Frequently Asked Questions.
Do I need a referral or a specific diagnosis to work with you?
Not at all! I welcome all adults who want assistance in reaching their mental wellness goals.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Some people come to therapy because of encouragement from their doctor following a new diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Others find their way here because of problems getting along with others, like their spouse or colleagues at work. Many people consider therapy because they just feel off and they’re not sure why. Whatever your reasons for reaching out, they’re all valid. There is no right or wrong reason to find your way here. Whether your needs seem big or small, I believe that everyone can benefit from talking to a trained professional. The process starts with you.
That being said, there are some issues for which online services are not ideally suited. For example, if you are having thoughts of suicide, are at risk of harm to yourself or others, or if you are experiencing psychosis or mania, online therapy will likely not be the most appropriate method of service. If this is the case, I am more than willing to assist in helping you find counselling alternatives or crisis counselling services. For your information, any Canadian experiencing thoughts of suicide can call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service 24/7 at 1-833-456-4566.
What are your therapy sessions like?
Our sessions will look and feel like a conversation…with a purpose. I ask questions. You think and respond. We explore different patterns and themes that come up while you’re talking. I will provide information on topics as the need arises. I will often recommend exercises and activities that you can work on outside of our therapy sessions. The goal is to take what you learn in those 50 minutes and apply it to your daily life. During our sessions sometimes we will discuss difficult topics and you may experience emotions like sadness or anger. This is normal. I will be there with you, and walk you through how to embrace the feeling, figure out why you’re feeling that way, and help you reduce the intensity of your emotions. Those 50 minutes can be powerful and life changing.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms are often used interchangeably to refer to “talk therapy”. They have many similarities, but there are some important differences as well. In general, counselling is recommended for situation-specific issues and situations, such as work-related stress or grief, and usually takes place over weeks to several months. It is focused on finding solutions or ways to cope with a specific situation going on in your life right now. Psychotherapy on the other hand is generally a longer-term treatment that focuses more on gaining insight into chronic problems. Its focus is on the person's thought processes, and how these may be influenced by past events such that they cause problems in the present. In other words, psychotherapy addresses the root cause and core issues of current problems so that lasting change and personal growth may occur.
While a psychotherapist is qualified to provide counselling, a counsellor may or may not possess the necessary credentials, training and skills to provide psychotherapy. The good news for you, is that I provide both; and the fees and session length are the same. On occasion, people will approach me and very specifically request one or the other; however, most of the time I make a clinical decision about what approach will work best for you given your unique situation and goals.
Will I need to see you forever?
I actually get this question a lot! While you very well might need to see me now, no, you won’t need to see me forever. Many people accomplish their goals for therapy in just few sessions; others engage in multiple sessions over months or years. You can choose to stop whenever you want; you can also choose to return when you want. I firmly believe that therapy can benefit people throughout their lifetime and returning to therapy after time away doesn’t mean you failed; it may simply mean you’re facing different challenges and could benefit from a reminder of some of the skills, strategies and strengths you’ve relied on in the past to help you get through difficult situations. Also, some people benefit tremendously from the knowledge that they have a future appointment booked – say 3 months out; this can help people feel more confident in the time between sessions and aid in maintaining momentum and progress.
How many sessions will I need to attend?
There is no set number of sessions you must attend. Your time and money are valuable, and I seek to ensure every appointment brings good value. After your first session I will have better idea of what’s going on that brings you to therapy and what your goals for change are; at that point, I can give you an informed estimate of how many sessions it is likely to take to accomplish your goals or at least to make significant progress toward them. It may help you to know that, typically, sessions are initially scheduled weekly. Once a fair amount of progress has been made, you may choose to book sessions every 2-3 weeks leaving more time between sessions for you to practice new skills and implement new ways of doing things. I strive to help you achieve deep, long-lasting change and while some people feel comfortable and capable maintaining gains on their own, others really like the option of scheduling “maintenance sessions” every month or two – for some, this can make all the difference in helping them maintain gains.
I am not sure about online therapy. Can I meet with you in person instead?
At this time I am offering online therapy sessions exclusively. I do not anticipate offering in-person therapy in the future. The only service I provide in person are couples retreats. If you’re apprehensive about online sessions, I get it. I was too, at first. Whether your concerns are related to not being sure how to use the technology or whether it’s related to how we can really get to know each other through a screen, I would be happy to help answer your questions and try to alleviate your concerns. Just reach out and let me know: lesleyannhoffman@gmail.com. If it would make you more comfortable, in your email, just let me know you’d like me to give you a call and I can answer your questions with a brief phone call.
Is online therapy secure and confidential?
I offer secure and confidential online therapy. The platform I use for both online video sessions and for related documentation is called Jane.
Jane is compliant with Canadian Data Protection regulations, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and, locally, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). PIPEDA is a Canadian federal privacy law, enacted in April of 2000, for private sector business. It sets rules for how businesses must handle personal data in the course of commercial activity. Enacted in November 2004, PHIPA is a local, provincial (Ontario) legislation that protects the confidentiality and privacy of personal health information (PHI) by establishing rules for the collection, use, and disclosure of PHI during the provision of healthcare. To learn more about Jane’s security and privacy click here.
Furthermore, I encourage you to connect from a private space, where you won’t be interrupted for the duration of the session. You may want to wear earbuds or headphones to help limit sound travel to nearby rooms in your home or office.
Do you work with children or teenagers?
While I have worked with children and teens in the past, I currently focus my practice solely on adults, aged 18+. My past experience working with youth helps inform my approach, taking into account a developmental, lifespan perspective. It also helps me work well with adults who are struggling with children or teenagers in their life.