Empathy, Expertise and Healing

Meet Stefan
See yourself. Stand steady. Live fully.
You are not broken. Together, we create a space to be heard, not judged, while exploring challenges and building resilience. Drawing on person‑centred and trauma‑informed approaches, we uncover your strengths, reconnect with what matters most, and open the path to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
After 20 years in a high-pressure career, I became a therapist because too many people had no one they could genuinely talk to. I understand what it’s like when stress piles up, burnout sets in, and admitting you’re struggling feels impossible. I work with people navigating career pressure, life transitions, and expectations that make honest conversation hard. My approach is direct, person‑centred, and grounded—no clichés, and humour is always welcome.
Our Approach
Inner Counsel Psychotherapy
Stefan's Approach
Your Therapy Questions, Answered
Starting therapy can feel uncertain. This page answers the questions people ask most often—from how online therapy works to what a first session looks like—so you feel prepared and confident.
You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.
It can be helpful if you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or uncertain, or if you're navigating a difficult transition, relationship concerns, perfectionism, or patterns you would like to understand better. Therapy offers a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore what you're experiencing, develop greater self-understanding, and consider what might help you move forward.
An initial session can be an opportunity to see whether therapy feels right for you and whether we are a good fit.
My fee is $150 for a 50-minute individual therapy session.
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I offer a free 20-minute virtual consultation before beginning therapy. This is a relaxed opportunity for us to meet, talk briefly about what brings you to therapy, and see whether we feel like a good fit. There is no obligation to continue.
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If you decide to move forward, we begin with a 50-minute intake session at the regular $150 fee. This gives us time to explore what you are experiencing, understand what is bringing you to therapy, and begin identifying what you would like to work toward together.
Ongoing sessions are also 50 minutes and $150 per session. The pace and focus of therapy will depend on your needs. Sessions provide space to slow down, make sense of what you are experiencing, explore patterns that may be affecting you, and consider ways of moving forward that feel meaningful and sustainable.
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There's no HST on psychotherapy in Ontario, so $150 is what you pay.
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Not sure whether therapy is right for you? Start with a conversation. Book a free 20-minute consultation.
Many extended health insurance plans provide coverage for psychotherapy services. I bill after each session and provide a receipt you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
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I do not offer direct billing to insurance companies.
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Coverage varies between plans, so it's worth checking before we begin. Ask your insurer whether they cover a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). That's the specific wording that gets you an accurate answer.
There is no set number of sessions that applies to everyone.
The length of therapy depends on what brings you to therapy, what you hope to work on, and the kind of support that feels right for you. Some clients may benefit from short-term therapy focused on a specific concern, while others may find that ongoing therapy provides space to explore deeper patterns and experiences.
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We’ll talk together about your goals and how therapy is progressing along the way. There is no expectation that you commit to a predetermined number of sessions. Therapy can adapt as your needs and goals evolve.
I understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice are subject to the full session fee.
Sessions take place online through a secure virtual meeting room. Before we meet, I’ll send you a link to join. You can attend from a place where you feel comfortable and have the privacy you need for our conversation.
When everything feels like too much,
it helps to have a place to set it down.
- Stefan Jurgens
FAQ
Got questions? Stefan can help
If you're wondering whether therapy is right for you, it's important to recognize that therapy can benefit anyone seeking support, personal growth, or clarity during difficult times. You don't have to be in crisis to reach out for help. Therapy may be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, or if you're navigating major life changes, such as a new job, relationship issues, or personal transitions. It can also be a powerful tool if you're feeling stuck, unsure of your next steps, or struggling to make sense of your emotions.
Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain deeper insights into your patterns, and learn healthier coping strategies. By working with a trained professional, you can uncover new perspectives, develop self-awareness, and feel empowered to make positive changes in your life. Whether you're dealing with specific challenges or simply seeking to better understand yourself, therapy provides the tools and support to help you move forward. If you’re curious, it may be worth scheduling an initial session to see how it feels for you.I offer a free 20-minute virtual consultation, designed as a meet-and-greet to help us determine if we’re a good fit for working together. If you decide to move forward, the next step is a Virtual Individual Therapy Intake Session, which is a 50-minute session priced at $150.00. This intake session allows us to dive deeper into your concerns and goals, following the initial consultation.
After the intake session, ongoing Virtual Individual Therapy Sessions are also 50 minutes and cost $150.00 each. These sessions provide regular support as we work together to explore your challenges, develop strategies, and work towards your personal growth.
As of June 20, 2024, psychotherapists are no longer required to collect the GST/HST on their services.
If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to book the consultation to get started.Clients pay for sessions at the time of booking. After each session, you will receive a receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please note that I do not offer direct billing to insurance companies. It's a good idea to check with your insurer to confirm coverage for psychotherapy services, as plans vary.
The number of therapy sessions you may need depends on your individual goals, the challenges you're facing, and how quickly you feel comfortable progressing. Some clients may benefit from short-term therapy, which could range from 6 to 12 sessions, especially if they have a specific concern they want to address. Others may prefer ongoing, longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, develop coping strategies, and maintain consistent support as they navigate life’s challenges.
During our initial consultation and intake session, we’ll discuss your needs and create a plan that works for you. Therapy is a highly personalized process, and it’s common for your goals to evolve over time. We can adjust the length of therapy as needed to ensure you're receiving the right level of support.To avoid any cancellation fees, please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel an appointment. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, the full session fee will apply.
Our sessions will be held online. Before we meet, I’ll send you a link to join in our virtual meeting room. To schedule an appointment or a consultation, click here.



