Things to consider when choosing a therapist or counsellor
The funding for therapy and counselling is meant to assist you in dealing with the effects of
sexual abuse by a physician. These funds are allocated in such a way that you can find a type of
therapy or counselling that works best for you.
There are many types of therapists/counsellors that can be extremely helpful, and it can be a
difficult choice.
So, how do you go about your search to find the right therapist/counsellor? Here are some
useful tips to guide you through this process.
1. Does the therapist/counsellor have expertise in treating the effects of sexual abuse?
Previous training or experience can demonstrate that the therapist/counsellor knows how
to provide you with treatment. In thinking about this point, you may want to consider
whether the therapist/counsellor has:
(i)
a degree, certificate or diploma from a university or recognized program that
trains individuals to deal with those who have been sexually abused;
(ii)
worked with another person who regularly treats individuals who have been
sexually abused;
(iii)
themselves previously treated individuals who have been sexually abused.
If you answered ‘no’ to any of the above, it could mean that the therapist or counsellor will
not be able to provide you with the most useful treatment. It is most important that your
therapist/counsellor has the ability to help you deal with any of the effects of sexual abuse.
2. Do I feel comfortable meeting with the therapist/counsellor?
If you feel that the treatment is safe and that you will not be hurt in the process, you will
likely feel comfortable attending a session with your therapist/counsellor.
As part of feeling comfortable with your therapist, you may want to consider whether your
treatment will include:
o discussing your past;
o discussing the nature of the sexual abuse;
o touching, of some form; and/or
o taking any kind of medicine (your funds may not be used to cover the cost of
medicine).
3. How many sessions will the therapy or counselling require?
The therapist/counsellor’s experience should allow him or her to estimate the number of
sessions you need. As you are only entitled to a maximum of approximately $16,000, you
must pay the difference if your therapy costs exceed this amount.
4. Does the therapist/counsellor have a previous record of any kind of sexual abuse?
You must not see a therapist or counsellor who has a previous record of any kind of sexual
abuse. In fact, your therapist/counsellor must sign a form from the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Ontario confirming that he or she has never been guilty of this kind of
offence.
5. Is the therapist or counsellor a registered member of a regulated health profession under
the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991?
You can ask your therapist or counsellor if they are a member of a regulated health
profession. For example, in this province, psychologists are members of the College of
Psychologists of Ontario and registered massage therapists are members of the College of
Massage Therapists of Ontario. This means that:
(i) the therapist or counsellor has a certificate of registration from a regulating body;
(ii) you can contact the regulating body if you have any concerns about the
therapist/counsellor’s conduct;
(iii) the regulating body may investigate the therapist counsellor if his or her conduct
falls below the profession’s standard of practice;
(iv) you have people to contact if you feel uncomfortable about your
therapist/counsellor’s way of providing treatment.
If the therapist/counsellor is not a registered member of a regulated health profession, you
have no way of knowing whether he or she is appropriately qualified to practice. You may
also not have a governing body to contact if you have concerns about the therapist’s
conduct or skills.
6. What if I have to travel to see my therapist/counsellor?
The legislation states that the funding must be spent directly on therapy or counselling and
can be paid only to your therapist or counsellor directly. You may want to consider this, as
travel or other incidental costs cannot be paid for by the College even if they are incurred
directly as a result of therapy.
7. What if I have a family relationship with the therapist/counsellor?
Your therapist/counsellor must not be a family member. The therapist/counsellor must sign
a form from the College stating that there is no family relationship.
8. Can I change my therapist/counsellor?
If you are not satisfied with your treatment and you still have funds available for therapy or
counselling, you may look for a new therapist or counsellor. Your new therapist or
counsellor must simply fill out a form to be reviewed and approved by the College.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the College at 416-967-2603 or (toll free) 1-800-268-7096, if
you have any other questions.