FAQ

The best first step is to book a free 30-minute consultation with any therapist you are interested in.

Head to our "Start Your Free Consult" page, where you'll find a simple form to get in touch. Once you submit it, a real human (not an AI) will reply to your email personally to connect you with the therapist you prefer.

The therapist will then contact you directly to help you through the steps of booking your consultation. This low-pressure meeting allows you to discuss your goals, identify your needs, talk about cost and session regularity, and ensure the therapist is the right match for you before you commit to any sessions.

Yes, absolutely. Phone sessions are a perfect, practical way to access therapy, especially if you are not tech-savvy or feel intimidated by video technology.

We understand that for many seniors and older generations, navigating computers, logging in, or worrying about privacy settings can be a barrier. Our therapists are here to minimize those hurdles. We will meet you where you are, guiding you gently through any necessary steps.

While there are a few secure forms we need to access for safety and confidentiality reasons, we will walk you through them patiently. If technology feels overwhelming, a simple phone call is a valid, effective, and safe way to begin your journey. You don't need to be an expert to get the care you deserve.

 All of our sessions are conducted securely online via telehealth or, at your request, by phone. This allows us to serve clients across Ontario and beyond, available Monday through Sunday to fit your schedule and therapist availability. 

Yes! We offer group therapy a few times a year, typically in the winter and fall. Please keep an eye on our homepage and sign up to our newsletter for upcoming announcements and application details.

We focus on providing affordable, inclusive, and culturally responsive care. We commonly work with students, young professionals, individuals navigating major life transitions, and people from diverse multicultural backgrounds who are seeking a therapist who truly understands their context.Is this your first time seeking therapy? We know that cultural stigma can make taking this first step feel intimidating or overwhelming. If you have never been to therapy before, you are welcome here. Our therapists are specially trained to support you through this initial journey with extra patience and understanding. We are here to help you navigate your first steps, find the right fit, and claim your personal space for your own care without judgment. Whether you are curious, hesitant, or ready to begin, we are honoured to walk this path with you.

Our diverse team currently offers sessions in English, Chinese, French, Tamil, Romanian, and Arabic. We also have therapists who can integrate specific faith perspectives (Christian, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim) if that is an important part of your healing journey.

Can't find your language listed? Please note that our language offerings depend on our current roster of therapists, and we are continuously expanding our cultural and linguistic diversity. Don't hesitate to contact us to ask about a specific language. Even if we don't have a therapist available immediately, we may be able to help you directly or refer you to our colleagues or graduate students who could support you. We are committed to finding a path to care that honors your identity.

We use a range of evidence-based approaches, including Expressive Arts, CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Our general framework and clinical supervision are grounded in Psychodynamic theory. You can check individual therapist profiles to see their specific training and specialties.

Feeling overwhelmed by these names? You don't need to have a preference or know anything about modalities to get started. If you are new to therapy or hearing these terms for the first time, that is completely okay. Simply wanting to talk to someone privately and feel heard is more than enough. In fact, that desire to be truly listened to — that is its own kind of modality. Don't let the clinical names intimidate you. We will meet you exactly where you are.

We prioritize long-term, consistent therapy. Our approach focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship to deeply address complex issues, build lasting skills, and ensure meaningful change. If you are strictly looking for a short-term fix (e.g., 6–12 sessions), our practice may not be the best fit, and we can help refer you elsewhere.

Absolutely. Every therapist at Valentía y Grit is supervised by a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and adheres to the strict ethical standards of the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).

What this means for you: Even though you are accessing affordable therapy, your care is in the hands of a dedicated team. You are never "left alone." Instead, you benefit from the combined expertise of your therapist, who brings fresh energy and deep listening and their senior supervisor, who guides the clinical direction.

This model ensures that you receive high-quality, safe, and effective care. You get the personal connection of an emerging therapist, backed by the wisdom and oversight of an experienced professional, all at a rate that is accessible to you.

 No. Per professional guidelines, receipts will only include the name and registration details of the therapist who provided the session.

We understand that experience is important. While our primary model focuses on emerging therapists, we do have Senior Therapists and Supervisors available on our roster. Please note that senior therapists often have limited availability and higher rates, and sliding scale options are typically not available for them.

 Yes. When you work with us, you receive support that meets the highest standards of ethical care.

• Master's Level Training: All our psychotherapists have completed their Master's degrees.
• Constant Clinical Support: They participate in regular, rigorous supervision with senior experts.
• Commitment to Growth: Our team is selected for their dedication to depth, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
• High Standards: We maintain strict clinical standards to ensure your care is comprehensive and effective.

In short: You receive the benefit of a highly engaged professional backed by robust, ongoing supervision, at an accessible rate.

We do not bill insurance companies directly, but we provide a detailed official receipt with all necessary information (including your therapist's registration number) for you to submit a claim for reimbursement.

 Coverage varies by plan. Many plans cover services from a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) or Pre-Licensed Psychotherapist, but some may not. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific coverage.

Important: Even if your plan has limits, or you do not have insurance at all, please don't let that stop you from starting. We offer sliding scale fees and flexible options to make care accessible.

Your therapy should not be defined by the limits of your insurance. You deserve the time and space you need to heal, regardless of what your plan covers. We will work with you to find a path forward that honors both your needs and your reality.

 No. You pay for the session upfront (via e-transfer), and we provide the receipt for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

 Currently, we accept payment exclusively via Interac e-Transfer. We do not accept credit or debit cards at this time.

Yes. We are committed to making therapy affordable. Sliding scale rates are available for clients who are committed to regular, consistent sessions (weekly or bi-weekly). This is discussed openly during your initial consultation.

Understanding the Value of Your Care: Our therapists are showing up for you with their full skills, time, education, and effort. Because of this, we cannot provide free (pro-bono) therapy. Paying for your sessions is also a way to invest in yourself, recognizing the value of the space you are creating for your own healing.

The Full Circle Mission: This model is designed to be sustainable for everyone. By making therapy affordable and culturally responsive, we serve our communities while simultaneously helping emerging therapists build their careers. When you pay for your sessions, you are not just receiving care; you are supporting the next generation of healers who are dedicated to serving people like you. It is a cycle of mutual growth, dignity, and community strength.