Contact | Sojourn Psychotherapy

What is Sojourn Psychotherapy?

Sojourn Psychotherapy offers psychotherapy sessions, also referred to as therapy services for mental health concerns that include a wide range of issues such as trauma processing for PTSD or C-PTSD, grief, big life transitions, relational conflict, mid-life or quarter life crisis. Sessions are held virtually across Ontario and select provinces, and in person in Hamilton/Dundas. Psychotherapy is a regulated term by the College of Registered Psychotherapists, and only those who have specific masters or higher training in psychology or social work may perform the act.

What is Psychotherapy and how can it help me?

Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy and is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Registered Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples and families in individual and group settings (CRPO https://crpo.ca/resources/what-to-know-about-psychotherapy/).

What education or qualifications do you have?

Melissa White, Registered Psychotherapist, holds a master’s level degree in Counselling Psychology, along with teaching qualifications with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). She has specialized training with the Parnell Institute for Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR level 2), Sandplay (ongoing with CAST), Gottman Method 1 (couples therapy) and Treating Trauma and Affairs, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-I) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II Complex Trauma (CCPT-II), Sound Therapy from Toronto Sound Therapy, and 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training.

Where are sessions held?

Sessions are held on a PHIPA compliant virtual platform. Walk and Talk Nature and Eco-Therapy in Dundas and Hamilton Ontario Canada.

How often do I need to attend

While therapy is unique for every individual, it is recommended that at the beginning you attend sessions closer together, weekly or biweekly, to create momentum and build a therapeutic relationship. I do not recommend starting therapy on a monthly basis. I prefer to work with people for a longer duration of time before we reach that stage, as it takes time to build therapeutic rapport and an alliance.

How much are sessions?

Current fees are $150 for 50-minute individual sessions and are subject to change.

Is Psychotherapy covered by insurance?

Please check with your insurance provider as each policy may differ (ie. Sunlife, Greenshield, Manulife, Blue Cross).

Do you offer a sliding scale?

I do hold two spots for sliding scale and they are currently full. Please contact if you would like to be added to a waitlist.

How do I prepare for my first appointment?

Please ensure that you have read over and signed the intake and consent form, as we cannot proceed with psychotherapy without signed consent. Find a comfortable, safe, secure location with access to strong internet connection. Please keep your camera on in one spot and do not walk around during your session. You may want to bring a pen and paper, a comfort drink like tea, and weighted blanket.

Do you prescribe medication?

No, prescribing any type of medication is outside of my scope of practice. I recommend seeing your GP, and/or psychiatrist for prescription inquiries.

Is Virtual Therapy the same as In Person?

Recent research has shown that there isn’t much difference between In Person versus Virtual. While some experiential modalities such as Sandplay need to be In Person, AF-EMDR and talk therapy are just as effective virtually!

Where are you located?

Sojourn Psychotherapy is located in Dundas (Hamilton) Ontario. Currently, all sessions aside from Walk-and-Talk are done virtually.

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