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Q?
What can I expect during the first session with a therapist?
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A.
During the initial visit, we will chat about our privacy policy and obtain your informed consent to start therapy. I will put together a preliminary assessment, which includes collecting information about the nature and history of the problem that prompted you to seek treatment.
We may discuss a course of treatment, whether you are interested in exploring work ‘outside’ the office, what to expect for future sessions and an estimate of the number of sessions and strategies that will be used to help in your treatment.
Typically, the first session provides an opportunity for you and I to identify the nature of the problem and build rapport. Feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential for the development of a strong working relationship.
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Q?
Do I have to ‘Take It Outside’?
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A.
Absolutely not!! It is something we certainly will chat about – to see if it is right for you. If not, I still hold regular office hours for many clients who are not wanting to or able to meet elsewhere.
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Q?
What are we going to do if I decide to ‘Take It Outside’ of the office?
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A.
Folks I have worked with have done any of the following:
- sitting on a park bench
- hiking
- canoeing
- camping
- playing soccer or basketball
- walking through the city
- going to an art studio
- indoor rock climbing
- sitting in a coffee shop
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Q?
Do I need to have special clothing or equipment?
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A.
You don’t need a new outdoor gear wardrobe, but you should always come prepared for the weather and the activity. If we are rock-climbing, wear comfortable gym-type clothes; if we are out hiking, runners will do for footwear; etc.
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Q?
What if I am not good at ( ??? ) activity?
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A.
You and I will have a conversation about what activities would be appropriate for the work we are trying to do, what your physical abilities are, and how we can work through any challenges or concerns.
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Q?
How safe is it doing some of these high-risk activities?
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A.
We at Free Range Therapy are Wilderness and Remote First Aid certified, and will always be carrying around a first aid kit when engaging with you outside of the office.
That said, statistics on safety – whether doing the activities for pleasure or therapy – show consistently that getting in a car is statistically more dangerous. Check out the following links:
http://www.terrificscience.org/lessonpdfs/Scientific_View_of_Risk.pdf
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Q?
How can I make a referral for someone I am working with?
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A.
Free Range Therapy accepts referrals from professionals such as physicians, social workers, teachers or clergy as well as self-referrals. We also accept referrals from agencies such as the courts, insurance companies, social services, schools, WCB, Veteran Affairs, etc.
You can contact Free Range Therapy by email at info@freerangetherapy.ca and we can discuss your client if my services meet your client’s needs.
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Q?
Are you covered by insurance?
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A.
Therapy services provided in a private practice are not covered by provincial health care (MSI). However, you may have health insurance coverage of your own or be part of a group plan through your workplace. Please note that insurance companies negotiate different health plans with each work place. Therefore, it is important that you obtain the necessary information about your particular plan’s limits and extent of coverage. For each visit, the client is responsible for paying for services received prior to the start of the session.
Take It Outside