Frequently Asked Questions

In Ontario, psychotherapy and counselling overlap significantly: both involve working with a trained professional to address emotional, psychological, and behavioural concerns through conversation and evidence-based techniques. The term “psychotherapy” is a controlled act under Ontario law, meaning only regulated professionals (including Registered Psychotherapists) are authorized to practise it. At The Willow Practice, Sarah uses psychotherapy to address deeper patterns of thinking and behaviour, while also providing practical tools and strategies, combining the depth of psychotherapy with the accessibility of a counselling approach.

The Willow Practice works with pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults, typically between the ages of 12 and 24. Sarah supports young people of all genders as they navigate the emotional, social, academic, and developmental challenges that often arise during adolescence and early adulthood.

If you are unsure whether your young person is within the practice's scope, Sarah is happy to discuss whether The Willow Practice is the right fit. If another service would better meet their needs, she will gladly help connect you with an appropriate referral.

Sessions are $250 per hour. Services provided by Registered Psychotherapists (including those in the Qualifying category) are covered by many extended health insurance plans in Ontario. Sarah provides receipts for submission to your insurer. Please check with your plan provider to confirm your coverage and any annual limits that may apply.

There is no fixed timeline. Some young people benefit from a focused block of 8–12 sessions addressing a specific concern. Others find value in longer-term work that evolves as they grow. Sarah works collaboratively with each client to determine what is most helpful.

The first session is an opportunity for Sarah and the young person to get to know one another. There is no pressure to share everything right away. Sarah will take time to understand what has brought them to therapy, what they are hoping to achieve, and what is happening in their life right now. She will also explain how therapy works, discuss confidentiality, and answer any questions they may have.

The first session is about building comfort, trust, and connection. By the end of the appointment, most young people leave with a clearer understanding of the therapeutic process and a sense of whether The Willow Practice feels like the right fit for them.

Yes. Sarah offers secure online sessions via video for clients who prefer virtual therapy or who cannot attend in person. Online sessions are equally effective for most concerns and offer greater flexibility around school schedules, transportation, and comfort. Many clients use a combination of in-person and online sessions.

The Willow Practice kindly requests a minimum of 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed appointments, may be charged the full session fee. Exceptions may be made in cases of illness or unforeseen emergencies at Sarah's discretion.

The first step is to book a brief consultation. This is a short, no-obligation conversation where you can ask questions, share a little about your teenager's situation, and determine whether The Willow Practice feels like the right fit. You can book directly through the website or reach Sarah at sarahl@thewillowpractice.ca.

No referral is required to begin therapy. You or your teenager can reach out directly. However, Sarah is happy to coordinate with schools, family doctors, or other professionals involved in your teenager's care, with appropriate consent.

This is common. Many young people feel hesitant, sceptical, or worried about what therapy might involve. Sarah's approach is gentle and non-pressuring: she meets young people where they are and does not force them to talk about anything they are not ready to explore. Many teenagers who are initially reluctant find that therapy is nothing like what they expected, and that having a dedicated space to be heard is actually something they value. If your teenager is resistant, a conversation with Sarah may help you determine the best way to approach it.