{"id":60,"date":"2022-07-22T15:54:37","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T15:54:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leonpsychology.ca\/?page_id=60"},"modified":"2025-01-23T15:52:20","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T15:52:20","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/leonpsychology.ca\/en\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Psychologists and Psychotherapy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is (psycho)therapy?<\/strong><\/summary>
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Psychotherapy, also called \u2018\u2018talk therapy\u2019\u2019 or simply \u2018\u2018therapy\u2019\u2019, is a way to help people with a variety of emotional difficulties and mental disorders. Psychotherapy is a treatment that aims to help a person function better and increase their well-being. Psychotherapy can be conducted in an individual, family, couple, or group setting, and can help individuals of any age. Short-term psychotherapy can involve a few sessions to address immediate difficulties, whereas long-term psychotherapy can involve months or years of support for longstanding and complex issues. Treatment goals and session frequency and duration are planned jointly by the client and psychologist. A trusting relationship between the client and psychologist is essential to working together effectively and benefiting from psychotherapy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is a clinical psychologist?<\/strong><\/summary>
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A clinical psychologist holds a doctoral and\/or master\u2019s degree in clinical psychology. Clinical psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave as well as the study of mental disorders and their treatment. Psychologists who hold doctoral degrees can use the title of Doctor (Dr.). Psychologists are licensed and regulated by provincial regulating bodies. Psychologists have specific areas of competency, such as clinical neuropsychology and child psychology. Psychologists are uniquely trained to use psychological tests to inform assessments and diagnose psychological disorders. They are also knowledgeable in providing a variety of treatments (also called psychotherapies) to address psychological issues.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How is a psychologist different from a psychiatrist?<\/strong><\/summary>
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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who go on to specialize in mental disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists often use medication to help their clients. They also tend to be more involved in treating those with severe mental health disorders. Some psychiatrists perform psychotherapy much like psychologists. For more information on the study and practice of psychiatry, please visit the website of the Canadian Psychiatric Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Can a psychologist prescribe medication?<\/strong><\/summary>
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No. In Ontario and Quebec, only psychiatrists and family physicians can prescribe medications to treat mental disorders. Although psychologists do not prescribe, they have experience coordinating care with their clients\u2019 physicians and are trained in providing psychotherapy for individuals who are taking medication.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Do I need a physician referral to see a psychologist?<\/strong><\/summary>
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No. However, your private insurance might require a physician referral to reimburse you. Please verify with your insurance provider.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Why choose a psychologist?<\/strong><\/summary>
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Although several other health professionals are allowed to provide counselling and\/or psychotherapy (e.g., nurses, occupational therapists, social workers). Psychologists are characterized by their many years of study, their considerable hours of supervised training, depth of knowledge in research and therapeutic modalities, and ability to thoroughly assess and diagnose mental illnesses. Psychological services are best suited for those who are experiencing challenges that impact their functioning at home, at school or work, and in their relationships.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Psychotherapy Sessions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What do psychotherapy sessions look like?<\/strong><\/summary>
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Psychotherapy sessions last 50-60 minutes and generally occur every week or every two weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, the first few sessions will be spent discussing your reasons for seeking psychological services and your expectations for therapy. Your psychologist will conduct an assessment, which involves asking you questions to understand the difficulties you are experiencing in your life. Your psychologist might also ask you to complete questionnaires. Assessment results will be shared with you and will remain confidential. Assessment results may involve communicating a psychological diagnosis. Your psychologist will then work with you to identify therapeutic goals and build a treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The amount of time you invest in therapy will vary according to your goals. Short-term therapy (6-8 sessions) may be suitable for learning to manage immediate difficulties, whereas long-term therapy (several months) can help with longstanding and complex issues. You can revise your goals as treatment progresses. When you\u2019ve met your goals and treatment is complete, your psychologist will offer a few final sessions to review your progress in therapy and cement your strategy toolbox to maintain your treatment gains.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What is virtual psychotherapy? Does it work?<\/strong><\/summary>
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Until a few years ago, psychotherapy was offered in-person in an office setting. Virtual therapy, also called teletherapy or telepsychology, refers to psychotherapy provided by videoconference. Leon Psychology Clinic only offers therapy by videoconference. Virtual psychotherapy has the advantages of being more convenient and accessible than in-person psychotherapy. Moreover, research shows that virtual therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, virtual therapy is not the best fit for everyone, especially clients who do not have access to a quiet and private space for their sessions. Clients are encouraged to discuss with their psychologist if virtual therapy is best for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For an optimal virtual psychotherapy experience, the following are highly recommended:<\/p>\n\n\n\n