Experienced therapists, real support

From a technical perspective, the difference between these two designations relates to the amount of clinical experience a clinician has acquired since registering with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

When a clinician first registers with the College, they are granted the title of "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)". As they gain more experience while registered with the College—specifically, by accumulating direct client hours and clinical supervision hours—they can qualify for subsequent registration categories: Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Independent Practice). RP (Qualifying) and RPs are required by CRPO to access Clinical Supervision for their practice.

It's crucial to understand that a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is not necessarily less experienced. Some clinicians bring extensive counselling, coaching, and teaching experiences that aren't directly reflected in their College registration.

From our experience, the most important factors in therapy aren't about years of registration, but about who you connect with and who can help you feel safe sharing. These qualities are deeply personal characteristics that develop through human interaction, not simply through clinical experience!

How do I know if my therapist is a good fit?Clinical supervision is a crucial part of professional development for therapists. Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) and Registered Psychotherapists are required by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) to regularly meet with an experienced supervisor.

During clinical supervision, a therapist meets with a qualified supervisor to discuss their client cases. These confidential discussions allow the therapist to:

• Share background information about clients
• Explore complex therapeutic challenges
• Seek guidance on best practices
• Address potential professional concerns
• Ensure they're providing the highest quality of care

The primary goal of clinical supervision is to support therapists in delivering exceptional, ethical, and effective client care through mentorship from an experienced professional.

At Karkiu Psychotherapy, our Clinical Director meets with our Associates at least every two weeks. These sessions involve:

• Carefully reviewing client cases
• Exploring potential transference or countertransference dynamics
• Ensuring our therapists consistently meet the CRPO's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Providing expert mentorship from a seasoned professional with extensive experience in training and supervising new therapists

A therapist is professionally trained to help you create meaningful, lasting change in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Unlike in conversations with your friends, psychotherapy goes far beyond simply venting.

Your skilled therapist will do more than listen—they will help you explore the intricate landscape of your inner world. Using evidence-based techniques grounded in our understanding of mental and emotional well-being, therapists can help you unpack your experiences, understand the roots of your thoughts and feelings, and discover new ways of moving through life's challenges. Considering how mental states manifest in neural networks and in the body, your therapist helps you process thoughts and feelings that might be overwhelming or difficult to navigate alone. It's like having a supportive, expert navigator for your emotional journey.

With an inherently impartial and professionally trained perspective, your therapist creates a safe space for you to work through challenging emotional terrain. They will compassionately guide you towards more adaptive ways of understanding and responding to your experiences. Our goal isn't to be your best friend, but to support you in becoming your best self.

https://crpo.ca/resources/what-to-know-about-psychotherapy/

What should I expect in the therapy process?Absolutely! Therapy isn't just a lifeline during tough times—it's a powerful tool for personal growth and wellness. Think of it like having a supportive guide who helps you understand yourself better, even when everything seems okay. Just as you might visit a trainer to stay fit or a nutritionist to optimize your health, therapy is about proactively caring for your mental and emotional well-being.

Many people assume you only need therapy when you're struggling, but the most transformative work often happens when you're in a stable place. This is when you can dig deeper, build stronger emotional foundations, and develop skills that will serve you throughout life's ups and downs.

Therapy can help you develop self-awareness, increase overall emotional resilience, improve communication skills, build more effective coping strategies, enhance personal relationships with yourself and others, and break through long-standing patterns or challenges. Many people seek therapy for personal development, self-understanding, and proactive mental health maintenance, not just in response to a crisis.

How can a therapist with different experiences or cultural background understand & help me with what I'm struggling with?At Karkiu Psychotherapy, we believe that your story is uniquely yours—and that's exactly how we'll approach your healing journey. Our person-centred approach means we don't try to fit you into a predetermined box or reduce your experiences to a simple diagnosis. Instead, we see you as the true expert of your own life.

What does this really mean? It means we're here to listen—truly listen—to your specific experiences, your nuanced identity, and the rich tapestry of your personal journey. We recognize that you're not just a collection of symptoms, but a whole person with complex layers, intersecting identities, and incredible potential for growth.

Our commitment is simple: to create a supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. We approach our work with deep empathy, genuine compassion, and an unwavering belief in your capacity to create meaningful change. We're not here to tell you who you should be, but to walk alongside you as you discover who you are and who you want to become.

By centring your unique perspective and honouring your individual path, we help you unlock new insights, develop stronger self-understanding, and ultimately, create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.

At the heart of trauma-informed therapy is a deep understanding that your past experiences shape your present, but they do not define your future. We recognize that trauma is not about what is "wrong" with you, but about how remarkably resilient you have been in surviving challenging experiences.

Our approach prioritizes your safety, comfort, and healing journey, meeting you exactly where you are. We understand that trauma can impact every aspect of your life—from your thoughts and relationships to your body's automatic responses—and we approach this with gentle compassion. We will never push you to "get over" past hurt or to spill all your trauma at once. We will work together to understand your unique experiences, respect your personal boundaries, and help you build powerful coping skills at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.

We see your trauma responses not as weaknesses, but as incredible survival mechanisms that have protected you—and now, we'll work together to help you develop even more effective ways of thriving, healing, and reclaiming your sense of safety and empowerment.

Great question! Finding a therapist who is a good fit for you is also important to us!

It often takes a bit of time to establish rapport with your therapist. The key is finding someone who feels right for you—someone professional yet warm, skilled yet genuine. Pay attention to how you feel during your sessions: Do you feel genuinely heard? Comfortable being vulnerable? Respected, even when discussing difficult topics? A good therapeutic relationship should help you feel safe enough to explore challenging emotions while feeling supported and understood.

Trust your instincts during your initial interactions. During a consultation or first few sessions, notice if your therapist:

• Listens without judgment
• Demonstrates empathy and understanding
• Respects your unique experiences
• Helps you feel comfortable and validated
• Provides a sense of hope and potential for growth

We offer a free 15-minute phone/virtual consultation to help you get a sense of our approach. Listen to what your gut tells you when you speak with your potential therapist!

We understand the desire to connect with someone who shares similar life experiences. While having common ground can feel comforting, the true magic of therapy isn't about finding someone exactly like you—it's about finding someone who is deeply committed to understanding your unique journey. Our therapists are trained to move beyond surface-level similarities and dive into the rich, nuanced landscape of your personal experience.

We approach our work with cultural humility and genuine curiosity, constantly examining our own biases and perspectives. Our goal isn't to compare notes or presume we know exactly how you feel, but to create a compassionate space where your individual story can be heard, validated, and understood. We listen not just with our ears, but with empathy, respect, and a profound commitment to seeing the world through your eyes. Because ultimately, therapy is about your experience, your healing, and your growth—and we're here to support you in that deeply personal journey.

Imagine therapy as a collaborative journey through the landscape of your life, with your therapist walking beside you as a compassionate guide. You might feel lost or stuck, but together, we'll explore the paths you've traveled, gently unraveling the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that have shaped your journey. We'll work to understand how your past experiences have influenced your present, and then carefully chart a course toward the future you envision.

This isn't about having a perfect map or knowing exactly where we're going. It's about walking together, with your therapist offering support, insight, and gentle challenges as you discover new ways of moving through your life. We'll create a safe, supportive space where you can explore, take risks, and grow—knowing you have a caring companion who believes in your capacity to create meaningful change. Think of your therapist as a secure base—someone you can always return to, someone who will support you as you venture into new territories of self-discovery and personal growth.

The fee for services with a Registered Psychotherapist is $165.00 per 50-minute session, and the fee for services with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is $135.00 per 50-minute session.

While many private insurance companies have expanded coverage to include psychotherapy, it is advised that you reach out to your provider to ensure that registered psychotherapists are included in your plan. We do not offer direct billing at this time.

Great question! Finding a therapist who is a good fit for you is also important to us!

It often takes a bit of time to establish rapport with your therapist. The key is finding someone who feels right for you—someone professional yet warm, skilled yet genuine. Pay attention to how you feel during your sessions: Do you feel genuinely heard? Comfortable being vulnerable? Respected, even when discussing difficult topics? A good therapeutic relationship should help you feel safe enough to explore challenging emotions while feeling supported and understood.

Trust your instincts during your initial interactions. During a consultation or first few sessions, notice if your therapist:

• Listens without judgment
• Demonstrates empathy and understanding
• Respects your unique experiences
• Helps you feel comfortable and validated
• Provides a sense of hope and potential for growth

We offer a free 15-minute phone/virtual consultation to help you get a sense of our approach. Listen to what your gut tells you when you speak with your potential therapist!

Therapy is a journey of healing that adapts to your unique needs. We typically start with weekly sessions to build momentum and trust, giving us space to understand your story and goals. If you're navigating more intense challenges, we might recommend more frequent sessions to help you find stability.

Our approach is flexible. We'll regularly discuss session frequency together, ensuring we're moving at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive to you. As you develop new insights and strategies, we may transition to biweekly sessions—always keeping your healing and growth at the centre of our work.

We use a secure online platform called Jane for our virtual therapy sessions and record-keeping. This means your personal information is protected using the highest privacy standards. As Registered Psychotherapists, we take your privacy extremely seriously.

Everything we discuss is confidential. We will only break confidentiality in rare circumstances where we believe you or someone else might be in serious danger. Think of it like a trusted conversation where your safety—and the safety of others—is our top priority.

Your personal information is kept private through:

• Secure, encrypted digital records
• Strict professional ethical guidelines
• Careful discussions with professional colleagues
• HIPAA and PHIPA compliance

We're committed to creating a safe space where you can feel comfortable sharing openly, knowing your privacy is always protected.