How do I make an appointment?

Clients are welcome to book their appointments online through the Owl Practice Client portal.

https://portal.owlpractice.ca/pivot

Appointment can also be made by calling or email Victoria directly. victoria@pivotpsychotherapyservices.com, 613 362 3365.

* At this time online booking is unavailable

What can I expect prior to the Initial appointment?

Prior to your initial appointment you will be emailed links to complete a New Client Information form & a Privacy/Confidentiality & Informed Consent agreement. You will also receive information about how to log into your account within the Client Portal.

What can I expect during the initial appointment?

During our first session you will be provided with information about my practice & have an opportunity to ask questions. The majority of our first session will be spent collecting a history & talking about your concerns and the changes you would like to see occur in your life.

How long does therapy last?

This varies from person to person. I use a solution focused approach which involves identifying specific goals and working towards them in order to facilitate change.

How do psychotherapists and psychologists differ?

This can be a bit confusing. Psychotherapy, or ‘talk- therapy' is a controlled act that BOTH psychotherapists and psychologists can provide. A psychotherapist CANNOT diagnose psychological disorders, learning disabilities or any disorder in the Diagnostic & Statistics Manual- only a psychologist can do so.

Psychotherapists typically have earned a Bachelor and a Masters degree from a recognized university. Psychologists have completed several years of additional schooling to earn a PhD.

Is what we discuss during the sessions confidential?

“The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario requires its members to obtain written consent before disclosing information to any other party, including other health professionals. This also applies to sharing information with individuals such as the client’s spouse, or contacting any third party, such as third-party payors, insurance companies, or Employee Assistance Program for billing purposes.

Futhermore, the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) establishes the rules relating to confidentiality and privacy of personal health information in Ontario. PHIPA requires that personal health information be kept confidential and secure (CRPO, 2019)”

There are very clear circumstances in which psychotherapists must, by law, breech confidentiality- if you have intent to harm yourself or someone else. If you are aware of a child who is being abused or if the information is subpoenaed by the court.