Frequently Asked Questions 


Here you'll find the answers to common questions about my private social work practice,
services and what to expect.  If you don't see your question here,
feel free to reach out, I am happy to help.  



 

A Free Consultation Call is a chance for us to get to know one another better so you can decide if we are a good fit to work together before fee-for-service sessions are booked. It is a chance for you to tell me a bit about your therapy goal and why are you are seeking therapy at this time. It is a chance for you to hear about my practice and the services that I provide, and for you to ask any questions that you may have of me. If at the end of the call, we think we are a good fit to work together then we will book a session. Session are available in person or on-line using the Jane Program's videoconferencing feature. Jane is a client management system that meet PHIPA & OCSWSSW requirement for privacy and security.

I provide a welcoming, private rural setting for us to meet. The office is located on our home property in a renovated shed. The office has a waiting room, washroom, and therapy room that looks a lot like a living room. There are pictures on my website for you to look through, if you'd like. During the first session, we will review the Consent to Participate in Services Form, and you will have a chance to ask questions before signing to provide your consent. We will then discuss your goal for therapy, and what outcome you hope to achieve. We will then complete a detail summary of your life's story starting with childhood up to and including current day challenges. This story will help us to plan your intervention plan. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I hope to provide a space where you feel safe to share, even the messy parts of your story, knowing that you and your resiliency will be honored.

Many of the clients that I work with have been impacted by living through negative traumatic life events that have impacted their perception of trust in themselves, their attachment relationships, and the world.  We are all vulnerable to symptoms of Post traumatic Stress Disorder which generally includes symptoms of hyperarousal, or avoidance of things that remind us of the traumatic event. When we are triggered and flip into survival mode it can have a negative impact on being able to do the things we want or need to in our daily lives. It can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, stressed and overwhelmed.  For those who did not receive the gift of secure attachment the impact of trauma can be even more overwhelming. Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured sensory based intervention that can help the brain to process the traumatic memories so that associated distress can be cleared.   EMDR can also help build your confidence that your can manage current day challenges and future worries. EMDR can help you...Strengthen your positive beliefs about yourself Learn to tolerate and regulate your emotionsLearn to listen to your body & trust your own inner wisdom  Utilize grounding, calming and relaxation strategies so have choice about how to manage your emotional state Desensitize traumatic memories so they no longer distress youTap into your own internal strengthens, resources and attributes in managing day-to-day challenges Overcome avoidance and blocks to healingManage and soothe anxiety and panic Strengthen healthy coping patterns Learn more about EMDR at www.EMDRIA.org.

EMDR endorsed the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for trauma. EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.  Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference much faster.  EMDR uses detailed protocols and procedures, with bilateral movement,  to help the brain to work through and remove the emotional wound caused by trauma so that the client's resiliency can once again thrive.  For more information about EMDR visit www.EMDR.com

I offer half day (4 hours) Intensive EMDR Therapy Sessions for those who prefer to meet their goals faster or for those who find it easier to book a half day off work rather than attending weekly session. Both EMDR intensives and EMDR weekly sessions are effective, it just comes down to client preference and availability. The cost of a half day intensive is $736.

I teach and help clients practices calming techniques for containment, calming, grounding, and mindfulness. These skills can be used between sessions to help clients calm and regulate and manage intrusive thoughts, and triggers, so they can return to calm state.

Trained EMDR therapists are Masters Level practitioner who have attended 6 days of Basic Training Session with a EMDRIA certified trainer and have completed the additional 10 hours of consultation. Certified EMDR therapists are certified by Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Association (EMDRIA). They have been practicing EMDR for a minimum of two years, attended additional EMDRIA approved training sessions, completed 20 hours of consultation with certified EMDR consultant, and received a letter from their EMDR consultant for consideration by EMDRIA in the certification process, and was ultimately granted certification. I attended EMDR Basic Training in 2016 by Kathy Harn and Brynah Schneider in London, ON, and then with Dr. Amanda Bell in 2018 when I worked for her as an associate. I achieved EMDR Certification in 2019.

Both Registered Social Workers & Registered Psychotherapist are both able to preform the controlled act of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a collaborative treatment based on communication and interaction with a licensed mental health professional to help people overcome emotional distress, mental health conditions, and unhelpful behavior patterns. The main difference is that we have different degrees and belong to different colleges for our registration process. Both College's have a set of standards for practice and ethics that members must follow as a commitment to providing safe and ethical service. If there are concern's raised about a member's professionalism, the respective college will do an investigation, and if concerns are proven, a members registration may be revoked. A Registered Social Worker is someone who has completed a Bachelor or Masters of Social Degree at an accredited University and has passed the registration process through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW). I completed my Masters of Social Work Program at Wilfried Laurier University in 2022, and joined the OCSWSSW upon graduating. A Registered Psychotherapists is someone who has completed a Masters of Counselling Psychology or a Masters of Education in Counselling degree. Upon graduation they register with the Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

I have been a therapist for over 20 years. I became a social worker as I was inspired by the Social Worker Coordinator of the peer mentoring program at my local high school. It was my first introduction to understanding how biopsychosocial factors can impact school attendance and achievement, and how creating positive relationships and sense of belonging to a group can result in positive change. It was because of this experience that I decided to pursue a degree in Social Work. While completing my degree I worked of Pioneer Youth Services, a residential group home for youth with significant developmental, and mental health challenges. Upon graduating with my Bachelor of Social Work degree, I worked as child protection worker at Bruce County Children's Aid Society. A few years later, I then returned to school to get my Masters of Social Work Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University & began my career as a children's mental health therapist with the Huron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth. I worked for HPC for 19 years before resigning to pursue private practice full-time in 2022. I have additional training in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Circle of Security Parenting, Resiliency, Trauma Informed Care: Regulation in Relationship, and the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy.

Patty Hills opened her private social work practice in a private country setting near Gorrie, ON in 2016. Patty Hills strives to provide a therapeutic space where clients feel welcomed, their lived experience matters, and their innate resiliency in honoured.

Clients are offered a weekly consistent appointment time at the time of case assignment, so you can plan your schedule in advance. For clients requiring greater flexibility, this can be arranged. Fees:-$160 for a 50 minute therapy session -$256 for a 80 minute therapy session -$736 for a 4 hours intensive therapy session. Social Work Service are tax exempt. Payment can be made by e-transfer to PattyHillsRSW@gmail.com, or credit card at the end of the session. Once payment is received, I will issue you a receipt by email that you can submit to your benefits provider for reimbursement, or to retain for your records for tax filing. Each employee benefit program is unique, so it is important that you check your benefits handbook to ensure what your plan provides. Client with prior approval for funding through Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP) or the Dalton Encompas Program (OPP) do no pay out of pocket for their therapy session unless there is a late cancellation. For you to get the most of therapy it is important that you make attending your therapy sessions regularly a priority. Cancellation Policy: Advanced notice of 48 hours is required to cancel or reschedule your session without acquiring a late cancellation charge.

I do not require a doctor's referral, clients can initiate therapy by giving me a call or filling out the "Request for Free Consultation" form on my website. I offer a offers a free 15 minute intake phone consultation to hear about your therapy goals and for you to learn about me and the services I provide. That way you can make informed choice of whether my services are a good fit for you prior to fee-for-service sessions are booked. Y

Therapy is tailored to your unique therapy goals and circumstances. There is no set number of sessions. Outcomes are not guaranteed. However, you can maximize the effectiveness of therapy it is important that you make regularly attend your sessions.

My office is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.