Frequently Asked Questions

Why seek help?

Each family goes through normal developmental stages, full of challenges and possible problems.  For example, as children move from grade school to adolescence, or adults move from employment to retirement, these changes may create special needs or problems.  A couple and family therapist can help family members to solve problems and address issues arising from developmental changes, such as school failure, a rebellious teenager, marital conflict, depression, or substance abuse.

In addition to normal developmental difficulties, most individuals, couples, and families will also face unexpected events during their lives together which may bring on crisis, such as a death, a divorce, sudden illness, or unemployment.  At such times, the professional services of a qualified couple and family therapist can be of great help.

In some cases, a family or couple who get along well may simply want to increase their pleasures, playfulness, or the meaning in their lives.  A couple and family therapist can help such families enrich their relationships.

How do I know if I need help?

Problems may arise as individuals, couples, and families go through normal developmental stages, face special needs and problems, or confront an unexpected crisis.  If you think you have a problem coping with something, then you are probably right and don't need someone else to confirm it.

Some signals others use to consult a therapist about are:

  • Persistent feelings of dissatisfaction with your relationship or family life.
  • Problems with a child's behaviour, school adjustment, or performance.
  • Sexual problems or concerns.
  • Sexually abused victims, spouses, and families.
  • Conflict with aged or disabled family members.
  • Difficulties in talking with your fiancée, partner, children, parents, other family members, friends, or co-workers.
  • Emotional distress when talking about one's life circumstances.
  • Feelings of loneliness, isolation, moodiness, depression, failure.
  • The need for tranquilizers, energizers, or  sleeping aids.
  • Family stress due to repeated illnesses, or illness in which stress plays a major role.
  • Separation or divorce.
  • Physical symptoms that may have an emotional component.
  • Difficulty recovering from a recent or series of  traumas.
  • Compulsive behaviours with alcohol, drugs, or gambling.
  • Burnout related to workaholic behaviours.
  • Repeated financial difficulties.
  • Difficulty in setting or reaching goals.
  • Drastic weight fluctuations and/or irregular eating patterns.
  • Repeated employment difficulties, frequent job changes, difficulties with co-workers.
  • Family violence or intense anger and hostility.

Who is therapy for?

During the normal course of life, individuals, couples and families may experience a difficulty or crisis in relationships, dissatisfaction with life, grief, depression and anger. Many of these difficulties are understandable given the personalities and life experience of the individuals involved. With some assistance, these events can be a turning point in our lives and create a foundation for greater fulfillment in the future. We believe that individuals generally have the ability to sort out their own problems but may require some assistance to do so.

What can I expect from a therapist?

Your therapist will assist you to identify the issues and work toward solutions. We generally use a collaborative model of therapy and you can expect to develop a relationship with your therapist. Your therapist will remain objective and professional. Your will be given guidelines and suggestions in the process of change or recovery and you will be encouraged to ask questions and decide what is useful. We recognize and encourage individuals to draw on other resources and we assist people to develop their own network of support. You may be provided with information and referred to specific books/resources.

As individual problems usually develop over a long period of time, a number of sessions may be required to address the issues. 

How do I know the therapist knows what he/she is doing?

Therapists at Walmsley & Associates take their work very seriously and have made efforts to be educated and qualified in the field. They are members of professional associations and adhere to a professional code of ethics. They are involved in peer consultation with other professionals and are involved in ongoing training and education.

See our therapist page for a write-up on our therapists. Some of our therapists offer you a free 15 minute interview so you may ask questions to help you choose a therapist.

If you have more questions, please ask your therapist for further details about his/her training.  Otherwise, please fill out our Information Request below. 

 Who will know I am coming for therapy?

It will be up to you who knows.  We keep your information private.  If you are using an EFAP, see Question 8 for more information.  For more details read our Client Confidentiality page.

 What is an EAP or an EFAP?

EAP means Employee Assistance Program.  EFAP means Employee Family Assistance Program.  These are services that an employer may purchase to help their employees deal with personal issues which in turn could affect them at work.  Employers recognize that being mentally healthy is just as important as being physically healthy.  Most companies invest time, money and energy training their employees so the business will be successful over time.  Many companies realize a person's performance at work is influenced by their personal life.  Thus supporting an employee in their personal life contributes to the business's success.

Will others find out that I am in therapy?

Walmsley & Associates make every effort to ensure that no one is aware of your involvement in therapy. In certain situations, such as abuse of a child, a criminal offense, or when there is a requirement by law, a therapist must report to the appropriate authorities.

In situations when a therapist receives a legal subpoena, there is a requirement by law that the information be provided to the court. No other information can be released unless you have signed a written consent giving your permission. Your case may be discussed with another therapist during consultation, however; no identifying information will be revealed. See Confidentiality for more information.  

What is the cost?

Sessions fees are based on a 50 minute session. Please contact us for the current fees for therapy.Pay for Services here

Some sources of funding may be available to you.  Check out some of these sources:

  • If you have been a victim of a crime after 1972, funding may be available through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act. Contact:  Workers' Compensation Board.  In June 2002 this program was taken over by the Crime Victims Assistance Program.
  • You or your spouse may be eligible for an employer sponsored Employee Assistance Program or therapy may be covered under an  extended health benefitsplan. Contact: Employer, Union or Insurance Provider.
  • If you have been the victim of an accident, the insurance provider may cover therapy related to the incident. Contact: Insurance Provider.