Question 1

How do I book my first session?

Accepted Answer

Book by reaching out to lilinqiutherapy@gmail.com,(mailto:lilinqiutherapy@gmail.com) or send your inquiries through the contact form with your issues of concern. I will schedule a free 15-minute consultation with you to briefly introduce how I work with clients & to see if we are a good fit.

Question 2

What should I expect in my first session?

Accepted Answer

Be your authentic self. If you have experienced a lot of trauma in the past, don’t feel pressured to tell me everything. I prioritize trust and safety in my session. Being comfortable is the first step towards healing.

I do a holistic assessment for you in our first session. This is to help us understand how to best work with your concerns. We will also talk about goal setting and treatment plans. Note that in the first session we might not get to so much of the “process”, though I will try to make sure you feel more grounded at the end.

Question 3

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on the goals you set in therapy for yourself and your past history. I can give you an estimate after our 50-minute initial assessment session.

Question 4

Can you diagnose mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Registered Psychotherapists do not diagnose in Ontario. However, medical doctors, psychologists can. I will be glad to provide a referral if you would need one to access the resources from your diagnosis.

Question 5

What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and psychotherapist?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists are permitted to prescribe psychiatric medications and have the diagnosing privilege. Psychiatrists typically work with clients on a one-time, or short term basis. 
Psychologists typically do not prescribe medications, but have the right to diagnose and can provide counseling treatment. 
Psychotherapists provide assessment, mental health counseling treatment, and typically work with clients on a long-term basis.

Question 6

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Maintaining confidentiality is one of the top conducts in any country’s Code of Ethics of psychotherapists. However, generally exceptions apply in the below rare circumstances：

1.If there is evidence of clear and imminent risk that you might harm yourself or others
2.If you reveal apparent, suspected or potential abuse or neglect of any person under 16 years of age
3.If you reveal apparent, suspected or potential abuse or neglect of any person living in Long Term Care Homes
4.If necessary for legal proceedings, or to facilitate an investigation if authorized by warrant or law 
5.If you report sexual abuse by a Regulated Health Care Professional 
6.If you make a complaint against the psychotherapist and an investigation follows or if there is an assessment of the psychotherapist as part of a Quality Assurance Program

Question 7

What if I see you in public?

Accepted Answer

I will be your friendly stranger, meaning that I will not initiate any interaction with you and disclose our working relationship to others. However as clients you have the choice to initiate interaction with me or not.

Question 8

Do you accept gifts?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. Though I understand if the act of giving is important to some clients. We typically do not accept gifts over $50 in values.

Question 9

How much does a session cost?

Accepted Answer

• Individual counseling: $150 (1 hour)
 • Couples counseling: $200 (1.5 hours)
 • Spiritual guidance & healing: $150 (1 hour)

Question 10

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Though psychotherapy fees are not covered under OHIP, but psychotherapy is typically covered by private insurance (eg. Greenshield, Manulife, Sunlife). Make sure you check with your provider first before beginning our first full session.  Invoice will be provided to you for reimbursement

Question 11

Are there sliding scale or reduced fee options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I believe that financial resources, including income, are not and should not be the only factor in whether or not someone can access mental health services.  You may discuss this with me during our initial consults. However, limited spots remain for sliding scale clients. 
The amount reduced may depend on where you stand financially. Please see the below image for self-reference.

Question 12

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Typically, I take credit cards. I also take E-transfer.

Question 13

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I understand life happens, and I strive to accommodate your needs with a
flexible cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide
at least 24 hours’ notice by emailing lilinqiutherapy@gmail.com.
For emergencies or sudden illness, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. Please
note that the full session fee will be charged for missed appointments or cancellations made
with less than 24 hours’ notice. Please note that to book we require a credit card on file. All sessions cancelled within the 24 hours timeframe will be charged for the full cost of the session.

Question 14

What types of therapy do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I offer individual and couple counseling sessions using evidence-based psychotherapy approaches. If one is open to multidimensional healing work, I offer spiritual guidance sessions for individuals as I am also certified and trained in both disciplines, though I typically keep my two practices separate. If you are not sure, I can make recommendations for what you need based on your concern.

Question 15

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes followed by 5-7minutes of debrief. 
Couple sessions are typically 75 minutes followed by 5-7 minutes of debrief.

Question 16

Can I switch between individual and couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no, due to ethical considerations. Couple therapy work does not usually mesh with individual work. I can provide referrals to other therapists if needed.  “Switching” is only ok if you have individually met with me once, and would like to switch to couple work.

Question 17

Are online and remote sessions offered

Accepted Answer

Yes. I see clients online. Recent studies have shown that virtual therapy produces the same outcome as in-person therapy.

Question 18

What platform do you use for online sessions?

Accepted Answer

I use Jane App, a PHIPA-compliant, confidential network for our online sessions.

Question 19

What is trauma-informed therapy?

Accepted Answer

Trauma-informed therapy recognizes that past experiences—especially those involving loss, neglect, or abuse—can shape how we feel, think, and relate to others today. This approach creates a space of safety, trust, and empowerment where your nervous system feels supported, not pushed. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?”, trauma-informed therapy gently explores “What happened to you—and how has it shaped your body and mind?”

Question 20

What is EMDR and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy method designed to help people heal from traumatic or distressing experiences. Through guided bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, sounds, or tapping—EMDR helps the brain process stuck or overwhelming memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions. In my practice, I integrate EMDR with somatic awareness, so that healing happens both in the mind and in the body.

Question 21

How do you support clients with complex PTSD or anxiety?

Accepted Answer

For clients living with cPTSD or chronic anxiety, I focus on building a sense of safety, emotional regulation, and self-compassion before processing deeper wounds. Sessions may include grounding, breathwork, body-based awareness, or resourcing practices that strengthen your internal capacity. Healing is not about pushing through pain, but learning to listen to your body’s wisdom and reconnecting to your sense of wholeness.

Question 22

Do you offer therapy for BIPOC or LGBTQ+ clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Working with marginalized communities is one of the most important factors that keeps me in the helping profession field for many years. I strive to provide an inclusive, affirming, and culturally responsive space for clients of all identities. My approach acknowledges how systems of oppression, racism, and marginalization can intersect with personal trauma.

Question 23

What if I’ve had a bad experience with therapy before?

Accepted Answer

Completely understandable. I have also had bad experiences with therapy. Many people come to therapy after feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or even retraumatized in past experiences. In our work, we move at your pace and center your comfort, consent, and sense of agency. You are always in control of what you choose to share. My goal is to rebuild safety and trust in the therapeutic process so healing can unfold naturally and respectfully.

Cultivating Emotional Strength & Purpose

Watch Introduction

Meet Lilin Qiu, M.S., M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist

Compassion

Connection

Growth

7

+

200

+

How Can We Support You

For Call

For Consultation

01.

Share your concerns

02.

Select your Support

03.

Schedule Session

04.

Make Payment

05.

Begin your session

Your Path, Our Support

ONLINE | OFFLINE

Individual Counseling

$150/Session

ONLINE | OFFLINE

Couple Counseling

$200/Session

ONLINE | OFFLINE

Spiritual Guidance & Healing

$150/Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to take the next step?

Our Services

Quick Links

Cultivating Emotional Strength & Purpose

Watch Introduction

Meet Lilin Qiu, M.S., M.A. Registered Psychotherapist

Compassion

Connection

Growth

7

+

200

+

How Can We Support You

For Call

For Consultation

01.

Share your concerns

02.

Select your Support

03.

Schedule Session

04.

Make Payment

05.

Begin your session

Your Path, Our Support

ONLINE | OFFLINE

Individual Counseling

$150/Session

ONLINE | OFFLINE

Couple Counseling

$200/Session

ONLINE | OFFLINE

Spiritual Guidance & Healing

$150/Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to take the next step?

Our Services

Quick Links

Meet Lilin Qiu, M.S., M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist