In an online counselling session with a licensed therapist, you’ll find a supportive, confidential space to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and challenges openly . Your therapist will help you explore issues, set goals, and develop coping strategies (for example using CBT or DBT techniques) to make positive changes in your life . Sessions are typically calm and conversational: you may talk about recent experiences, practice new skills, or reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. Ultimately, you should feel heard and understood, and leave each session with practical insights or strategies for your everyday life. (Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, so you’re always treated with empathy and respect.)

Online therapy (or virtual counselling) is straightforward and secure. Once you book an appointment, you’ll receive a secure link (typically via email or text) to join your session at the scheduled time. You simply need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection and a camera. At the appointment time, click the link to connect via a HIPAA/PIPEDA-compliant video platform (we use encrypted Zoom or embedded video conferencing). Here’s what the process looks like:

• Schedule & reminders: Use our online booking system to choose a time. You’ll get reminders and the session link automatically.

• Video session: Click the link and connect with your therapist over a private video call. You’ll see and hear each other just like an in-person session.

• Comfort & privacy: You can be in your own home or a private space anywhere in Ontario (Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Toronto, etc.) – whatever feels most comfortable and confidential for you.

• Flexibility & accessibility: Since it’s all online, you save travel time and can fit therapy into your busy schedule more easily. Online sessions are as effective as in-person for most people, and many find them more convenient .

• Data privacy: All our teletherapy is fully encrypted and compliant with PHIPA/PIPEDA (Canadian privacy laws) and GDPR standards . This means your personal information and discussions stay safe and confidential.

Yes – Habitual Psychotherapy is Ontario-based, and we’re proud to serve clients across Ontario. Whether you live in Durham Region (Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Clarington, Bowmanville, Courtice), the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, etc.), or anywhere else in Ontario, you can access our online therapy services. Because we are fully online, location isn’t a barrier. Our licensed therapist is registered in Ontario and follows Ontario’s professional guidelines, but our telehealth platform lets anyone in Ontario (and even beyond) schedule sessions as long as local laws permit. (We warmly welcome clients from all areas, but note that we do not offer in-person sessions – everything is via secure video or phone.)

Habitual Psychotherapy is led by a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist (RN, CNP/CPN) with specialized training. In other words, your therapist is a Ontario-licensed healthcare professional with five years of mental health experience. He holds a Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and advanced certification in nursing psychotherapy . He is certified in evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care, and is trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) techniques as well. This means you’re in the hands of a highly qualified, trauma-informed therapist who uses proven methods to support mental health. (Our goal is to continuously grow skills – we keep up with the latest training to offer the best care.)

Our therapist’s broad background (working with diverse ages and challenges) means he can help with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to relationship and trauma-related concerns. You can trust that your therapy will be informed by professional expertise and compassion.

We aim to make payment simple and secure. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) through an encrypted payment system that complies with PHIPA/PIPEDA privacy standards . You’ll pay after each session to keep things straightforward. If you have extended health coverage, be sure to request a receipt at the end of your session. We will provide an itemized receipt which you can submit to your insurance company or use with your Health Spending Account (HSA) for reimbursement. Note that OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance) does not cover private therapy . However, many work and private insurance plans do cover services provided by Registered Nurse Psychotherapists, so it’s worth checking if your plan includes counseling, psychotherapy, or Registered Psychotherapist services. (Common insurers in Ontario that cover therapy include Green Shield, Manulife, etc.) All transactions are processed securely, and you can save receipts for tax purposes if needed.

Booking with Habitual Psychotherapy is easy and fast. You have several options:

• Online booking: Click “Get Started” or “Book Now” on our website to use the online scheduling portal. You’ll see available dates/times and can secure your first session in minutes.

• Contact form: Use the Contact page or “Get Started” form on our site. Send us a brief message, and we’ll follow up (usually within 1 business day) to find a suitable time.

• Call or email: You can also call us at (289) 996-2976 or email hptherapy@gmx.com. We respond promptly and can help you set up an appointment.

We offer free 15-minute consultations, so if you’re unsure about anything, you can chat with the therapist first to see if we’re a good fit. Once scheduled, you’ll receive confirmation and all the info you need for your first online session. We look forward to connecting with you!

In Ontario, OHIP does not cover private psychotherapy or counseling . This is true for online and in-person therapy. However, most people do not rely on OHIP for psychotherapy. Instead, many extended health insurance plans cover therapy costs such as but not limited to Greenshield, The Johnson Group, OTIP, RNAO, NIHB, Nexgen, Desjardin, Empire Life, RTIP, Coughlin, myHSA, VAC, OTIP, and Manulife. If you have a benefits plan through work or a private insurer, check whether it includes coverage for Registered Psychotherapists or Counselling. Often this falls under “psychotherapy,” “mental health counselling,” or similar. We provide receipts with the correct credentials (Registered Nurse Psychotherapist) that you can submit for reimbursement. If you have a Health Spending Account (HSA), you can typically claim therapy there as well. In short, while OHIP won’t pay, many private insurance plans do – it’s worth asking your provider about your specific coverage.

Absolutely. Habitual Psychotherapy welcomes clients from every faith, culture, and background. We respect and value diversity in all its forms. Our approach is culturally sensitive and trauma-informed, ensuring a safe, non-judgmental environment for everyone. Whether you identify with a particular religion (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, etc.) or no religion at all, you will find our sessions respectful and inclusive. Our therapist’s own diverse background and training means he understands how faith, culture, and identity can impact mental health. We integrate clients’ beliefs and values into therapy when helpful, but our commitment is that everyone feels understood, respected, and supported on their path to wellness.

No referral is needed. You do not need a doctor’s note or any form of formal referral to book an appointment. We welcome any adult in Ontario who feels that psychotherapy could help them. Starting is as easy as reaching out – once you decide to take the step, you can self-refer by scheduling through our website or contacting us directly.