FrequentlyAsked Therapy Questions
From Bona Fide Clients
We completely understand that taking the first step toward therapy can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. To make things a little easier, we’ve created an evolving FAQ page to answer your pressing questions – from costs and insurance coverage to getting to know us better.
Therapy FAQ ~ General Questions
Can I Talk To Someone Before I Book?
Yes! Book a Free 15-minute consultation with the link below: 15-minute consultation
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
50-minute individual session: $150-$200
80-minute individual session: $200- $230
We accept payment in cash, credit, and e-transfer, and payment is due at each session. If you have any questions or concerns about our payment policies or fees, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Privacy & Confidentiality
We understand your privacy, and confidently is critical. The information shared with your therapist is private and confidential. What you share in therapy stays between you and your therapist and cannot be shared unless you provide written consent to do so (this includes other health care professionals).
We also recognize that we live in a small community. To protect your confidentiality and privacy, your therapist will not initiate any contact if you encounter each other in public.
In some situations, your therapist is legally obligated to break confidentiality which may include:
- If there is suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected
- If you disclose that you intend to harm another person
- If you are at imminent risk of suicide or if your safety is at risk
- If you disclose you have been abused by a licensed professional such as a registered nurse, physician, etc.
- If your therapist receives a court order to release all or part of your file to the courts
I Have Questions About Insurance/Coverage
Our therapists are Registered Social Workers (RSW, MSW) and their services are typically covered by most extended healthcare benefits through your employer or school. However, most insurance companies do not offer direct billing, so you must pay for your session and then submit an official receipt, which you will receive via email, to your benefits provider for reimbursement. Please note that there are many different types of insurance and benefits, so we recommend that you contact your individual insurer to confirm coverage.
If you are registered under Veteran Affairs Canada, your therapy sessions can be billed directly by your therapist, so please let us know if this applies to you.
If you have any further questions or concerns about insurance or billing, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
We understand that sometimes things arise, and you may need to cancel or reschedule your therapy session. Our policy requires you to give your therapist at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. If you provide less than 24 hours notice or you don’t show up for your appointment, you may be charged the full fee for the session.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to manage your appointments, so we offer email and/or text reminders. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you can contact your therapist directly or manage your appointments through your online Jane account.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your session. We value your time and want to ensure that we can offer our services to as many people as possible. If you have any further questions or concerns about our cancellation policy, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Is There Parking For My In-Person Session?
There is free parking on location. If you are attending an in-office appointment please receive a ticket at the gate and your therapist will validate the ticket prior to you leaving.
About Bona Fide
Who's Behind Bona Fide?
Jessica Pino, MSW, RSW.
Click Here To Learn More About Jessica.
How Do I Know Which Therapist Is Best For Me?
We understand your relationship with your therapist is the cornerstone of effective therapy. We offer a complimentary 15-minute telephone consultation to allow you to decide who may be the best fit for you and answer any of your questions.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly structured, integrative psychotherapy approach. Its impressive effectiveness in treating trauma, troubling life experiences, and a range of mental health challenges has been substantiated through rigorous research and extensive studies.
Originating in the late 1980s in the United States, EMDR has consistently proven itself as a potent therapeutic tool backed by a rich tapestry of scientific investigation.
What sets EMDR apart is its intuitive utilization of the brain’s inherent healing capacity. At times, traumatic or distressing events can become lodged within our brain’s information processing system, along with the original incident’s accompanying emotional and physical sensations. This can be especially true for overwhelming, adverse events that occur early in life or repeatedly. Such experiences can leave us feeling like we’re reliving the original event, affecting our perception of the world and our interactions within it, often without our conscious awareness.
EMDR stands as a catalyst for change, aiding the brain in reprocessing these distressing memories and experiences and helping us to see and interact with the world in healthier, more adaptive ways.
Can I apply to work at Bona Fide?
Thank you for your interest in joining our team. While we are not currently hiring, we appreciate your enthusiasm and encourage you to apply. We are always interested in connecting with talented individuals who share our passion for providing exceptional care and support to our clients. Please send us your application; we will keep it on file for future reference.
What Does Bona Fide Mean?
How did we arrive at the name ‘Bona Fide Psychotherapy & Counselling’?
The term ‘Bona Fide’ is derived from the Latin phrase ‘bona fidei’, translating to ‘in good faith’. We chose this name as a reflection of our commitment to provide therapy and counselling services rooted in trust, authenticity, and good faith, shaping a genuine space for growth and healing.
Have a Different Question?
Like the therapy journey, this page is a living, breathing space, constantly evolving with your needs. Still, if your question hasn’t found its place here yet, please feel comfortable reaching out to us directly. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question, and we’re here to help you navigate this path. You’re not alone in this.