FAQs
What does a psychologist do?
Psychologists are trained in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of behavioural and mental conditions.
They diagnose neuropsychological disorders and dysfunctions as well as psychotic, neurotic and personality disorders and dysfunctions. In addition, Psychologists use a variety of approaches directed toward the maintenance and enhancement of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning.
What makes a psychologist with a PhD different from other mental health professionals?
A PhD-level clinical psychologist has extensive doctoral training, typically 8–12 or more years, in both psychological science and clinical practice.
To qualify for professional registration, this includes rigorous coursework, multiple supervised practica, a 1,600+ hour clinical residency, and licensing examinations.
PhD psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including complex cases, and are specially qualified in advanced psychological testing such as cognitive and personality assessments. Unlike psychiatrists, they do not prescribe medication, but they provide in-depth, evidence-based psychotherapy grounded in both research and clinical experience.
Do you practice with clients from different Canadian jurisdictions?
At Reflect, Dr. Ward is licensed in Quebec and Ontario. However, due to various provincial regulations, she may be able to work with you if you are from a province outside of these regions. Please reach out and we can see if this is possible.
Who can benefit from therapy?
People who are experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, grief, life changes, or relationship challenges often find therapy helpful.
Psychotherapy can be useful for a wide variety of people who would like to better understand themselves and work through emotional, social, or personal challenges — whether those concerns feel urgent or more ongoing.
Do you work with OCD?
Yes. Dr. Ward has particular experience working with obsessive-compulsive disorder and uses Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard evidence-based treatment for OCD, alongside other approaches tailored to each client's needs.
Do you work with eating disorders?
Yes. Dr. Ward has experience supporting adults with a range of eating-related concerns, including restrictive eating, binge eating, and difficult relationships with food and body image. Therapy is approached with care, without judgment, and at a pace that feels manageable.
I'm not sure I need therapy,
how do I know if it's worth trying?
Many people are not sure if they need therapy before starting, or even if they “qualify”. There's no magic threshold you need to meet.
If something is weighing on you, consider reaching out. We can discuss together if psychotherapy is appropriate for your current concerns or if another service or approach may be better for you.
If you’ve tried therapy before, you may also have questions about how this will be similar or different. The free 15-minute consult exists exactly for these purposes . It's not a commitment to therapy; it's just a conversation to help you figure out if the psychotherapy services offered at Reflect Psychology are right for you at this time.
What does an initial session of therapy look like?
An intake assessment is designed for you and Dr. Ward to get to know each other and for her to get a clear understanding of you and what brings you to therapy. She will ask you a wide variety of questions about your current concerns, personal history, mental and physical health, relationships, and goals for therapy. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions, learn about her approach to psychotherapy, and discuss practical details like confidentiality and session structure. This process helps ensure that your care is tailored to you and that you feel comfortable moving forward together.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, needs, and the nature of the concerns you’re working through. Some people find a few sessions helpful for a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term therapy to address more complex or ongoing challenges.
Dr. Ward will regularly check in with you to ensure the pace and duration feel right and align with your goals.
How long is each session?
Sessions typically last 50–60 minutes.
Each session is $230 (with sliding scale options at $200). Most extended health benefit plans through an employer, school, or private provider include coverage for psychological services, meaning many clients pay little or nothing out of pocket. Receipts are provided after every session for reimbursement.
If you're unsure about your coverage, it's worth a quick call to your insurance provider before your first session. Be sure to confirm coverage for a psychologist specifically (compared to other designations, such as a social worker, registered counsellor, etc). We're happy to help you understand what else to ask.
What are the session fees and cancellation policy?
Please reach out by email at katelynward@reflect-psychology.com to schedule an appointment or a free 15-minute consultation call. Dr. Ward will typically respond within 2 business days, you can expect a brief reply to confirm next steps.