Frequently Asked Questions

General Practice Questions

Client Records, Rights and Responsibilities

  • Please refer to the attached privacy policy.

  • Luc takes the confidentiality of clients very seriously. They are required to obtain your informed, written consent before releasing or obtaining any information except where authorized by legislation or directed by the courts. These exceptions are as follows:

    (a) If it is my opinion that a child is or may be at risk of abuse or neglect, or in need of protection;

    (b) If it is my opinion that you or another person is at clear risk of imminent harm

    (c) If I am called to speak in legal matters where keeping confidentiality would be in contravention of the law

    I regularly discuss my work with other counsellors and my supervisor. While I may disclose information for the purpose of a professional consultation, your identity will remain confidential.

    If you have any questions about client rights or confidentiality, please reach out to Luc at luc@branchanchor.com.

  • The client has the responsibility to engage to the fullest of their capacity during their session. This includes treating Luc with respect and courtesy and supporting an inclusive environment.

    It’s important for the client to consider their wellness and reflect on when it’s best for them to reschedule sessions to support their own capacity.

    It is up to the client to ensure they communicate to the best of their ability and keep Luc updated with any changes to their appointment(s). The client is responsible for any fees for services due.

  • Luc requires 24-hour notice minimum to reschedule or cancel virtual/walking sessions. 48 hours for in-person sessions. If notice of cancellation or rescheduling is not given within required time, you will be charged the full amount for the session.

    Clients must make their best effort to communicate if they’re running late or if there is a need to reschedule or extend the session (time and capacity permitting). If the client is not able to stay for the scheduled time, they will still be required to pay the full amount.

  • Invoices can be paid via credit card or e-transfer. A detailed how to guide can be found here to walk you through paying your invoices.

    Once you've completed your first payment, you'll have access to a "customer" portal via Stripe to manage your billing information and invoice history. You can access the portal here.

  • At the end of the session, participants will receive an email invoice to be paid upon receipt. For no-shows or late cancellations, an invoice will be issued and if a participant pays by credit card, their account will be charged and a receipt will be issued.

    Luc will not rebook participants who have an outstanding balance without communication and payment arrangement.

    If there are any changes to your financial reality, please communicate with Luc to collaborate on a plan to support.

  • Yes, that's intentionally not identified.

    The values that inform this practice speak to how our services aim to affirm intersecting identities and lived experiences. We hope that potential clients see alignment in what they read or hear from in their point(s) of contact. We encourage you to learn more about what Luc can offer by visiting this page.

    We are often accustomed in this field to seeing many helping providers specializing in working with specific 'populations', cultural identities and targeted symptoms, topic expertise and approaches. This can often be informed by participation in trainings/certifications, relatable identities and marketing efforts.

    This practice operates from a lens of inclusivity, cultural humility, belief that everyone possesses the ability to achieve their intended goals. Our belief is that the practitioner's role is to see a client holistically, facilitate a tailored process and maintain the therapeutic relationship to support the participant as needed and discuss when more specialized skills would be of benefit.

    The consultation is the intended time to determine values alignment, participant needs, specific skills/experience to facilitate the process that serves the best interest of the client.

  • Starting with the similarities the two terms above find commonality within the theoretical approaches and skills involved.

    Counselling focuses on overcoming specific barriers, interpersonal dynamics, life challenges and on growth and development.

    Psychotherapy intends to help improve and maintain mental health and well-being through exploring values, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. This often can focus on various life stage experiences with forms of trauma, societal or social oppression.

  • In-person sessions are available to clients who are located within the Toronto area. Luc has space available at one location:

    Therapy Suites: Sherbourne/Adelaide

    225 - 366 Adelaide St E Toronto, ON M5A 3X9

    *Before a participant can access an in-person session they would need to participate in a virtual consultation session (camera on or off). This helps to establish the foundation for an in-person experience and ensure we're a good match in the therapeutic relationship and approach.

    In-person session do not include an additional cost in comparison to virtual/walking.

    For support on booking an appointment please visit here

  • Walking sessions are available to clients who are located within the downtown (south of Bloor St.) Toronto area or able to commute to an agreed-upon location.

    Before a client can access a walking session they would need to participate in one virtual/in-person session to establish the foundation for a walking experience.

    This includes; setting boundaries, rules for running into a familiar person, safety assurance and meeting location.

    Once there's an agreement, the client can book their next session for a walking session under the walking location and select walking session type. A specific consent form will be sent over via email to review and complete. Example form here

    The walking session takes place at an agreed-upon public location such as a park or green space. The client will be prompted to review and complete a specific consent form to prepare and confirm this session. Clients who do not complete this form before the session will be contacted and if needed the session will be cancelled.

  • As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Luc is responsible for applying and upholding the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice set out by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. You can access and download these documents by clicking this Ethics + Standards of Practice.

  • Luc envisions the profession of counselling and therapy as a community of practice. It cannot and should not be done alone.

    To be supported in this work, Luc receives regular supervision by Alyssa Koenderink at Natural Self Psychotherapy Services. She supports Luc by attending bi-weekly meetings to discuss their caseload and any approach needs.

  • Yes the practice and Luc Grey are covered by professional, commercial and cyber liability insurance.

  • If Luc feels that he is ill-equipped to meet your needs, they may refer you to a more specialized provider, out of respect for the client and his ethical obligations. If financial matters present a barrier to the client, they will also refer clients to subsidized clinics and providers.

  • As acknowledged in your consent form when you begin services, your participation in services is entirely voluntary and you may discontinue services at any time.

    Preferably for continuity of your care this would be a planned transition than abrupt. This can sometimes be an awkward conversation, but an important one to have. You may have already started talking about this with Luc.

    On the booking site, you can schedule a Transition Session (in-person/virtually) with Luc. This is a 30-min opportunity (paid session) to review and discuss your experience across the span of your session (e.g growth, challenges, change, healing etc.) and plan for your next steps.

  • Branch & Anchor Counselling services are listed through the Psychology Today, Theralist and Rainbow Health Ontario directories and by word-of-mouth referrals. Luc engages with various local queer/trans listserves, networking and online groups for referrals and resource sharing.

    Branch & Anchor Counselling can be found on Instagram, Facebook Page and LinkedIn.

    These accounts will be used for professional networking, community awareness, sharing mental health-related information and practice related content.

    Please be aware that Luc will not engage socially with you on these accounts as they are not used for coordinating services or providing forms of care.

    Luc requests that you only email luc@branchanchor.com or access the features in your Jane account for scheduling and services provided by the practice.

Practice Administrative Policies

  • Initial 20-minute virtual consultations are available at no cost.

    Standard rate:

    Luc’s standard fee is $140.

    If participants are wanting to book greater than a 55-minute session can discuss with Luc on an as-needed basis and the fee will be adjusted accordingly.

    Sliding Scale rates: Not currently available

    Luc offers a limited number of spaces on his caseload dedicated to providing sliding scale rates. These spaces are available on a first come first serve basis and can be indicated when you complete your consultation collaboration form before your consultation. Sliding scale range is between $70-$130.

    Low-cost rate: Not currently available

    Luc offers a limited number of spaces on his caseload dedicated to providing low-cost rates. These spaces are available on a first come first serve basis and may be limited to a certain number of sessions. Low-cost range is between $1-$70.

  • Many of the helping professions such as; psychotherapy, social work and social service work are regulated health professions in Ontario. But when offered through private practice they are not covered by OHIP. You can access care providers that are covered or funded by OHIP, government grants, or donations through hospitals, provincial clinics or community organizations.

    You can visit the province’s support page here.

  • Most health care benefits include some form of mental health related coverage. Please refer to your benefits booklet to verify how much coverage you have available and what type of provider.

    We don’t currently offer direct billing for insurance claims. You would need to pay upfront for services and submit the claim after receiving your receipt. The provider registration information would be indicated on your receipt.

  • Yes as a prospective participant and if services are offered you will receive a specific intake and consent form prior to your consultation session. You can refer to this example.

    If services are offered, you will receive another intake and consent form to review and complete prior to your first session. You can refer to this example.

    Please also expect a welcome email providing you with information on navigating your services.

    Please note the Jane app platform has some restriction to certain fields that aren't in line with inclusive practices (e.g. preferred name instead of just name)