online.

Look for therapists registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). At BeWell Therapy, we have many qualified mental health professionals, including Registered Psychotherapists (RP), and Registered Social Workers (RSW). You can verify credentials through the respective professional colleges and associations.

We offer a wide range of evidence-based therapy services to support individuals, couples, and families. Our Whitby-based therapists specialize in:

  • Depression and Anxiety Therapy: Support for low mood, worry, panic, and stress
  • Trauma and PTSD Therapy (Including EMDR and trauma-informed counselling)
  • Child and Family Therapy: Helping children and families navigate challenges and improve relationships
  • Couples and Relationship Counselling: Improve communication and resolve conflicts
  • Addiction and Substance Use Support: Guidance for managing substance use and forming healthier habits
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): Structured therapies to develop coping skills and emotional regulation
  • Grief and Loss Counselling: Support for navigating life changes, bereavement, and major transitions
  • Affordable Counselling via Intern Program: Lower-cost sessions with supervised, qualified interns

Strengthen your relationship with expert support. We offer couples counselling in Whitby to help partners communicate better, resolve conflicts, and rebuild connection. Sessions are available in-person or online, designed to fit your schedule. Book today: Call (647) 302-9355 or book online and start your journey together.

We provide child and family therapy in Whitby at BeWell Therapy. Our Whitby-based therapists work with children, teens, and families to address anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, and life transitions. We aim to create a safe space for growth and healing. Schedule an appointment online or call (647) 302-9355 to connect with one of our child and family therapists.

Experience compassionate trauma support in Whitby. At BeWell Therapy, we help individuals, couples, and youth work through trauma using EMDR, CBT, and DBT-informed therapy. Our Whitby-based therapists tailor sessions to your personal journey.

Next step: Book online or call (647) 302-9355 to connect with a trauma-informed therapist near you.

Navigate grief with compassionate guidance. At BeWell Therapy, our Whitby-based therapists support you through bereavement, loss, life transitions, and complicated grief. Together, we create space to process emotions and find healing.

Take action: Reach out via (647) 302-9355 or book online to connect with a grief counsellor.

At BeWell Therapy, we offer DBT-informed therapy in Whitby to support individuals struggling with emotional regulation, intense emotions, relationship difficulties, self-harm, and chronic stress. Our Whitby-based therapists provide both in-person and online sessions designed to teach practical skills and promote emotional well-being. Book a consultation online or call (647) 302-9355 to connect with a DBT-trained counsellor near you.

You can access Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Whitby at BeWell Therapy. Our Whitby-based therapists provide CBT for individuals, couples, and youth to address issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, and negative thought patterns. Sessions are available in-person at our Whitby office or online throughout Ontario. Book a session online or call (647) 302-9355 to connect with a qualified CBT therapist near you.

Process trauma and reclaim your life. Our EMDR therapy in Whitby helps individuals work through trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and distressing memories. Sessions are available in-person at our Whitby clinic or securely online throughout Ontario.

How to begin: Book a consultation online or call (647) 302-9355 to connect with an EMDR-trained therapist.

At BeWell Therapy, we offer compassionate therapy for individuals experiencing depression, low mood, lack of motivation, or persistent sadness. Our Whitby-based therapists use a variety of practical and clinically-proven approaches to help you break through emotional paralysis and build tools to help you going forward, either in person at our downtown Whitby office, or virtually across Ontario. Book a session online or call us at (647) 302-9355 to connect with a depression therapist near you.

Hours and Location of Service:

BeWell Therapy is generally open for sessions by appointment as follows:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
  • Saturday: 9:00am to 12:00pm

Please note that individual schedules vary by team member, which means sessions may even be available outside of these hours, either in person or virtually. You can view each practitioner’s specific availability on our Jane booking site.

Our Client Care team is available Monday through Friday and strives to respond to calls and emails as promptly as possible. Please note that any inquiries received over the weekend or on holidays will be addressed on the next business day.

You can find us at:

  • 4-214 Dundas Street East, Whitby, ON

Our office is located on the second floor, above Simply British Foods. (Not stroller or wheelchair accessible.)

We also offer virtual sessions across Ontario.

Yes. Free parking is available in the lot located directly in front of our office, as well as in the surrounding streets.

BeWell Therapy offers virtual sessions across Ontario. Appointments for these sessions are sometimes available outside of our general office hours, in addition to our regular schedule. To view each team  member’s current availability, please visit our Jane booking site.

Therapy Cost and Billing:

Therapy costs in Whitby typically range from $140-$250 per session for individual counselling. Extended health benefits through employers often cover psychological services with coverage varying from $500-$2,000/unlimited annually. Our Whitby practice offers reduced-rate sessions with supervised MSW (Master of Social Work) interns, as well as direct billing to many insurance providers. Our fees range from $160-$225 per 50-minute session for individual counselling and $265-$300 per 80-minute session for couples and family counselling. Intern counselling rates are $75.00.

Most extended health plans in Ontario cover registered psychotherapists (RP), and registered social workers (RSW). Coverage amounts vary by plan but typically range from $500-$2,000/unlimited per year. Popular insurance providers we direct bill for include:

  • Canada Life
  • Manulife
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Industrial Alliance
  • People Corporation
  • RWAM
  • TELUS AdjudiCare
  • Union Benefits

Please Note: Every insurance plan is unique. Please check with your provider to confirm your specific coverage. You can view a more comprehensive list of the insurers we can direct bill for and their general restrictions here.

We are registered as a Telus eHealth provider, enabling us to directly bill many extended health plans. You can find a list of insurers we direct bill for (as well as their limitations) here.

Please note that coverage amounts and eligibility vary by plan. It’s recommended to verify your specific coverage and eligibility with your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure seamless billing arrangements.

Yes, Whitby offers several affordable mental health options, including reduced-rate sessions with supervised MSW (Master of Social Work) intern therapists, as well as a small number of subsidized client fee scales. BeWell Therapy offers a limited amount of reduced rate sessions, as well as supervised MSW intern rates, as available.

When your account is set up in our system, we ask that you put a credit card on file in case your insurance provider does not cover the full cost of your sessions or you are covering the full cost yourself. Payments can also be made in the office via debit, credit card, or cash.

Credentials:

At BeWell Therapy, we provide services with registered social workers, registered psychotherapists, and supervised interns, but we do not have psychologists on staff. Social workers and psychotherapists offer evidence-based therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges, while psychologists typically focus on assessment, testing, and specialized diagnosis.

A Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario is a mental health professional who has completed a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW), a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), or both from an accredited program and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). RSWs at BeWell Therapy are trained in psychotherapy, counselling, and social intervention techniques. They can provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy, and many specialize in areas like trauma, addiction, child and family services, or mental health. RSWs use evidence-based therapeutic approaches and are bound by professional ethics and standards of practice.

A Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario with a BSW designation has completed a Bachelor of Social Work, while the MSW credential indicates the completion of a Master of Social Work. RSWs with either credential must also be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). BeWell Therapy provides access to BSW RSW therapists who are currently working toward completing their Master of Social Work at an affordable supervised intern rate, when available.

A Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in Ontario is a mental health professional who has completed at least two years of post-secondary study from an accredited institution or university with courses related to psychology or counselling  and is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). RPs at BeWell Therapy provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy, and they are trained in various therapeutic modalities including CBT, EMDR, and family systems therapy. RPs must complete ongoing professional development and adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), or RP (Qualifying), is a fully regulated therapist in Ontario who is completing the final stage of licensure with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). They are registered professionals, held to the same ethical standards as fully licensed RPs, and are actively supervised throughout their practice.

General Wellness and Offerings:

Seek immediate help if you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, experiencing severe psychosis or delusions, showing signs of severe substance withdrawal, or exhibiting violent behaviour. Call or text 9-8-8 or one of the many 24/7 emergency mental health services local to Whitby and Durham Region listed on our Crisis Support page.

If something is affecting your daily life, your relationships, your sleep, or your sense of self, and it hasn’t shifted on its own that’s enough of a reason. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Many of our clients come simply because they want a structured space to process and grow.

It’s completely normal to not connect with every therapist. Professional therapists in Whitby understand this and can help facilitate referrals to colleagues who might be a better fit. You can discuss concerns directly with your therapist or seek consultation from their clinic. Many practices have multiple therapists with different specialties and approaches.

Your initial session typically involves an intake assessment where your therapist will discuss your concerns, mental health history, and treatment goals. Our Whitby therapists use this time to explain their approach, discuss confidentiality, and answer questions about the therapeutic process. Sessions usually last 50 minutes and focus on building rapport and understanding your unique needs.

You will receive an email reminder of your next session two days prior to your appointment and a text message reminder two hours before.

You will be sent a link to a private online meeting space ahead of your appointment. This space is encrypted to ensure the privacy of your session.

Yes! BeWell Therapy believes in making mental health as accessible as possible. You can have some of your sessions in person and others virtually to help accommodate situations like travel, illness, and other real-life stuff so you can keep up your therapy routine and keep making progress.

Yes, at BeWell Therapy we understand the unique challenges that come with aging and life transitions. Our experienced therapists work with seniors on issues such as grief and loss, adjustment to retirement, health concerns, family changes, depression, anxiety, and navigating major life transitions. We provide a comfortable, respectful environment where older adults can explore their concerns at their own pace. Many of our therapists have specialized training in working with seniors and understand the complexities of aging, including adjusting to physical changes, loss of independence, or coping with the loss of loved ones.

At BeWell Therapy, we believe in comprehensive wellness support. In addition to individual, couples, and family therapy, we offer equine assisted psychotherapy sessions, in-person workshops and classes, and educational resources on our website covering topics like anxiety management, relationship skills, and depression. Our team regularly shares mental health tips and wellness strategies through our blog, social media, and newsletter.

Couples Counselling:

Yes. Couples sessions are designed for both partners together. Occasionally a therapist may suggest an individual check-in with one partner, but this would be discussed transparently with both of you. If you’re looking for individual support alongside couples work, we can arrange that too.

There is no difference—it’s the same service. “Marriage counselling” and “couples therapy” are used interchangeably. We work with married couples, common-law partners, dating couples, and any two people in a committed relationship, regardless of structure or label.

That’s more common than you’d think—and it doesn’t mean therapy doesn’t work for you. It might just mean that the fit or approach wasn’t right. We’d encourage you to try again. A different therapist with a different lens can change everything. Book a free consultation first if you want to talk it through before committing.

Absolutely. Sometimes the most honest outcome of couples therapy is a mutual decision to part ways. We support conscious uncoupling, co-parenting agreements, and helping two people end a chapter with care and clarity—especially when kids are involved.

This will depend on the coverage provided by your insurer. Please check with your provider to confirm your coverage. If both partners have coverage, generally only one partner can claim the sessions. You can view a list of the insurers we can direct bill for and their general restrictions here.

Child/Youth Counselling:

There is no legal “age of consent” for healthcare decisions in Ontario. Patients of any age have the right to consent to or refuse treatment, provided they have the maturity to understand the details and foresee the potential outcomes. A minor’s capacity to make these decisions must be assessed individually—typically under 16 for healthcare or under 18 for legal contracts. 

For more information, please see these articles from the Canadian Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Generally, no. You can either wait for them in our reception area or drop them off before their session and pick them up afterward. Depending on the situation, you will sometimes be invited ahead of time to take part in a portion or all of a particular session.

Building trust is paramount in a therapy-based relationship. As a result, what happens in your child’s sessions will remain private. We do not provide detailed progress reports or share specific conversation details. When clinically appropriate and permitted by law, the therapist may share broad updates regarding overall themes, treatment goals, and attendance. Your child’s therapeutic needs and best interests always come first.

To avoid any potential conflict or confusion, we ask that only one parent or guardian manage all scheduling and administrative communications. Our reception team cannot mediate co-parenting disputes or coordinate between separate parties. If co-parenting support is required, it can be explored within a dedicated therapy session with all parties’ consent.

No, BeWell Therapy does not offer custody evaluations, parenting assessments, or court recommendations unless specifically contracted for those services. If legal or parental conflict interferes with your child’s therapeutic growth, the therapist may pause or discontinue care to protect the child’s best interests.

Family Counselling:

Family counselling is therapy that focuses on the relationships and dynamics within a family system — rather than just one individual. It helps families communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, support members who are struggling, and adjust to major life changes.

No. Some sessions may include everyone, while others might focus on a parent-child pair, a couple, or an individual. Your therapist will work with you to figure out what format makes the most sense at each stage.

Individual therapy focuses on one person’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Family counselling looks at how people in a family relate to and affect each other. The two can work well together—and often do.

If you’ve noticed the same conflicts repeating themselves, communication has broken down, someone in the family is struggling and it’s affecting everyone, or you’re going through a major life change—family counselling can help. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit.

Yes. We have therapists experienced in supporting families where one or more members have ADHD, autism, sensory differences, or learning differences. We work with the whole family system—not just the family member who received the diagnosis.

Walk and Talk Therapy/Ecotherapy:

Walk and Talk Therapy is like having a regular therapy session, but instead of sitting in an office, you walk and chat with your therapist outside. It works really well for people who may find typical therapy emotionally intense, folks who are neurodivergent, and those experiencing anxiety and depression. It’s a way to combine exercise with therapeutic modalities, which can make therapy feel more comfortable and natural for some people. It can also naturally make therapy more effective by utilizing physical exercise and nature, which are both proven to decrease anxiety and depression. Movement and mindfulness are both mechanisms for our body, mind, and spirit to process difficult emotions.

Walk and Talk Therapy sessions at BeWell Therapy are currently available with Derek McIntosh (MSW RSW). To get started, all you have to do is reach out to Derek or call us at 647-302-935. Your first session or two will be either in-person or virtual, where you will go through our typical intake process while working with Derek to identify your goals and determine whether Walk and Talk therapy is a good fit for you. It is important for you and Derek to meet first and establish some rapport before hopping into meeting each other in public for the first time. From there, the two of you will collaboratively decide where you want to meet for future sessions.

This is the awesome part of Walk and Talk Therapy! You and your therapist can meet at the same location each week, or try out different walking paths. It’s up to you! Common meeting points are sometimes busy depending on the hours booked for sessions, so you and your therapist need to work collaboratively to decide where and when can work. If you like sitting by the lake and having coffee, walking a forest trail, or hanging out at your favourite park, we can definitely make it happen! (Your therapist will not post about any spaces or common spots where you meet for sessions on social media to maintain privacy and confidentiality.)

You set the pace! You and your therapist can walk as slow or as fast as you would like. If you need to take a break, you can take one at any time. Each session is 50 minutes, and that is your time. Some folks just want to leisurely walk to a space and find a nice bench and that’s fine too! On average, you and your therapist may walk between 2-5 km per session. If you walk less than that, that is totally okay. The focus is on your actual conversation and being out and about, rather than the exercise itself.

You and your therapist can always switch to a virtual session if the weather is bad. You will both keep an eye on the weather, and if it looks like a bad day to talk outside, your session will switch over to virtual. You can also switch to virtual if you are feeling sick or injured.

During your initial intake sessions, you and your therapist will discuss what each of you will be bringing to your outdoor sessions. Things like water and comfortable shoes are a must. Emergency contact information will be shared with each other in case it is needed. You will also discuss medications and allergies, as well as any related medical devices you might carry, like an EpiPen. Your therapist will typically bring extra water and a small snack in case you feel faint or have low blood sugar.

Privacy and confidentiality are the cornerstone therapy. You and your therapist will discuss how you would like to handle run-ins with family or friends before your first Walk and Talk Therapy session. BeWell Therapy has a specialized intake process and additional confidentiality forms to fill out prior to your first outdoor session. The most common way this situation is addressed is to casually say ‘hello’ and keep on walking. When you and your therapist don’t slow down,  people generally realize you are in a deep conversation. They don’t need to know that it’s a therapy session.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP):

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential form of mental health treatment that integrates horses into the therapeutic process. Sessions are guided by a licensed mental health professional and a qualified equine specialist (who may be the same person). All activities take place unmounted on the ground—grooming, haltering, feeding, leading, and sometimes just being in the presence of the horse—to address a variety of emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Behavioural and Emotional Issues in Adolescents
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Grief and Life Transitions
  • PTSD and Trauma
  • Substance Use

EAP can also be used to help treat medical conditions, including:

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Chronic Medical Issues
  • Dementia
  • Recovery from major medical trauma, such as car accidents, brain injury, stroke, and cancer

EAP can act as a supplement or standalone approach to other forms of mental health treatment.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions at BeWell Therapy are currently available with Laura Boyko (MSW RSW, M.Ed.). To get started, all you need to do is reach out to Laura by email or call us at 647-302-9355. Laura will connect with you to go over any questions or concerns you might have, arrange a suitable time, and send you our EAP intake form.

Horses are prey animals and possess many mirror neurons. They also socialize as a herd. They are particularly good at picking up on the most subtle emotions—and behaviours—in people, and they adjust their behaviour to soothe adverse emotions or respond to a human state. (Are you feeling anxious? Do you want to control the situation? Are you communicating clearly?) This assists people in learning new ways to self-regulate their emotions and behaviours, promoting mental wellbeing through things like stress reduction, clear communication, and healthy relationships built on trust, teamwork, and respect.

All activities are unmounted and there is no riding experience necessary. The horse does not have a saddle on. You might do some of the following:

  • Groom and pet the horse
  • Learn about horses and horse behaviour
  • Lead the horse to designated areas
  • Feed the horse (They love treats!)
  • Play games or perform exercises with the horse that will provide opportunities to learn about yourself

Each session is provided by a trained therapist and an equine specialist. You might work with the equine specialist to learn about horses or do an activity with the horse. You then might explore what emotions or thoughts came forward as you did so with the therapist. The therapist will engage you to explore and try new things with the horse. These experiences can then be applied to your current and previous life experiences to discover themes or patterns that you may have had.

Engaging in equine therapy has many additional benefits that you would not get in an office environment, such as being outside, being in nature, additional sounds, smells and sights, and new environments that can allow you to try new things.

No previous horse experience is required for an EAP session. There is no riding involved and all activities take place on the ground, under the supervision of a certified equine facilitator. The horse chosen by the facilitator is selected for their gentle temperament and their willingness and interest in collaborating, which is assessed before the start of each session.  

Sessions during inclement weather will be held inside the stables or arena areas, which are covered. Dressing appropriately for the outdoor temperature is still advised, as these are open-air buildings. 

Closed-toe shoes should be worn at all times. Dressing in layers according to the season is also advised, as some parts of the session may take place indoors and others outdoors. Sturdy clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty is usually a good idea.

BeWell Therapy offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) sessions in the Ajax/Pickering area of Durham Region through our partner stables. To book a session, call us at (647) 302-9355 or book online.

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