Frequently Asked Questions
1. If feeling sad and unmotivated. If you have had feelings of hopelessness, decreased energy, sadness, irritability, thoughts of suicide, feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, or are no longer finding pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, you may be dealing with depression and may benefit from talking to a psychotherapist.
2. Excessive worry. If you feel as though your anxiety is interfering with your ability to do normal activities and/or you are unable to sleep at night due to ongoing rumination about your difficulties, you may want to consider seeking help.
3. Trauma or abuse. If you have experienced any type of traumatic event or abusive relationship, coming to terms with your experience by talking to an empathic other can be extremely helpful. Trauma and abuse can leave long-term scars that, if left untreated, can negatively impact your life, relationships, and ability to experience joy or happiness.
4. Relationship problems. If your relationship has become unfulfilling and you feel you are no longer able to communicate effectively with your significant other, seeking out couples counseling can be a helpful step in getting your relationship back on track.
5. Difficult life transitions. We all face difficult life situations at times–the loss of a job, a move to a new country, a divorce, or the loss of a loved one. When difficulties such as these arise and you find it difficult to move on, talking with a therapist can be an effective way to process your feelings and work through any lingering grief.
6. Addictions. If you are struggling with any type of addiction—substance abuse, an eating disorder, gambling, or sex addiction—this could be a sign you are trying to cope with unresolved issues or feelings in unhealthy and inappropriate ways and may obtain benefit from professional help.
7. Obsessive or compulsive behaviors. If you are spending too much time double checking to make sure you have turned off the stove, obsessively washing your hands, or are consumed by compulsive thoughts, receiving counseling could be extremely beneficial in getting your life in order.
8. Children excessively acting out. If your child or children have been misbehaving and you are at your wit’s end trying to figure out what to do, talking with a professional who has experience with children’s issues can be helpful. A counselor or therapist can frequently provide you with some additional parenting tools to make your life easier.
Our team provides professional services with strict adherence to confidentiality and ethical values. No information will be communicated, directly or indirectly, to a third party without your informed and written consent, with exception of, but not limited to, the following: If our therapist is suspicious you are at risk of seriously harming yourself; or at risk of harming someone else; Suspicion of child or elder abuse; Suspicion of abuse by another regulated health professional, if there is a missing person and this information is beneficial to the police find the person, if judge ask these information for decision making process at court, and finally if the college of psychotherapists and psychologists of Ontario audit the files.
In a supportive environment, therapy enables self-awareness, personal growth, and insight. It can equip you and your children with skills to address various life circumstances, offering problem-solving techniques and promoting healthy coping strategies to manage stress. By teaching you how to avoid triggers and redirect negative thinking and behavior patterns, psychotherapy provides long-lasting benefits.
Psychotherapy sessions can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or long-term, focusing on a variety of more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. The duration of therapy is determined on a case-to-case basis, as each individual is unique and has unique needs and expectations.
While OHIP does not cover psychological services, most extended health plans include coverage for services provided by a psychologist. You will receive a receipt for services rendered, which you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. It is important to note that various insurers have different coverage options and requirements, so it is advisable to check with your insurance provider beforehand to determine what coverage is available and what is expected of you.
While psychiatric medication can help to restore chemical balance in the brain, it is not a replacement for psychotherapy. Studies have found that individuals who receive therapy for depression and anxiety tend to experience more long-term benefits than those solely relying on medication. In some cases, medication can be used in combination with psychotherapy, particularly for individuals with severe symptoms. Although medication can provide immediate relief in times of crisis, psychotherapy aims to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to negative emotions, leading to more sustainable solutions.
In-Person: When you are sharing your personal story with your therapist, it is helpful to do so in a safe comfortable space. We enjoy being in the same room, breathing the same air, and seeing our clients in the same physical space. Thus, in-office sessions provide an intimacy that is important for some people.
Virtual: TWO REASONS YOU MAY PREFER VIDEO THERAPY.
Secure and Reliable. Advances in regulations and technology have made internet connections fast, reliable, and private. Most of us own a smartphone or computer with an internet connection that provides a clear video image and great audio quality. Thus, when you find a quiet private place, you can be assured that video-therapy provides a safe and surprisingly intimate place to work through your issues.
Easy Access/Convenience. Traveling to therapy can be inconvenient, expensive, and time-consuming. Remote video therapy allows scheduling convenient meeting times and does not require travel. So, you’ll be able to meet from the comfort of your own home or workplace at a time that works for you. Video therapy provides access to an expert with more convenient time slots (e.g., evenings, weekends) and removes the hassle of time and travel to reach your therapist.
Our Therapists
Who is Anahita
Anahita Meraj is a registered psychotherapist with extensive experience and expertise in Clinical and Counselling Psychology. She is a member of several professional organizations such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA), Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP). She is also the clinical director of “Rain & Rainbow Mental Health Clinic.”
We often find ourselves living chained lives, unaware that we hold the key to unlock the chain and attain freedom.
Anahita began her career in counseling in 2005 as a guidance counselor at the “Fazli Psychology and Counselling Centre.” Later, she graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in Toronto, Canada, and worked as a mental health therapist at the “YorkHills Centre for children, Youth, and Families,” where she gained valuable experience working with children, teenagers, and their parents.
Anahita’s professional experience also includes working as a registered mental health therapist at the “Catholic Community of York Region (CCSYR)” and the “Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA),” where she worked with adults from diverse cultural, religious, ethnic, and gender backgrounds.
Anahita has extensive training in various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focus Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, Trauma-focused ACT, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, and Trauma-informed therapy. She specializes in treating a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger management, emotional disturbance, sleep problems or insomnia, and relationship issues.
Anahita is fluent in English and Farsi and provides personalized and professional psychological services based on her clients’ unique conditions, needs, and expectations.
Mental Health Services
We have a comprehensive and holistic line of mental health therapy services in Rain and Rainbow Mental Health Clinic.
When you choose to work with our professionals, you can expect a compassionate and supportive experience.
