Question 1

Is psychotherapy covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most extended health plans in Ontario cover Registered Psychotherapy. Direct billing is available for most major insurers. Bring your benefits card to your first session.

Question 2

What is brainspotting?

Accepted Answer

Brainspotting is a body-based therapy that uses focused eye positions to access and process unresolved emotional or traumatic material. It is often used alongside talk-based therapy.

Question 3

What does shockwave therapy treat?

Accepted Answer

Plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, calcific shoulder, Achilles tendinopathy, and other chronic soft-tissue cases that haven't responded to manual therapy alone. Acoustic waves trigger a controlled inflammatory response to restart healing.

Question 4

Are sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Psychotherapy sessions are governed by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario confidentiality rules. The exceptions are the standard legal ones (risk of serious harm, court order, child or elder protection).

Question 5

What is psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is a form of talk-based treatment delivered by a trained therapist to help you process emotional, behavioural, or psychological challenges. Nicole Bonich, RP (Registered Psychotherapist) offers both traditional talk therapy and Brainspotting, a body-based approach that uses focused eye positions to access unresolved emotional material.

Question 6

What is shockwave therapy?

Accepted Answer

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in soft tissue and tendons. At Essential Health, our RMTs deliver shockwave for musculoskeletal conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and soft-tissue rehab. Sessions are typically 15-20 minutes and a standard course is 3-6 sessions, one week apart.

Question 7

Can shockwave therapy cause damage?

Accepted Answer

Shockwave is a low-risk treatment when delivered by trained RMTs. Minor bruising or redness at the treatment site is normal and resolves within days. Deeper tissue or nerve issues are rare and avoided through proper technique. We screen for contraindications (pacemakers, pregnancy, active malignancy) before treatment.

Question 8

Does OHIP cover psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

OHIP does not cover Registered Psychotherapy services. Most extended health plans (Manulife, Sun Life, and others) cover psychotherapy up to a plan limit. Bring your benefits card to your first session and we can verify coverage.

Question 9

How many sessions of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis?

Accepted Answer

A typical course for plantar fasciitis is 3-6 weekly sessions, depending on severity and response. Some patients notice improvement after 2-3 sessions; others need the full course. Your practitioner reassesses progress and adjusts the plan.

Question 10

What if shockwave therapy doesn't work?

Accepted Answer

If you do not see improvement after the initial course, your RMT will discuss alternative or complementary options. These may include additional sessions, manual therapy, targeted exercise, or referral to another discipline at Essential Health (physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy). Every patient responds differently.

Question 11

What is the difference between psychology and psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

A psychologist holds a PhD or PsyD, can diagnose mental health conditions, and conducts psychological testing. A psychotherapist like Nicole Bonich (RP) is trained specifically in talk-based and body-based therapy and cannot diagnose. Both are licensed regulated professions in Ontario.

Question 12

Does shockwave therapy increase size?

Accepted Answer

Essential Health uses shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies. We do not offer shockwave for cosmetic or enhancement purposes. For questions about shockwave for a specific condition, please call 905-856-2299.

Question 13

Does ODSP cover psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

ODSP coverage for Registered Psychotherapy varies by individual recipient and plan. Contact your ODSP caseworker to confirm whether psychotherapy is included. If coverage applies, Essential Health can provide documentation to support your claim.

Question 14

Does Manulife cover psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Most Manulife extended health plans cover Registered Psychotherapy up to an annual limit. Coverage details vary by plan, so check your policy or call Manulife with your policy number. We can also verify at your first session if you bring your benefits card.

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