Frequently Asked ​Questions

Do you have questions that aren’t answered ​here? Feel free to reach out by email at ​melina.condren.therapy@gmail.com.

What are your qualifications?

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist with the ​College of Registered Psychotherapists of ​Ontario (registration #11149). I have a Master of ​Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville ​Unviersity, as well as a Master of Arts in ​Psychology from York University focused on ​research in social psychology. I’ve completed ​additional training in Acceptance and ​Committment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour ​Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Polyvagal ​Theory. I love learning about mental health ​and continue to actively engage in ​professional development in many forms.

What do you mean when you ​say your approach is ​neurodiversity-affirming?

There are all sorts of different ways that people ​learn, communicate, relate to others, and ​experience the world around them, and I ​strongly believe that none of those differences ​are inherently better or worse than the others; ​some just come with the added challenge of ​not fitting society’s expectations. I work with ​your needs, your goals, and the natural way ​that your brain and nervous system function, ​rather than with any preconceived ​expectations of how you should be.

Do you work with autistic ​clients?

Autistic clients, and people exploring whether ​they might be autistic, are some of my ​favourite people to work with. I never work on ​“curing” autism or changing autistic traits. ​Instead, I focus on whatever issues in your life ​are causing distress (like anxiety, trauma, self-​criticism, loneliness, masking, or the discomfort ​of living in a world that isn’t built for you), while ​working with your neurotype instead of against ​it.

Will the cost of sessions be ​covered by my insurance ​provider?

Many insurance providers cover the cost of ​therapy with Registered Psychotherapists, but ​this varies based on the specific plan that your ​workplace offers. Please check with your ​provider directly if you’re not sure what’s ​included in your plan! I will provide you with ​receipts that you can submit to your insurance ​provider for reimbursement.

Who qualifies for your sliding ​scale rate?

My sliding scale is available for people who ​aren’t making a living wage. There’s no specific ​income cutoff point, as what constitutes a ​living wage varies by location and ​circumstances. If you’re interested in ​accessing my sliding scale, we can discuss ​whether you’re eligible.

I have a limited number of sliding scale spots ​available and they tend to fill up quickly. I can’t ​guarantee that a spot will be available ​immediately, but I keep a waitlist for when ​spots open up.

What can I expect from my ​free consultation ​appointment?

The free consultation is a 15-minute video or ​phone call to help us both decide if working ​together seems like the right fit. I’ll ask you to ​share a bit about what you’re hoping to work ​on in therapy so that I can make sure that I ​have enough expertise and experience to work ​with your specific concerns. I’ll also share a bit ​about my approach so that you can decide if ​it’s the type of therapy you’re looking for. It’s ​also a time for you to ask any questions you ​have about working with me or about therapy ​in general.

Learn more.

Questions? I’d love ​to hear from you.