Couple Counselling

While counselling in this practice is primarily focused on women and grief associated with the loss of a very wanted pregnancy, there are points in this process where it becomes important to shift the counselling focus to the relationship they share with their partners.  Literature on perinatal loss describes huge differences in the ways men and women grieve that set the stage for misunderstanding and confusion surrounding how each partner is really managing after the loss.
 Men often find voicing their feelings very difficult. They tend to keep busy and focus on their partners’ emotional health, effectively avoiding their own disappointment and sadness in losing the pregnancy. Women can interpret their partners’ reluctance to continue talking about their experiences as an indication they have ‘moved on’ or are somehow ‘over it.’ When men join the counselling sessions, very often they show a flood of emotions that have been pushed down over the weeks and months since the loss. 
 

So many times in these joint sessions, women express, ‘I had no idea you felt that way’. The gentle examination of the partner’s journey by a third party often leads to significant improvement in the couple’s mutual understanding of the meaning of their loss. Couple counselling can reduce the tension in the relationship by providing a safe place for dialogue, a place where each person can express their feelings. Seeking support as a couple is a good way to begin exploring complex decision-making that can be part of ‘trying again’. 
 

Counselling Fees

My counselling fees are not covered by OHIP although many have coverage through extended health benefits plans provided by their employers. As a therapist with designation as a Registered Social Worker (RSW), many clients are reimbursed for fees. Benefits packages through companies such as Sun Life, Blue Cross, Great West Life Insurance and Greenshield Canada can provide coverage for counselling services. Please check your employee benefits package to determine your individual coverage. 

 

Any counselling expenses not covered by third party insurance benefits can be claimed as medical expense tax deductions when you file your annual income tax return. As a Registered Social Worker, I am considered an authorized ‘medical practitioner’, allowing you to claim counselling fees as a medical expense. 

 

Clients are not charged for telephone consultations prior to initial counselling sessions. The fee for a 60-75 minute counselling session is $125.00. Payments are made by cash, cheque or credit card at the end of each session. Formal receipts are provided.