FAQ's

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that helps individuals explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to improve mental well-being. A licensed therapist uses evidence-based techniques to support personal growth, coping skills, and emotional healing.

While the terms are often used interchangeably — and psychotherapy does involve counselling and talk therapy — it is important to understand that in Ontario, only regulated health professionals who are authorized by law to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy may provide psychotherapy services.To become a regulated health professional (such as a social worker, nurse, or psychotherapist), an individual must complete a rigorous education and meet the qualification standards established by their regulatory College. In Ontario, several different types of regulated health professionals can provide psychotherapy services if they have appropriate training. Psychotherapists typically earn a Master’s degree in psychotherapy and use the title Registered Psychotherapist (RP). Some psychotherapists, including Donna Cook, earn a Master’s degree in Social Work and register through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), using the title MSW, RSW (Master of Social Work, Registered Social Worker), in addition to Psychotherapist. This educational path focuses on overall human welfare and the social systems that impact individuals’ lives, making it an ideal foundation for psychotherapist training.

In Ontario, Canada, psychotherapists typically earn a Master’s degree in psychotherapy and use the title RP (Registered Psychotherapist.)

Some psychotherapists, including Donna Cook, earn a Master’s degree in Social Work and register through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and use the title MSW, RSW (Master of Social Work, Registered Social Worker) and Psychotherapist.

This educational track distinctly focuses on overall human welfare and the social systems that affect each of our lives, making it an ideal program for psychotherapist training.

Donna Cook is an MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist (OCSWSSW Registration: 856333). MSW stands for Master of Social Work, and RSW stands for Registered Social Worker. The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) regulates who may use this designation, and ensures that all who use it are aptly qualified to provide mental health services.

– Walden University, Barbara Solomon School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW), Embedded Trauma Specialization

– University of Waterloo,
Honors Bachelor of Art (BA), Recreation and Leisure Studies

Donna offers individual counselling services and is qualified to guide clients on their mental health journey using a variety of techniques, including CBT therapy, EMDR therapy,

Donna’s services are available online, only.

Donna works with a wide variety of clients from diverse backgrounds. Her focus for her therapy practice is to provide services for women, trauma survivors, and those that need support through life stage transitions. She is dedicated to shining her light to make the world a better place, and tries to work with those she is best equipped to support.

Donna does not have a physical office, and cannot see clients in-person. She only offers telehealth psychotherapy services at this time.

Due to provincial and national regulations, Donna is only authorized to work with clients that are physically present in Ontario.

Donna charges $165 per hour/session for psychotherapy and counselling services. Every new client receives a free 30-minute consultation to help them assess if Donna is the right therapist for them. 30-minute free consultations are reserved for new clients, only.

Yes, Donna can accept insurance. Let her know during your initial consultation if you’d like to use insurance, and she can help determine whether her services are eligible. However, you are encouraged to confirm the terms of coverage with your insurer.

Payment can be made by bank debit or credit card through your secure Owl Practice Client Portal, or by e-transfer if pre-arranged with Donna Cook.

You will receive an invoice in your email immediately following the session. Click the link in the email to visit your online portal to view the open invoice and approve the payment. Your payment method will be charged, and you will receive a receipt for your records.

To work with Donna, begin by scheduling a free 30-minute consultation. Click here to go to the online portal and add your information, and choose a time to start the consultation.

Donna will meet with you to learn more about you and answer your questions to help you determine if she is a good fit.

Donna’s online practice is hosted on the telehealth platform Owl Practice, a secure Canadian-made software designed specially for online therapy treatment.

Compliance and security are crucial components of Donna’s telehealth therapy practice. Our telehealth platform Owl Practice is PHIPA & PIPEDA compliant. (You can read more about their security practices on the Owl Practice website.) To ensure privacy and security for all of her clients, Donna requires all client communications to take place via the secure client portal provided by Owl Practice.