Frequently Asked Questions

To start psychotherapy, simply book your initial session online here. During the initial session we’ll discuss what your current concerns are and what your goals for psychotherapy are. Together we’ll also review:

• Privacy and confidentiality.
• Limits to confidentiality.
• The length and cost of sessions.
• Cancellation and rescheduling policies.
• Medical and family history.
• Other important agreements or considerations.
• Financial agreements.

My fees are set according to current professional rates in Ontario and reviewed yearly:

• Individual Session: $135/60min ($170 if supervision by a psychologist is required for insurance purposes).
• Couples Session: $155.00/60min.
• Sessions may be extended past 60min at a fraction of the hourly rate.
• Payment by cash, credit card, e-transfer.
• Payment is provided at the end of sessions.
• Receipts are provided at the end of sessions.

My services are reimbursed by many health insurance plans that cover the services of a Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Psychologist. You are responsible, however, to verify this with your health insurance provider prior to your first session. You should ask them the following:

• Do you cover psychotherapy or psychological services?
• Do you cover Registered Psychotherapists or only Registered Psychologists?
• What is the total amount of coverage I am eligible per year (e.g., $300/year)
• How much is covered per session (e.g., 100%, up to a certain amount, etc.)
• Is a physician’s referral/note required?

My current hours are below:

• Monday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
• Tuesday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
• Wednesday: 3:oopm to 7:00pm
• Thursday: 10:00 to 7:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Booking online is a fast and convenient way of scheduling your appointment without needing to email or call ahead of time. My online booking system will show you my real time availability from which you can select a time that fits for you. After you book, you’ll get an instant e-mail confirmation of your appointment in addition to email reminders.

You can also schedule a session by calling or emailing me your preferred time to meet.

• Book instantly online here.
• Call locally from Guelph 519-731-2898
• In your message please include your name, phone number, and a time when I can contact you
• Alternatively, e-mail me at mandy@cunningtoncounselling.ca with a choice of two different times to meet.

I will return your call or reply to your e-mail within one business day.

My office is located in the Guelph Counselling Centre in the TD Canada Trust Professional Building in downtown Guelph. The Guelph Counselling Centre provides a relaxing and quiet environment specially designed to maintain your privacy and comfort. Our offices are specially sound proofed and used exclusively for counselling purposes.

• 55 Cork St. E., Unit 302, Guelph, Ontario (Guelph Counselling Centre).
• Located in the TD Canada Trust Professional Building at the corner of Wyndham St. and Cork St.
• Free 2hr street parking along Cork St. and Macdonell St.
• Paid parking is available in the Macdonell Parking Lot ($2.00/hr, free after 6pm).
• My office is open only for scheduled appointments so please call first to arrange your meeting time.

I offer individual psychotherapy and couples counselling services in Guelph, Ontario for people 16 and up. My services are available to any individual regardless of race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

I have experience and training in helping you with the following types of issues:

• Anxiety
• Childhood Sexual Abuse
• Depression
• Care Giver Burnout
• Addiction (including sex addiction)
• Grief and Loss (including Pet Loss)
• Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
• Post Traumatic Stress
• Low Self-Esteem
• Life Purpose and Identity

I draw from a variety of approaches depending on what fits best for you and your specific issues.  My approaches include:

• Existential Analysis (specialized training)
• Person-Centred Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Gestalt Therapy

My education and professional responsibilities include the following:

• Registered Member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (7396#)
• Diploma in Counselling, Vancouver College of Counsellor Training (Vancouver, BC)
• I abide by the College of Registered Psychotherapists Code of Ethics
• I am professionally insured
• I undergo continuing education
• I receive ongoing supervision

All information shared in a psychotherapy session is private and confidential except in the following instances:

• There is a risk of imminent danger to an identifiable third party or to self.
• There is suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
• A disclosure is ordered by a court.
• There is reasonable belief that a health professional is guilty of sexual abuse.
• There is reasonable belief that abuse or neglect of residents living in Long-Term Care Facilities or Retirement Homes is taking place.
• You have agreed to share information with another person (e.g., physician, family member, etc).

The length and number of psychotherapy sessions can be adjusted based on your needs. Generally speaking,

• Sessions are 60 to 90 minutes in length.
• Sessions often initially begin on a weekly basis.
• It is common to space your sessions out over time as you improve (e.g., every two weeks).
• We can set up maintenance sessions a month or more apart to help you maintain your changes.
• We can change the frequency of sessions at any time, especially if you’re struggling and need a session sooner.
• There are no limits on the number of sessions unless we’ve agreed upon a sliding scale.

This depends on the type of issue you’re dealing with and the progress you’re experiencing in counselling. Since this is different for every person, there are no predetermined limits or expectations on the number of sessions. Research shows that on average,

• People experience rapid decreases in emotional distress within 3-4 sessions.
• Significant and lasting improvement is most likely to occur after 8 or more sessions.
• People can continue to see benefits in longer term counselling particularly for severe depression, addictions, trauma, and personality issues.