Question 1

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

I do not require referrals from outside sources but you may be required to have a doctor's referral to claim my services with insurance. Please check your coverage.

Question 2

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I am located at 161 Stafford Street, #3. When you enter 161 Stafford you will walk up a small set of stairs. My office is within Safe Harbour Therapy to the right before the main staircase.  Please enter and have a seat on the chairs. I will come collect you when we are ready for your session.

Question 3

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

New clients are invited to email info@aveevemclaughlin.com to set up a free 20 minute consult to see if my services are a good fit for your needs. I aim to return contacts within 24-48 hours. Returning clients are invited to call, text or email to set up appointments. Morning, afternoon and evening appointments are availabe.

Question 4

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

Street parking is available on Stafford Street except for during peak hours. You may also park on any side streets such as Yale Avenue. Please do not park in assigned parking behind the building. I am also located on several bus routes.

Question 5

What can I expect in the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Initial sessions are booked for 1.5 hours to accomodate assessment time and paperwork. When you first arrive you can take a seat in the waiting room and I will have you fill out some intake forms. In session we will then review the consent for service form, confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality within my profession. This session will be a chance for us to get to know each other better. I will ask some questions to help me understand the issue that has brought you to therapy. We will then start to make a plan together of how we will work to help you feel better.

Question 6

Who should attend the appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can decide who should attend the initial appointment except in the case of adolescent therapy. Guardians need to attend an initial appointment and depending on circumstances, may be seen with or without the adolescent. Please call to discuss this further if you have any questions or concerns.

Question 7

What do you charge for your services?

Accepted Answer

An initial 20 minute phone consultation is free of charge. The fee is set at $120 per 50 min session and $185 per initial 1.5 hour session.  I accept electronic payments for your convenience and provide emailed invoices. A limited number of reduced fee sessions may be availble to those with demonstrated need. Please call me for more details.

Question 8

Are you covered under insurance?

Accepted Answer

As a registered social worker most insurance plans will cover my services. Please check your plan. I do not direct bill but will provide you with an emailed invoice. As of Sept 26th, 2012 therapy provided by a registered social worker can be claimed as a medical expense tax deduction when you file your income tax return.

Question 9

What if I have to cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

You will recieve either text or email reminders ahead of time to make sure the appointment time still works. If it does not work please let me know as soon as possible by texting or calling 204-800-9910. While I understand that life is busy, cancellations with less than 24 hour notice, except for emergencies, may be required to pay for the missed session.

Question 10

What is EMDR?

Accepted Answer

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective and rapid treatment for trauma. It has been found effective in 20 controlled studies and is listed in treatment guidelines in many government and regulatory bodies. No one knows how many different forms of psychotherapy work on the brain but it is believed that EMDR helps the brain to process overwhelming experiences. These experiences seem to get "stuck" in our nervous systems, leading to symptoms that disrupt our lives. EMDR helps to sort these overwhelming experiences into memories that are less upsetting.

Question 11

What is CBT?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based psychotherapy technique that focuses on how we think (cognitive) and how we act (behavioural) with the belief that our thoughts affect both how we feel and how we act. It has proven success treating a wide range of issues including anxiety and depression.