Manon Dulude holds the designation of Registered Psychotherapist and is in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Her official registration number is #2514. This credential confirms that she has met the professional standards and requirements set out by the regulatory body, ensuring clients receive care from a qualified and recognized mental health professional.

Manon has accumulated almost four decades of professional experience as a practicing therapist.

Psychotherapists are professionals who offer talk therapy, guiding individuals as they navigate emotional concerns, relationship issues, and various mental health challenges. Their main focus is to support clients in managing and improving their overall well-being through therapeutic conversation and evidence-based interventions.

Psychologists possess advanced education and training in the field of psychology. They commonly provide therapy and are skilled in conducting psychological assessments and tests. Their approaches are grounded in research and may include a range of therapeutic methods tailored to individual client needs.

Psychiatrists, in contrast, are medical doctors. They are qualified to perform comprehensive mental health assessments, provide official diagnoses, and, when necessary, prescribe medication to assist in the management of mental health conditions.

Social Workers (Registered Social Workers, RSW) may or may not have specialized training in psychotherapy. Some social workers provide psychotherapy services in private practice settings. However, unless they have met the specific qualifications set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, they are not permitted to use the designation of Registered Psychotherapist.

If you find yourself struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief, or significant life changes, seeking support from a psychotherapist may be beneficial. Therapy is not reserved solely for times of crisis; many individuals find it helpful for personal growth and developing self-understanding. Engaging in psychotherapy can provide you with tools and support to navigate challenges, improve your emotional well-being, and foster greater insight into yourself.

If you are seeking a psychotherapist, there are several avenues you can explore to find a qualified professional who meets your needs:

• Referrals from Health Professionals:
• Ask your family doctor or other trusted health professionals for recommendations. They can refer you to reputable psychotherapists based on your specific concerns.
• Online Directories:
• Search online directories, such as Psychology Today, where you can filter practitioners by location, specialty, and credentials.
• Insurance Provider Lists:
• Contact your insurance provider to obtain a list of psychotherapists who are covered under your plan. This can help narrow your search to professionals within your network.
• Personal Recommendations:
• Reach out to friends, family, or community groups for suggestions. Personal experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations can help you find a therapist who is a good fit.

When choosing a psychotherapist, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you receive quality care that aligns with your needs:

• Credentials and Licensing: Seek out therapists who are members of recognized regulatory bodies, such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (RP), the College of Social Workers of Ontario (RSW), or the College of Psychologists of Ontario. These designations indicate that the professional meets established standards for education, training, and ethical practice.
• Experience or Specialization: Consider whether the therapist has experience or specialized training in areas relevant to your concerns, such as trauma, couples therapy, anxiety, or depression, grief etc.
• Therapeutic Approach or Modality: Psychotherapists may use different therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or mindfulness-based therapies. It can be helpful to learn about their preferred modalities to determine if their approach matches your preferences.
• Personal Fit: It is important that you feel comfortable and respected by your therapist. A good therapeutic relationship supports open communication and trust, which are essential for effective therapy.

Determining whether a therapist is the right fit often requires attending one or two sessions. During this time, reflect on your experience and consider the following questions:

• Do you feel heard and understood by the therapist?
• Is the therapist’s style comfortable for you?
• Are they clear about the goals of therapy, confidentiality, and professional boundaries?

Trust your instincts throughout this process—your comfort and sense of being respected are important indicators of a good therapeutic relationship.

The cost of therapy can vary widely and is influenced by several factors, including the therapist’s qualifications, their location, and the specific type of therapy offered. Generally, fees for a session fall within the range of $100 to $250.

Many therapists understand that affordability is an important consideration, and some offer sliding scale fees or reduced rates to accommodate different financial situations. It is common for qualifying therapists to provide this option, making therapy more accessible to a broader range of clients.

Registered Psychotherapists are often covered by extended health benefits or insurance plans, which can help offset the cost of sessions. In addition, some community clinics and nonprofit organizations provide low-cost or even free counselling services, further reducing financial barriers to accessing therapy.

Many insurance plans provide coverage for therapy; however, the extent of coverage depends largely on the therapist’s credentials. It is important to confirm the details of your plan and ensure that your therapist’s qualifications meet your provider’s requirements.

Always contact your insurance provider directly before booking an appointment. This will help you understand what is covered, avoid unexpected costs, and make informed decisions about your care.

The initial session, often referred to as the “intake,” is a foundational meeting between you and your therapist. During this appointment, you can expect to discuss your personal background and the challenges you are currently facing. Together, you and your therapist will also begin to set specific goals for your therapy journey.

This session provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about how the therapy process works. Importantly, it is also a time to reflect on whether you feel comfortable with the therapist, as building a sense of trust and ease is essential for a productive therapeutic relationship.

The duration of therapy varies depending on your individual goals and the specific type of therapy you choose. If you are seeking support for a particular issue, short-term therapy typically consists of 6 to 12 sessions and is designed to address focused concerns within a set timeframe.

Alternatively, long-term therapy is an option for those interested in exploring deeper patterns or pursuing ongoing personal growth. This approach allows for a more extensive exploration of your experiences and emotional wellbeing.

Throughout the therapeutic process, you and your therapist will regularly review your progress together. This collaborative approach ensures that your needs are being met and that therapy remains aligned with your evolving goals.

If you find that your current therapist isn’t the right fit, you are absolutely entitled to seek support elsewhere. The process of therapy is deeply personal, and finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable is essential for your mental health and overall progress.

A good therapist will understand and respect your decision should you wish to try working with someone else. Your comfort, safety, and confidence in the therapeutic relationship are what matter most. Remember, this journey is about you, and finding the right match is an important part of the process.

Not all therapists are the same, and these distinctions can have a significant impact on your therapeutic experience. When considering therapy, it is important to recognize the difference between working with a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and a Qualifying Psychotherapist (RP-Q), who is still in the process of completing their required supervision hours.

Both RPs and RP-Qs can provide valuable support. However, their backgrounds in training, supervision, and level of experience vary considerably. A fully accredited psychotherapist brings the benefit of extensive experience, advanced training, and clinical independence.

With over 38 years of practice, I am a seasoned RP and have  helped clients navigate complex emotional challenges, trauma, grief, burnout, and relationship difficulties, offering a depth of care that comes from years of dedicated work in the field.

Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision, but it should also be an informed one. It is important to ask potential therapists about their credentials and supervision arrangements. Most importantly, reflect on your own sense of safety, understanding, and confidence in their ability to support you.

Therapy is not just a conversation—it is a process of transformation. Achieving meaningful change requires skill, safety, and trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Collection and Storage of Personal Information

As a Registered Psychotherapist, I am committed to upholding the highest standards when it comes to the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of client personal information. All practices strictly comply with the requirements set by our regulatory college, as well as the relevant Federal and Provincial privacy legislation. Specifically, my psychotherapy services and document management procedures adhere to the Personal Protection of Information and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

Retention and Secure Destruction of Records

By law, Registered Psychotherapists are required to retain any personal information gathered during the course of treatment for at least ten years from the date of your last session. After this period, these records are securely destroyed in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines.

Physical Document Security

Client files are kept in physical format only, which helps eliminate the risks commonly associated with electronic data breaches. All personal documents are stored in locked cabinets to ensure maximum security and confidentiality.

Use of Information

Any personal details collected at registration, throughout therapy, and after services have concluded are used solely to provide ethical and responsible psychotherapeutic care. This information is never used for any other purpose and is handled with the strictest confidentiality at all times.

You have the right to access the personal information that has been collected about you in the course of your psychotherapeutic care. If you wish to review or correct any details in your file, you may do so at any time by contacting us directly.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your personal information, please get in touch. We are committed to ensuring your information is accurate and up to date, and we will work with you to address any issues or requests related to your records.