Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does therapy help?

Yes! Seeking help from a psychologist is an effective way to cope with life’s difficulties and contributes to your overall well-being.

Working though your concerns in therapy decreases the long-term effects of such concerns. Therapy can also help normalize your experience by facilitating your understanding of your present struggles. Finally, therapy can provide hope that you can live a happy fulfilling life.

How to choose the therapist that is right for me?

Each psychologist views the world differently and as such approaches therapy from a different perspective. Psychologists can choose from a variety of therapeutic approaches that are guided by either change in behaviours, thoughts, or emotions.

Research has shown that no one way of viewing and treating your concern is better than the other, rather it is the relationship between you and your psychologist that determines successful treatment. Therefore, the decision of what type of psychologist to see is up to you, and this decision can be made based on how you view the world. In essence, does the approach to the therapy make sense to you?

At Sandham Psychological Services, we believe that focusing on your emotions can lead to an improvement in your overall sense of wellbeing.

What are some questions to ask your therapist?

It is very important to find a psychologist who is the right fit for you. Here is a list of questions that you can ask a potential psychologist to help you accomplish this goal.

  • What services do you provide?
  • What client concerns and populations do you work with?
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • What types of training do you have?
  • What therapeutic approach do you use?
  • What is the average length of treatment?
  • How will progress towards treatment goals be measured?

What to expect from your first session?

During the initial therapy session we will discuss informed consent, which is one of the most important elements of therapy. The informed consent process provides you with all the important information that you need to make an informed decision about beginning therapy.

In addition, we will discuss what you want to accomplish during our time together, and we will answer any questions/concerns you have about the therapeutic process.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes! What you discuss during therapy is confidential and your information will only be shared with your consent. However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality which include: (1) if there is imminent harm to you or someone else, (2) suspected abuse of a child, individual with disabilities, or elder, and (3) if subpoenaed by the courts.

Is virtual therapy as effective as face-to-face therapy?

Yes! We have learned through the pandemic that virtual therapy can be just as effective as seeing your psychologist face-to-face. Further, many people find the convenience of not having to come to an office for therapy a benefit. Therefore, it comes down to your preference. At Sandham Psychological Services, we are currently only seeing clients virtually.

How much does therapy cost?

The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta’s (PAA) recommended fee for individual therapy is $220.00 for a 50-minute session. Psychological services are not covered through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), however, most extended health insurance plans do offer some coverage. Please contact your extended insurance plan to inquire about coverage of services provided by Registered Psychologists.

Will I get emotional?

Yes! Experiencing strong, and sometimes difficult emotions is common in therapy. Be assured that you are in control of how much emotional information you want to share, and you will not be forced to talk about anything you are not comfortable with. Painful emotions are difficult to express and feel, however, once these emotions are out in the open, you will have space for positive emotions to flourish. At Sandham Psychological Services we work very hard to provide an environment that is safe and caring, so that you feel comfortable sharing whatever emotions arise during the session.

Why should I choose Sandham Psychological Services?

If you are either feeling overwhelmed, feeling like something is “off” but can’t explain why, or are still being impacted by past traumatic events, we can help.

At Sandham Psychological, we understand that It can be very difficult to talk about your private thoughts and feelings, especially with someone whom you are not familiar with. We believe that you are the expert in your life. Our role is to provide a non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to express and learn how to manage your emotions while providing you hope that life can be better.