Question 1

How do I know if therapy is for me?

Accepted Answer

At Mindful Beginnings, we understand that deciding to pursue therapy can be a significant step. Therapy is for you if you are seeking a safe, supportive environment to navigate everyday challenges.

Individuals often come to us seeking to manage and better understand their mental health to resolve issues and conflicts or learn better communication skills and boundaries. 
 
At Mindful Beginnings, we do our best to match you with the right therapist that fits your needs and goals. All of our therapists offer a FREE 15 minute consultation in order to answer any questions and address any needs or concerns.
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If you find yourself stuck in recurring patterns, experiencing a lack of intimacy or trust, or simply wanting better tools to manage everyday stress, therapy can be highly beneficial.

Question 2

What type of therapy do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

At Mindful Beginnings, we help individuals, couples, families and children. We prioritize evidence-based therapeutic approaches to ensure the highest quality of care for our clients. Our primary techniques include:

1. Play Therapy: This technique uses play as a natural medium for children to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Play therapy can help children make sense of complex feelings and improve behavior, making it easier for them to connect and communicate with family members.

2. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy focuses on understanding and harmonizing the various "parts" or sub-personalities within each individual. By identifying and healing these internal parts, IFS helps partners to better understand themselves and each other, leading to improved empathy and reduced conflicts. It encourages the notion that each partner has multiple aspects that influence their behaviors and emotions, and through therapy, these parts can be communicated and managed constructively.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps couples identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors, encouraging more positive communication and conflict resolution strategies.

4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps couples to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. ACT encourages partners to commit to action that aligns with their core values, fostering a deeper connection and mutual respect. This approach helps couples to stay present, improve their emotional resilience, and engage in meaningful relationship-building activities, even in the face of stress and challenges.

5. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): This approach focuses on improving attachment and bonding between partners by identifying and transforming negative patterns of interaction.

6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps couples identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors, encouraging more positive communication and conflict resolution strategies.

7. Gottman Method:  Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method is backed by over 40 years of research and focuses on building a deep friendship, managing conflict effectively, and creating shared meaning.

8. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): SFBT emphasizes the identification and enhancement of effective solutions and strengths within the relationship, rather than focusing on problems.
9. Family Therapy: This approach involves working with the entire family unit to address any issues that might be affecting the child's well-being. Family therapy promotes stronger family bonds, better communication, and shared problem-solving strategies that benefit every family member.

10. Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises help children manage stress and develop coping skills. Mindfulness practice encourages emotional clarity and resilience, which can significantly improve interactions within the family.

Question 3

How do I know which therapist to choose?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right therapist at Mindful Beginnings is key to ensuring a successful and fulfilling therapy experience. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:

1. Identify Your Needs : Consider what specific issues or goals you want to address. Whether it’s improving gaining tools to help you navigate anxiety, learn better communication, or work through trauma or addiction, knowing your needs will guide you in selecting the right therapist.

2. Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation to meet with the therapist. This is a crucial step to determine comfort level and compatibility. During the consultation, discuss your issues and ask questions to see if their therapeutic style aligns with your needs.

3. Trust Your Instincts: Your comfort and trust in the therapist are paramount. Pay attention to how you feel during the initial meeting and in communicating with the therapist—choose someone who makes you feel emotionally safe, heard, and supported.

Question 4

Will my insurance cover our sessions?

Accepted Answer

Whether your sessions at Mindful Beginnings are covered depends on your specific insurance plan. Many extended health benefits in Canada include coverage for mental health services, but every plan is different—so it’s a good idea to check directly with your provider.

Be sure to ask if your plan covers services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and/or a Registered Social Worker (RSW), as our team includes clinicians with both designations. You might also want to confirm:
	•	How much coverage you have per session and per year
	•	Whether a doctor’s referral is required
	•	How to submit claims for reimbursement

While we don’t offer direct billing, we’ll make the process as smooth as possible by providing you with a detailed receipt after each session, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Question 5

Does OHIP cover therapy?

Accepted Answer

At Mindful Beginnings, we understand the importance of accessible mental health support for couples. However, it's important to note that the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover therapy services provided by therapists in private practice. While OHIP may cover some mental health services provided by psychiatrists and family doctors, therapy sessions with our registered therapists will typically not be included. We encourage clients to check with their private insurance providers, as many plans offer partial or full coverage for therapy services. Please contact us directly to answer any specific insurance questions.

Question 6

Are all sessions virtual right now?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at Mindful Beginnings, all of our therapy sessions are currently being held virtually. This allows us to provide you with the same high-quality, personalized care in the comfort and safety of your own home. Our virtual sessions are designed to be as effective and engaging as in-person meetings, utilizing secure and user-friendly technology to facilitate meaningful interactions.