Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim your services through my extended health care benefits (insurance) through my place of employment?
Psychotherapy services may be covered by some extended health care benefit plans. It is always best to check with your particular provider and plan for exact coverage details. You would want to verify if they cover services by a Registered Psychotherapist or by a Registered Psychotherapist under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist. Cynthia Schopppmann works independently as a Registered Psychotherapist in the province of Ontario (Registration # 007221). She is also currently supervised by Dr Brenda Saxe, a Registered Psychologist in the province of Ontario, for work with couples and individual adults.
Do you provide tele-consultations either by telephone or via secure online video platform?
Yes! Therapy can be done via secure online video through OWL Practice, or over the phone. Commonly, people want to know if meeting online or on the phone is as effective as face-to-face sessions and, in our experience, yes – it absolutely can be.
What can I expect throughout the counselling process?
Committing to therapy is an important decision! In the first couple of sessions, we will determine if our relationship is a good therapeutic fit and complete an intake assessment. Once we have explored your background, we will collaboratively outline your goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. The number of sessions will be based on your specific needs, but this is something we would discuss and visit frequently throughout the duration of the counselling process.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The subtle differences can be confusing. In short, counselling is a more direct, short-term approach to dealing with specific areas or situations in your life. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a deeper and more engaged process of inner exploration and healing.
I am looking to access some mental health support, but what support do I need? There seems to be different types of mental health professionals out there.
You are right, there are different types of mental health professionals out there and you may need to access specific ones, depending on your needs. Here is a breakdown that might help you determine what service(s) you may require. A psychiatrist is a specialist and is a doctor (who has attended Medical School) who has done more extensive studies in the field of mental health and can legally prescribe medication, diagnose people, and provide mental health therapy. A family doctor can also legally prescribe medication, diagnose people and some do at times provide mental health therapy. A psychologist detains a Doctorate in Psychology and can diagnose people and provide mental health therapy, but not prescribe medication. A psychotherapist or a social worker has a Master’s Degree and can provide mental health therapy, but not prescribe medication or diagnose people. And a life coach can provide guidance on life decisions and peer support, but cannot prescribe medication, diagnose people, or provide mental health therapy.