Approach

How we work together.

Most of counselling is ordinary: two people in a room, or on a screen, talking about what matters to one of them. Here is what that looks like at Stillwater, before you commit to anything.

How sessions work

The practical part first.

Length: 50 minutes for most sessions. Individuals can book 80 minutes and couples 90 minutes when there's a lot to cover.
How often: Weekly or every other week to begin with. Many people space sessions out once things settle.
Where: In one of the rooms at the house on Sorrel Avenue, or by video from anywhere in Ontario. You can switch between the two.
How long overall: There's no set number. Some people come for four sessions, some for a year. Every few weeks we check whether it's still helping.
Between sessions: Email or call the office to move a time. Your therapist won't counsel by email or text, so save the real conversation for the session.
Ending: You can stop whenever you like. If you let us know, we'll offer one last session to wrap up.

A small round wooden table by a sunny window with a French press, cups and a potted plant

Your first session

Nobody expects your whole story on day one.

Before

We email a short consent form to read and sign. It covers fees, cancellations and confidentiality. If anything in it is unclear, ask us before you sign.

In the room

Your therapist asks what brought you here and what you'd like to be different. You decide how much to say. You can ask how they work, too, and what a typical session with them looks like.

At the end

You talk about whether to meet again and how often. There's no pressure to book on the spot; plenty of people go home and think about it.

Confidentiality

What you say stays private, with a few limits we'd rather you hear now than later.

What stays between you and your therapist

What you talk about, and the fact that you come here at all.
Your file, which is kept locked or password-protected and is never shared with your employer, school or family.
In couples work, what you each say in joint sessions. We won't hold a secret for one partner from the other.
For teens, the details of what they tell us. Parents hear how things are going in general, not what was said.

When we would have to share something

If we believe you are at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else.
If we learn that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect. The law requires us to tell child protection services.
If a court orders us to hand over records.
If you ask us in writing to share something, for example with your family doctor.

Wherever we can, we would talk it through with you first. The therapists also meet to discuss their work, without names or anything that would identify you.

What we don't offer

Some things are better handled somewhere else.

Crisis or emergency care: We can't respond quickly enough to keep anyone safe in a crisis. In crisis? Call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or call 911. You can also go to the nearest emergency department.
Assessments for a diagnosis: For an assessment of ADHD, autism, a learning disability or another condition, ask your family doctor about a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Medication: We don't prescribe. Your family doctor, a nurse practitioner or a walk-in clinic can talk with you about medication, and you're welcome to see us at the same time.