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Online Couples Therapy

Couples & Family Therapy

Child & Youth Therapy

Individual Support

Practical support.  Meaningful change.

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Questions You May Have

Whether you're exploring therapy for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, it's natural to have questions. Here are answers to some of the things people often ask before getting started.

Before you Book

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

  • You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. People come for many different reasons, including anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, parenting, life transitions, grief, trauma, or simply feeling stuck. If you're wondering whether therapy is the right fit, a free consultation is a great place to start.

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What happens during the free consultation?

  • The consultation is a chance for us to briefly talk about what's bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you have, and determine whether I'm the right fit for your needs. There's no pressure to book an appointment, and if I'm not the best person to help, I'm happy to point you in the right direction.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

  • Your first session is about getting to know you. We'll talk about what's been happening, what you'd like to be different, and what you're hoping to gain from therapy. You don't need to tell your entire story in one session—we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

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Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on?

  • You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy, but it is helpful to have a sense of what you'd like to be different. Whether your goal is to reduce anxiety, improve communication, feel more confident, or better understand yourself, having goals gives us something meaningful to work toward and helps us measure progress together. We can always refine those goals as therapy unfolds.

Child & Teen Therapy

My child doesn't want to come to therapy. Should I still book?

  • It's very common for children and teens to feel unsure about therapy, especially if it's their first experience. My approach is relationship-based and tailored to each young person. We don't force conversations or expect children to open up right away. Building trust comes first.

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What happens during my child's first appointment?

  • For children and younger teens, I begin by meeting with the parent(s) or caregiver(s) to better understand your concerns, your child's strengths, and what you've been noticing at home. This gives us an opportunity to talk openly before your child becomes involved.

  • From there, I begin meeting with your child in a way that's appropriate for their age and developmental stage. Sessions may include conversation, play, activities, or creative approaches that help them feel comfortable and engaged. Every child is different, and therapy is tailored to their individual needs

Will you tell me everything my child says?

  • Children and teens benefit from having a space where they can speak openly. While I'll always share information related to safety concerns, I also work to protect their privacy in age-appropriate ways. I'll help facilitate important conversations between you and your child whenever it's helpful, while keeping you involved in the overall therapeutic process.

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Can parents be involved?

  • Absolutely. Parents play an important role in supporting change. Depending on your child's age and needs, therapy may include parent consultations, family sessions, or regular check-ins to discuss progress and strategies that can be used at home.

Individual Therapy

What kinds of concerns do you help with?

  • I work with adults experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, life transitions, grief, emotional overwhelm, and difficulties with self-esteem or confidence. You don't need to have a diagnosis to benefit from therapy.

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Do you offer virtual appointments?

  • Yes. I offer secure virtual therapy for clients anywhere in Ontario, as well as in-person appointments in Langton. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of accessing therapy from home.

I've never been to therapy before. Is that okay?

  • Absolutely. Many of my clients are attending therapy for the first time. It's normal to feel nervous or unsure of what to expect. We'll go at a pace that feels comfortable, and there's no expectation to have all the answers.

Couples Therapy

What if my partner isn't sure about therapy?

  • That's actually very common. It's not unusual for one partner to feel more ready than the other. My role isn't to convince either person who's right or wrong—it's to help both of you better understand what's happening in your relationship and decide together where you'd like to go from there.

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Will you take sides?

  • No. My role is to support the relationship rather than either individual. I work to understand each person's experience while helping identify the patterns that keep couples feeling stuck. Therapy isn't about assigning blame—it's about creating new ways of understanding and responding to one another.

What happens during the first couples session?

  • Couples therapy begins with an initial session together where we discuss your relationship, the concerns that brought you to therapy, and what each of you hopes will be different.

  • After our first meeting, I meet individually with each partner for one session. These conversations help me better understand each person's history, perspective, strengths, and experiences within the relationship. They also provide an opportunity to share information that may feel difficult to discuss in the first joint session.

  • We then come back together to review what I've learned, identify the patterns contributing to your challenges, and develop a plan for moving forward as a couple.

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Fees & Insurance

What are your fees?

  • Individual, child, teen, and family sessions are $160 for a 50-minute appointment. Couples therapy is $180 for a 50-minute appointment.

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Do you bill insurance directly?

  • Direct billing is available for many insurance providers. Coverage varies depending on your plan, so I recommend confirming your benefits with your insurance company before your appointment.

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What forms of payment do you accept?

  • Payment can be made by e-transfer or credit card. A credit card is securely kept on file through Jane, and payment is processed after your appointment unless other arrangements have been made.

Do you accept NIHB and VQRP+?

Yes. I am an approved provider for both NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) and VQRP+ (Victim Quick Response Program+). If you have coverage through either program, please let me know when booking your appointment so we can discuss the next steps.

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NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits)
I provide direct billing for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients covered through NIHB. If you're unsure whether counselling is covered or what information you'll need, I'm happy to help guide you through the process.

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VQRP+ (Victim Quick Response Program+)
I am an approved counselling provider through VQRP+. If you have been referred through the program, please let me know when booking so we can confirm your authorization and discuss how your sessions will be arranged.​

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Bookings & Practical Information

What is your cancellation policy?

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, I ask for at least 24 hours' notice. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be subject to a late cancellation fee of 50%.

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Where are you located?

  • My office is located at 5 Albert St. Langton, Ontario. I also offer secure virtual appointments for clients across Ontario

How do I book an appointment?

  • You can book a free consultation or an appointment directly through my online booking system at any time. If you're unsure where to start, feel free to reach out, and I'd be happy to help.

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What if I still have questions?

  • That's completely okay. Choosing a therapist is an important decision. If you have a question that isn't answered here, you're welcome to reach out or book a free consultation. I'm happy to help you decide whether working together feels like the right fit.

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Norfolk County Ontario Therapy

Choosing Stephanie Sliwa RSW, MA, BSW​

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist

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Choosing the right therapist is an important decision. If you're wondering whether we'd be a good fit, I'd be happy to answer your questions. Book a free consultation and we'll talk about what's bringing you here, what you're hoping will change, and whether I'm the right person to help you move forward.

 

Stephanie Sliwa Therapy

In person: 5 Albert St. Langton Ontario​

Support Virtually Across Ontario

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