FAQ & Resources

The best way to start is by emailing , submitting a form or booking an intake call directly. Either approach will start the process of arranging a phone intake and consultation during which you can tell us more about what you are experiencing and are looking for help with. We will ask you some questions and answer yours, and from there, we will match you with a therapist and schedule a time to meet. The link to book a call directly is: https://outlook.office365.com/book/admin1@drmauraferguson.com/

After the intake call, you will be matched with an appropriate clinician and the two of you (or more for couples therapy) will schedule a first session. During your first session, you will have the opportunity to express in depth what is challenging you and also to also express your hopes, concerns and fears. This will give you a chance for both you and your therapists assess the overall fit. During your first 2-4 sessions, we will conduct a thorough evaluation, including your history, current challenges and level of functioning. For couples, this will take on elements of individual evaluation and the history of your current and past relationships. Couples are seen jointly including when exploring individual histories while in couples or relationship therapy.

A therapeutic hour ranges from 45-50 minutes. In some cases, we meet with an individual or a couple for an hour and a half. We will meet for a weekly session, as consistently as possible, at a regularly scheduled time. We will give you advanced notice for planned absences and ask that you do the same. We have a cancellation policy of a minimum of 48 hours but request that planned absences be communicated as early as possible.

Services are not covered by OHIP. We charge an hourly fee of $250 CAD for individual therapy, consultation and assessment. Associates that are Registered Psychotherapists and Qualifying Psychologists offer a reduced rate for psychotherapy. Assessment tools may incur a one-time additional material cost. Couples therapy sessions with Dr. Maura Ferguson are based on an hourly fee of $275 CAD. The cost for a couples therapy session with an associate at the registered psychotherapist level is based on an hourly fee of $210 CAD. For RP(Q), fees vary from $180-$210 CAD based on an hourly fee for individuals and $200-$220 CAD based on an hourly fee for couples. Qualifying Psychologists fees range form $225- $250 CAD. Fees are aligned with the recommended fee schedule published by the Ontario Psychological Association. Dr. Ferguson is licensed and board-certified in Ontario and California, meaning she can provide therapy to residents in either location. Periodically, fees may go up, but always with 2-3 months notice. Psychotherapy with associates and qualifying psychotherapists is an excellent value for high quality services. Extended Health Benefit Plans generally cover fees for psychological services. We recommend checking information regarding how much coverage you are entitled to annually and whether you need a referral from a physician or can self-refer. Fees not covered by benefit plans can be deducted as a medical expense from your personal income tax. You will be responsible for payment of sessions cancelled within the 48-hour cancellation policy. We have a limited number of sliding scale spaces available to patients who would otherwise not be able to afford therapy. This may, in some cases, involve a brief course of therapy.

We offer both! We meet with people for in-person sessions in our office in downtown Toronto, located near St. George and Bloor Street. The nearest subway station is St. George, on subway lines 1 & 2. The building includes free parking. Our office is on the second floor of a building that does not have an elevator. If you have mobility issues and are interested in pursuing treatment, we can meet for sessions virtually or help arrange an appropriate referral. We also meet with people via an online platform called OWL, which is PHIPA-compliant and double-encrypted to protect your confidentiality. We meet with people throughout Ontario and in the state of California. Maura Ferguson retains her license to practice psychology in the state of California is able to work remotely with individuals and couples who are residents of California using the platform SimplePractice.

If you or someone close to you is in crisis, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Please refer to our resources above for further information.

We practice evidence based integrated psychotherapy, combining elements of psychoanalytic and relational approaches to address a wide range of emotional and relational issues. Our approach draws from established research on psychotherapy effectiveness and clinical outcomes. In therapy, you can expect a collaborative and exploratory process. We prioritize building a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood and respected. Our therapists work with you to explore unconscious patterns, past experiences, and relational dynamics that may contribute to your difficulties. Through insight-oriented exploration and relational engagement, we aim to foster self-awareness, insight, and emotional growth. We tailor treatment interventions to your unique needs, goals, and preferences, empowering you to make meaningful changes in your life.

Psychotherapy is voluntary, and you have the right to terminate treatment at any time. However, our approach to treatment emphasizes the awareness that abrupt endings to treatment can be counter therapeutic. We encourage you to discuss your feelings about the therapy directly with your therapists and to work towards a transition to ending a treatment that is productive and healthy. Therapy can help you work through your relationship with the act of saying goodbye, which may make you better able to form meaningful connections with others.

It is not uncommon to feel daunted before starting therapy. Your therapist will meet you in the waiting area and invite you into the office. They will introduce themselves, and the two of you have the chance to slow things down and talk about what is making you want to start therapy in general and at this specific moment in your life. Your therapist will explain more about how the therapy will work, what to expect, and what are things that keep therapy safe, including confidentiality. You may have specific questions or concerns about therapy, and this will be a really good time to ask them. Your therapist will prompt you with some questions about your life in the present and past and take a thorough history to get to know more about you and what may be contributing to your distress.

For many, the benchmark can be that if your emotions feel overwhelming and get in the way of your ability to function in critical parts of your life, it is an excellent time to seek help. However, that is not the only time. We have a blog post on this very topic!

Couples often hesitate to start therapy and usually begin the process when the problems in their relationship have already become deeply entrenched. Learn more on our blog.

You can call, email, complete our contact form or directly book an intake call with our coordinator: https://outlook.office365.com/book/admin1@drmauraferguson.com/ We will reach out to schedule an intake phone call and match you with a therapist. Your therapist works with you to find regular session times that will work for you.

We have a limited number of sliding scale spaces available to patients who would otherwise not be able to afford therapy. This may, in some cases, involve a brief course of therapy. Our associates are experienced and mature and offer a very high quality of care at a reduced rate relative to a fully autonomous psychologist. Our associates have very high levels of experience in psychotherapy relative to their fee and come highly recommended.

Clinical supervision or consultation refers to a professional relationship in which a more experienced psychologist provides guidance, support, and oversight to a less experienced psychologist or mental health professional. The primary goals of clinical supervision or consultation are to enhance the quality of client care, promote professional development, and ensure adherence to ethical and best practice standards in the field of psychology.