Frequently Asked Questions

Consultation calls are an opportunity to assess potential fit and ask any questions you have about my approach or services.

I will ask:

• What brings you to therapy

• What you’d like to explore

• What previous therapy experiences have been like

• What you’d like to achieve in therapy

I will share a bit about my approach to therapy (what’s it like to work with me) and how I can support your therapeutic goals. I will also provide logistical information including session fees and availability, as well as answer any questions you have.

We will end the consultation by talking about next steps if you decide you’d like to work with me.

My approach is conversational, gentle, and casual. My goal is to get to know you and help you feel comfortable in our new space together. 

We’ll start with a general check-in, where I’ll ask how you’re feeling about this session. I’ll then briefly go over the consent form you completed prior to the appointment and highlight a few key policies.

From there, I’ll summarize what you shared brought you to therapy during our consultation and intake form. I’ll then ask some questions to give me more context about your goals.

Common things we’ll talk about include:

• Your current support system

• How you would describe your current mental and emotional well-being

• Personal strengths you bring to therapy

• Current obstacles that impact how you’re currently feeling in life

I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. My office is located at 57 John St S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2B9.

Please note that my office is accessed by a flight of stairs. There is no elevator or ramp access, so it is not accessible.

Therapy can be a great tool for those who:

• Want to better understand themselves

• Want to make change in their lives

• Want support developing new perspectives

• Want to learn how to tend to your wellness

A therapist can provide this support in a way that’s compassionate while still challenging.

• You feel heard, validated, and comfortable to share about yourself

• You feel like your therapist is supportive and invested in your growth

• You feel safe providing both positive and negative feedback on your experience

• Your therapist approaches the work with curiosity and not judgment 

Frequency of sessions will depend on your therapeutic goals, the level of support you’re seeking, and how quickly you’d like to progress. 

Many people choose to attend therapy more frequently in the beginning, then space out sessions as they see progress toward their goals.

For example, some clients might attend sessions weekly or bi-weekly initially, then space out sessions to once or twice a month once they need less frequent support.

The duration of the therapy process will vary based on your areas of exploration, goals, and desired level of support.

It can take several sessions to develop the therapeutic relationship and understand the historical context necessary to work toward change. Goals that are more solution oriented might require a shorter time in therapy, while more exploratory therapy may be longer term.

We will check in frequently during our work together to ensure you feel good about your progress.

You can either book online using my online booking site or email me at alyssa@groundingplacetherapy.ca to schedule.

I cannot provide both individual and couples therapy.

My goal and responsibility is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for therapy. Working with someone for both individual and couples therapy presents a conflict of interest, as we may discuss something in one therapeutic space that may impact the other.

I am happy to provide referral options for either individual or couples therapists if needed during our work together.

Absolutely! I believe flexibility is important in therapy.

If you would like to change the session format of an upcoming session, I ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice so I may prepare appropriately.