FAQ

Starting Your Journey (The Process)

1. How do I find out if therapy is for me? The best first step is to book a free 30-minute consultation with any therapist you are interested in. This low-pressure meeting lets you discuss your goals, identify your needs, and ensure the therapist is the right match for you.

2. Do you offer in-person or online sessions? All of our sessions are conducted online (telehealth), available Monday through Sunday.

3. Do you offer group therapy?Yes! We offer group therapy and hybrid programs (group + individual) a couple of times a year, typically starting in the winter and fall. Keep an eye on our homepage for announcements and application details.

Our Approach & Team

4. Who do you specialize in working with? We focus on affordable, inclusive, and culturally responsive care. We commonly work with students, young professionals, people navigating big life changes, and individuals from diverse/multicultural backgrounds.

5. What languages do you offer therapy in? Our diverse team offers sessions in English, Chinese, Italian, French, Mandarin, Arabic, and Tamil. We also have therapists who can integrate faith perspectives (Christian and Muslim) if that is important to you.

6. What kind of therapy do you offer (modalities)? We use a range of approaches, including Expressive Arts, CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Our general framework and supervision is Psychodynamic. Check each therapist's profile to see their specific training!

7. Can I just book a few sessions? We prioritize long-term, consistent therapy. Our approach focuses on building strong relationships and taking the time necessary to deeply address complex issues, build skills, and ensure lasting positive change. If you are looking for only 6-12 sessions, our practice may not be the best fit.

8. Are your therapists supervised? Absolutely. All of our therapists are supervised by Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario and follow the ethical standards of the CRPO.

9. Will my supervisor's name be on my receipt?No. As per professional guidelines, the receipt will only include the name and registration details of the therapist who provided the session.

Coverage & Payment (The Logistics)

10. Do you accept insurance?Yes, indirectly. We provide a detailed receipt with all the necessary information (including your therapist's registration number) for you to submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

11. Will my insurance plan cover my sessions? It depends on your plan. Coverage varies widely! It is your responsibility to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm if they cover services from a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), an Expressive Arts Therapist, or a Pre-Licensed Psychotherapist.

Heads up: Expressive Arts Therapists may not be covered by all plans. Please double-check with your insurance copy. However, do not let this be a limitation to starting therapy! Speak with your therapist, and we will find the best options to make it work for both of us.

12. Do you submit claims for me? No, we only provide the receipt. You pay for the session upfront and then submit the claim yourself to your provider for reimbursement.

13. What payment methods do you accept? We currently accept payment only by e-transfer. We do not accept credit or debit cards at this time.

14. Do you offer sliding scale fees? Yes, we do! We are committed to making therapy affordable. This can be discussed with your therapist during your initial consultation.

15. Who is eligible for the sliding scale? Sliding scale rates are offered to clients who are committed to regular, consistent sessions (weekly or bi-weekly). It is not available for sporadic or one-time sessions.

Practicum & Placement Opportunities (Student FAQ)

 If you are a student looking for a clinical placement with Valentia and Grit, please follow the specific application process outlined below.

Application Process & Requirements

1. How do I apply for a practicum placement? Do not email our general website inquiry address. There is a specific process For Yorkville Students: You will find the application link in your Practicum Site Locator portal.

For Students from Other Institutions: Please email nappvaca@proton.me to request the specific application link.

2. What documents are required for the application? The application process requires you to submit your resume and your cover letter within the provided application form.

3. What is the most important part of the application? We strongly encourage you to take time to thoughtfully answer the specific questions within the application. We are looking for applicants who are genuinely interested in our approach and want to build a relationship with us, not generic submissions. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

4. Do you accept resumes and cover letters sent via email? No. We only process applications that are fully completed and submitted through our specific application link. Any resume/cover letter sent outside of this process will not be considered.

5. How many students do you accept per term? We accept a limited amount of students for practicum placements each term to ensure quality supervision and training.

What if I don't want to work with a less experienced therapist?

 We understand why you might prioritize experience, but we want to assure you that when you work with any therapist at Valentia and Grit, you are receiving support that meets the highest standards of quality and ethical care.

The Value You Receive

• Masters-Level Training: All of our psychotherapists have completed their Master's programs and are rigorously trained in their field.

• Constant Clinical Support: Our therapists are never "left alone." They participate in regular, clinical supervision with highly experienced Registered Psychotherapists. This means you benefit from the combined expertise and oversight of both your therapist and a senior supervisor.

• Commitment to Growth: Our roster consists of therapists deeply interested in depth, critical thinking, and continuous professional and personal growth. We specifically select professionals dedicated to providing culturally and socially aware support.

• High Standards: We maintain strict standards for our clinical team, ensuring your care is comprehensive, effective, and ethically sound.

In short, while you may be paying an affordable entry rate for a therapist who is building their practice, you are getting the benefit of a highly engaged professional who is backed by robust, ongoing supervision and support.

Looking for Senior Experience?

 If you prefer to work with a professional who has many years of established practice:

• Look for Senior Therapists: Please look for therapists we identify as "Senior Therapists" or supervisors on our roster.

• Check Availability and Rates: Be aware that our senior therapists and supervisors often have limited availability and their session rates are higher. Affordable entry and sliding scale options are typically not available for these practitioners.