Frequently Asked Questions | Counselling with Reclaim & Rise
Have some questions about counselling? We’ve got answers!
What types of counselling do you offer?
We provide counselling for individuals, couples, parents, children, and families, both in-person in Stratford and virtually across Ontario. Our specialties include:
Trauma Therapy (including EMDR & Somatic Therapy)
Couples & Relationship Counselling (including the Gottman Method)
Virtual Counselling available for anyone in Ontario
What happens during the free consultation?
After you have filled out our contact form and have either chosen the therapist you would like to work with, or we have helped connect you to the therapist most qualified to support you based on your specific needs, the free consultation is a 15 minute phone call where you can share what’s bringing you to counselling with that therapist and ask any questions you have. This is an opportunity for you to decide if they feel like a good fit for you. You are welcome to have more than one consultation to ensure you find the right therapist for you.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, counselling is confidential.
What you share stays between you and your therapist, with a few exceptions required by law, such as:
If there is risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else
If there is suspicion of child or elder abuse
If required by court order
Your therapist will review confidentiality with you during your first session to ensure you fully understand your rights and protections.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes!
We provide virtual therapy across Ontario for individuals, couples, families, parents, and youth. Virtual counselling is a secure, flexible option if you:
Live outside Stratford or in rural areas
Have a busy schedule
Prefer the comfort of your own space
Online services include EMDR, CBT, Couples Counselling, Family Therapy, and more.
Can you diagnose mental health conditions?
No.
As registered social workers and psychotherapists, we do not provide formal diagnoses. If you require a diagnosis for medical, legal, or insurance reasons, you will need to consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
That said, we can still help you explore your experiences and create meaningful strategies to reduce distress and improve your quality of life.
How will I know if my therapy is working?
Therapy is different for everyone, but you and your therapist will regularly check in about your progress.
Some signs therapy is working include:
Feeling more emotionally regulated
Noticing reduced anxiety, stress, or overwhelm
Having improved communication in your relationships
Feeling more connected to yourself or your loved ones
Being able to handle situations that used to feel overwhelming
Small or large shifts in how you think, feel, and respond
You don’t have to wait for big breakthroughs — even small changes are signs of progress.
We also encourage you to share your feedback openly with your therapist throughout the process.
What if I can't afford counselling?
We understand that counselling is an investment, and finances can be a barrier.
At Reclaim & Rise, we never want cost to be the reason someone can't access therapy.
We offer sliding scale spots through our Rise Above Barriers Program, a subsidized counselling initiative designed to help reduce session fees for those facing financial hardship. This program ensures that no one is turned away due to financial limitations.
Please mention this during your free consultation, and we will do our best to match you with an available spot.
Additionally, many clients use extended health benefits to cover part or all of their sessions. Check with your insurance provider to see if you have coverage for services provided by Registered Social Workers (RSW).
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations.
Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be billed at the full session rate (with exceptions) as this time is reserved specifically for you. Please contact your therapist directly to reschedule or cancel.
What ages do you work with?
We work with:
Children (ages 4+)
Teens
Adults
Parents & caregivers
Couples
Families
Our child & youth therapists use play-based, developmentally appropriate approaches tailored to each child's unique needs.
What concerns can you help with?
We commonly support clients with:
Anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
Trauma and PTSD
Parenting and co-parenting struggles
Relationship issues and infidelity recovery
Grief and loss
Family conflict
Low self-esteem, boundaries, and people-pleasing
Child & youth emotional, behavioural, or family-related challenges
ADHD, neurodivergence, and emotional regulation
Life transitions (divorce, relocation, career shifts)
How do I choose the right therapist for me or my family?
We know how important it is to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important parts of counselling.
Here’s how you can find the right fit:
Browse our Meet Our Therapists page to learn about each therapist's areas of focus, specialties, and approach.
Book a free consultation to explore your options and get help matching with a therapist who fits your needs and goals.
Trust your instincts — it’s okay to prioritize comfort and connection. You deserve to feel safe and supported.
Are your services covered by insurance or benefits?
Most benefit plans in Ontario offer coverage for counselling services provided by a Registered Social Worker (RSW). However, coverage varies, so we encourage you to check with your benefits provider before your first session to confirm your eligibility.
Are your services covered by OHIP?
No.
Counselling services are only covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) when provided directly by a physician, such as a family doctor or psychiatrist. Private therapy with a Registered Social Worker or Psychotherapist is not covered by OHIP, but may be reimbursed through your workplace or private insurance benefits.
Are counselling services tax-deductible?
Yes.
Counselling provided by a Registered Social Worker (RSW) qualifies as a medical expense and can be claimed when filing your personal income tax return in Ontario. Since 2012, Registered Social Workers are considered “medical practitioners” under the Canada Revenue Agency for the purposes of claiming medical expenses.
Is virtual therapy effective?
Yes.
Research shows that virtual counselling is just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns. Many clients find online sessions more convenient and accessible, especially if they live outside of Stratford or prefer meeting from home.
Do you only serve clients in Stratford?
No.
While we love serving our local Stratford community, we provide virtual counselling to clients anywhere in Ontario.
We regularly support clients from:
Kitchener-Waterloo
London
Toronto & the GTA
Ottawa & Eastern Ontario
Rural & Northern Ontario
Southwestern Ontario and beyond
What if I still have questions?
We would love to answer them!
You are welcome to email us at info@reclaimandrise.ca or click the Contact Us button below to reach out or book your free phone consultation — no pressure, just a supportive conversation to help you decide if we’re the right fit.