Honest answers, no pressure

Getting started

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If something in your life feels stuck, painful, or out of control — therapy is worth exploring. You do not have to be in crisis to benefit. You are worthy of help. Many people come to therapy feeling vaguely dissatisfied, disconnected from themselves, or simply wanting to understand what is driving their patterns. There is no threshold you need to meet before you deserve support.

What happens in the free consultation?

The free 20-minute consultation is a relaxed conversation — no paperwork, no formal assessment. Matt will ask what has brought you in, share how he works, and answer any questions you have. The goal is to see if working together feels like the right fit. There is no obligation to continue.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Consultations are typically available within a few days of reaching out. For ongoing sessions, the timeline depends on current availability. Reach out and we will give you an honest answer.

About therapy

What does a typical session look like?

Sessions are 50 minutes and led by you. Matt may ask questions, reflect back what he is hearing, offer observations, or introduce practical tools — but the pace and direction are always collaborative. You are never pushed to discuss something you are not ready to discuss. Healing requires honesty, and that honesty develops at your pace.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

There is no universal answer, and we will not give you one. Some people benefit from a focused 8–12 session course. Others work with Matt over a longer period as their situation and goals evolve. You will review progress regularly and always have a say in the direction.

Is everything I share confidential?

Yes. Everything shared in sessions is confidential. There are a small number of legally required exceptions — if Matt believes you or someone else is in imminent danger, or in certain situations involving children at risk. He will explain these limits clearly at the start of therapy. Outside of those exceptions, nothing leaves the session.

Addiction

Do I have to want to quit to come to therapy?

No. Many people arrive in addiction therapy feeling ambivalent — part of them wants change, part of them is not sure. That ambivalence is something Matt works with directly, not around. You do not need to have your mind made up before you reach out. Addiction may have shaped your choices, but it does not define your worth — and wherever you are right now is a valid place to begin.

Do you use person-first language?

Yes. At Hope & Love we say "person struggling with addiction" rather than "addict." Language matters. People are more than their addiction, their choices, or their relationship status. Person-first language reflects that belief in practice.

What if I relapse during treatment?

Relapse can be part of the recovery process — it is not a reason to stop therapy, and it is not a final verdict on your worth or capacity for change. If a relapse occurs, you bring it to session. Matt will help you explore what happened, what it tells you, and what next steps make sense. Relapse is information, not an ending.

Do you provide medically supervised detox or withdrawal support?

No. Matt is a registered psychotherapist, not a physician. If you need medically supervised detox, he can help connect you with appropriate medical resources and continue providing therapeutic support alongside that process.

Couples therapy

Can we do couples therapy if only one of us has an addiction?

Yes. Addiction affects both partners, even when only one is struggling. Couples therapy helps the non-addicted partner process their own experience and helps both partners navigate the relationship through recovery — with honesty, safety, and appropriate boundaries.

Will the therapist push us to stay together?

No. Relationship repair is only considered where safety, willingness, honesty, accountability, and support are present. Not every relationship can or should be restored. Hope & Love helps individuals and couples discern a healthier path forward — with safety and clarity — whatever that path looks like. We will never pressure you toward an outcome that is not right for your situation.

What if my partner refuses to come?

Individual therapy is still valuable, and sometimes the more immediate need. Matt can work with you on your own patterns, communication, boundaries, and wellbeing — even if your partner is not yet ready to engage. Sometimes individual progress opens the door for a partner to join later.

Is couples therapy confidential?

Yes, with one nuance: the "client" in couples therapy is the relationship, not either individual. Matt will not share what one partner tells him privately with the other — but he may ask that disclosures relevant to the shared work be brought into joint sessions over time in a supported way.

Faith & spirituality

Is Hope & Love a faith-based organization?

Hope & Love is faith-informed, not faith-required. Matt welcomes spiritual reflection, grace, and faith as resources for healing — for those who want them. Faith is never coercive here. Sessions are clinically grounded and emotionally safe for people of any belief background, including those with no faith background at all.

Can we talk about God, prayer, or spiritual questions in sessions?

Yes. Spiritual questions, grief, and reflection are welcome in sessions. Many people find that faith is part of both the pain and the healing when it comes to addiction and relationship crisis. Matt holds space for that honestly and with clinical care.

What if I have been hurt by religion or feel spiritually confused?

That experience is valid and important. Spiritual injury — including harm caused by religious communities or teachings — is something Matt takes seriously. You will not be pushed toward any spiritual framework. Your experience with faith, whatever it has been, will be respected.

Fees & logistics

How much does a session cost?

Session fees vary by service type and length. Contact us for current rates. We are happy to discuss options and provide receipts for insurance reimbursement.

Does insurance cover therapy with Matt?

Many extended health benefits plans in Ontario cover registered psychotherapy (RP). Check your plan for "psychotherapy" or "registered psychotherapist" coverage. Matt can provide detailed receipts for insurance submission.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. Secure, confidential video sessions are available to anyone in Ontario. They are just as effective as in-person sessions for most people and considerably more accessible. All you need is a private space and a stable internet connection.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for 48 hours notice for cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice may be charged the full session fee. Life is unpredictable — if you need to cancel urgently, please reach out and we will do our best to accommodate.