Frequently Asked Questions

Coaching is future oriented and and you work in partnership with your therapist or coach to achieve your goals.

Counselling typically offers a short-term, focused approach toward solving concerns and challenges.

Psychotherapy is often longer in duration, more in-depth and often focuses on the past.

Psychological services, directed toward the maintenance and enhancement of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning of individuals and couples can only be provided by a regulated member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

All of these interventions involve confidential conversations within a mutually respectful professional relationship and are designed to provide emotional insight, personal growth, increased coping, improved communication skills and happier relationships.

There are multiple benefits such as insight, understanding, improved interpersonal relationships, increased problem solving and decision-making skills, a more balanced lifestyle, higher self-confidence, enhanced physical, intellectual, emotional and social well-being and the encouragement to achieve the life you desire.

Everyone encounters challenges throughout their lives. It’s common to feel overwhelmed at times and it can be a great advantage to have someone to discuss your concerns with, clarify your next steps and create a more fulfilling life. Susan’s clients include entrepreneurs, executives, investment bankers, artists, students, engineers, music producers, administrators, consultants, entertainers, lawyers, physicians, therapists, scientists, accountants, researchers, homemakers, athletes, CEOs, salespeople, actors, and many others, from all walks of life.

In the first session, you will have an opportunity to see what the nature of your sessions will be like by discussing what you’d like to work on and the steps that might be taken to reach your goals. The most significant factor in the counselling or psychotherapy process is the strength of the relationship between the client and the therapist. In order for the process to work, it’s essential that you feel a positive connection with the therapist and find them to be nonjudgmental, trustworthy, competent and warm.

Each session is 50 minutes long.

At least 48-hours notice of cancellation is needed. The full session fee will be charged for missed or cancelled appointments less than 48-hours in advance. As this time is reserved specifically for you, the cancellation policy applies to work commitments, illness and other emergencies.

In order to achieve the best results, counselling sessions are held weekly with your therapist. Depending on what your counselling goals are, your level of commitment to the process and your willingness to complete homework between sessions, you are likely to see lasting changes in 6-12 sessions. Often, clients require longer-term therapy to work through interpersonal and behavioural challenges that they’ve been struggling with for quite awhile.

Unfortunately, counselling services are not covered under OHIP.

Susan is a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Her services are covered by most extended health insurance plans under ‘Registered Psychologist’ or ‘Clinical Psychologist’ for psychological services.

To check if your insurance company will reimburse your sessions with Susan, please provide your insurer with Susan’s name and registration # 5966.

Please also check your individual plan to determine what your coverage is (i.e. maximum $ amount or percentage covered per session, maximum $ amount per year, and whether your plan runs on a calendar year or other, such as May 1st to April 30th).

Fees are payable at the end of each session and submitted by you to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Susan Blackburn, M.A., C.Psych. is a Registered Psychologist and all of our services are covered by extended health benefit plans that cover psychological services provided by clinicians registered with, The College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Generally speaking, psychological services reimbursement is provided by Manulife, Great West Life, SunLife, StateFarm, GreenShield, Blue Cross, Claim Secure, Empire Life, Equitable Life, Desjardins and Liberty Health. Please check with your provider for the specifics of your policy.

We set our fees in accordance with the guidelines set by the Ontario Psychological Association and services are covered by extended benefits plans that cover psychological services provided by clinicians supervised by, or registered with, The College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Fees are $250 for individuals, per 50-minute session, and $285 for couples, per 50-minute session. 

Evening sessions between 4pm and 9pm are currently available.

Safety and privacy is key in a trusted relationship and anything you discuss in Susan’s office will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).