At Atia Counselling Group, our sessions are done through online video conference.  This combines the benefits of face-to-face counselling and the advantages that technology offers.  Several studies show that online counselling is just as effective as face-to-face counselling if not more effective due to the convenience, accessibility and the buffer the online platform provides.

“Research suggests that patients report enhanced therapeutic alliance, increased self-disclosure, and decreased stigma with distance services when compared to face-to-face services.” E-Mental Health Commission, 2014

You do not have to be in crisis or on the verge of one before choosing to have therapy.  Counselling can help if you are currently struggling to overcome a particular issue or address a reoccurring problem.

The initial session is when you share your situation, your concerns and your goals. We will also discuss the number of sessions needed and fees.  With your input, we tailor a program to help you reach your goals.

Clients are assured that everything they discuss or disclose in counselling will be held in the strictest confidence, and will not be revealed to anyone else without their expressed consent.

Exceptions to this involve disclosures or significant risk of child abuse/neglect, expressed intention or imminent risk of harm to oneself or others, and written court orders.

Atia Counselling Group will do its best meet your needs.  We are also happy to provide referrals to other resources and community services.

Friends and family can be rich sources of love and support but are limited in training and experience.  Therapists have the educational background and are trained to identify mental health issues.  They are equipped to provide you with the best available evidence-based treatment for the problem.

Active listening is the largest part of what all counsellors do.  They help clients clarify their problem areas and help them decide what steps they want to take next.  Counsellors will proceed at the client’s pace and work with them to have increased mental well being.

Appointments are approximately 50 minutes in length. This is the standard length of a counselling session.  We will meet once a week to gain momentum and consistency.

If you have a session that you are no longer able to keep, please note that a 24-hour notice is required to reschedule your online session without charge.  If less than 24 hours notice is given, or if you miss, or forget an appointment, you will be charged a non-refundable fee.

At Atia Counselling Group the therapists do not prescribe medication.  If you want to be evaluated for medication you need to contact your primary care physician or a psychiatrist.

Due to licensing regulations, counsellors in Ontario can only provide counselling to individuals residing in Ontario, Canada.  Atia Counselling will not conduct child custody evaluations nor provide custody recommendations.  We don’t provide treatment for eating disorders, psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc), or personality disorders.

We do not offer crisis counselling or emergency services.  If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

A person who provides psychotherapy services can be any of the professionals listed below.  The main difference between these types of professionals is their training and educational background.

A psychiatrist is a doctor who has attended medical school and has completed a residency in psychiatry.  Psychiatrists and other medical doctors are the only professionals who can prescribe psychiatric medications.  Many psychiatrists focus on severe issues such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.  These challenges usually require a combination of therapy and medication.

A clinical psychologist is a professional who has earned a PhD or a PsyD in clinical psychology.  Psychologists cannot prescribe medication but are trained to work with individuals who have either mild or severe psychological issues.  Some psychologists do not work as therapists but instead, teach at universities or conduct research.

A social worker or the therapists at Atia Counselling Group have earned a Masters-level degree in social work.  They are focused exclusively on providing therapy to individuals, couples, or families.  S/he does not prescribe medications.  They focus on common life issues, including stress and anxiety, mild to moderate depression, relationship conflicts, and work or career development.  Although counselling graduate programs include a great deal of psychology, the emphasis is more on working with “problems of normal living” rather than severe mental illnesses.