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FAQs

Have questions about what it’s like to work together, or what to expect when starting therapy? Please check out these frequently asked questions.

Going through them now means we can spend less time on logistics during your consultation and more time talking about what’s bringing you to therapy.

If you don’t see your question here, please get in touch. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Please leave a message on our contact page.

What is Ancestral Memory Therapy?

Ancestral Memory Therapy is an acknowledgment that the past is present. Our experiences are shaped not only by our individual lives, but also by the stories, relationships, cultures, histories, oppression, resilience, and wisdom carried through generations.

This work recognizes that what we inherit is not only trauma. We can also carry strength, knowledge, creativity, survival, connection, and ancestral wisdom within us.

Sometimes the past can show up in the present through experiences such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, disconnection, or a loss of identity. Ancestral Memory Therapy creates space to explore these experiences within a larger relational and intergenerational context, asking not only “What is happening to me?” but also “What has shaped me, and what am I carrying?”

We meet you where you are, relationally and without judgment. Together, we make space for what has been carried forward, what is asking to be understood, and what may be ready to be transformed.

Yes. All of our therapists offer online therapy to clients across Ontario.

We work with adults 18+ and support clients who are navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, relationship challenges, emotional distress, impact of oppression, and the effects of family and intergenerational experiences.

Online therapy can be a convenient option if you live outside of Toronto or Hamilton, have difficulty travelling to an office, or simply feel more comfortable meeting from your own space.

During your consultation, we can discuss whether online therapy is a good fit for your needs and help you find a therapist who is available to work with you virtually.

For the time being, we offer in-person therapy at several locations in Toronto and Hamilton.

Toronto
Melissa Taylor is available at 348 Danforth Avenue on Fridays, & Saturday twice a month.

Hamilton
Melissa Taylor is available the following days:

  • 327 Ottawa Street N. — various appointment times Tuesday through Friday
  • 1685 Main Street W. — various appointment times Tuesday through Friday


David Da Silva is available 327 Ottawa St. Sunday only depending on availability 

Availability varies by therapist and location. When booking a consultation, we can help you determine which location and therapist may be the best fit for you.

We offer two standard therapy rates:

  • Student rate: $130 per session
  • Non-student rate: $170 per session


We also offer a limited number of sliding-scale appointments for clients who may need additional financial flexibility. Sliding-scale spaces are limited and are offered based on availability.

If cost is a concern, we encourage you to ask about our current sliding-scale availability during your consultation.

This is one of the hardest questions to answer because there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The length of therapy depends on what you are looking for support with, your history, your goals, whether you have worked with a therapist before, and the type of therapeutic work that is most appropriate for you.

Trauma and deeper relational or intergenerational work can take time. Our goal is not to rush you through a predetermined number of sessions, but to work collaboratively and intentionally toward the changes you are looking for.

We will regularly check in about your progress, goals, and whether therapy continues to feel helpful.

We understand that sometimes life happens and appointments need to be changed.

We require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

A full session fee may be charged for late cancellations and no-shows. This also includes arriving more than 15 minutes late to an appointment without advance notification.

If you are running late, please contact your therapist directly as soon as possible. We understand that unexpected circumstances can happen, and communication helps us determine how best to proceed with your appointment.

We offer a free 15-minute consultation before beginning therapy.

The consultation gives us an opportunity to learn a little about what brings you to therapy, answer your questions, and explore whether we may be a good fit for working together.

It is also an opportunity for us to determine whether we have the appropriate training and experience to support what you are looking for.

If we don’t feel that Ancestral Memory Therapy is the right fit, we will do our best to help point you toward a more appropriate resource.

A consultation can give you a sense of what it may be like to work with us, but it is only a short introduction.

Therapeutic fit often becomes clearer over the first several sessions as you get to know your therapist and experience how they work with you.

You should feel able to ask questions, express your needs, and let your therapist know when something isn’t working for you.

Finding the right therapist is important, particularly when doing trauma-related work. You don’t have to force a therapeutic relationship that doesn’t feel right.

Our availability varies by therapist and location.

When you book a consultation, you will be able to see the current appointment availability for the therapist you are interested in working with.

If you don’t see a time that works for you, please reach out and we can discuss available options.

Your first few appointments are an opportunity for us to slow down and get to know one another.

We’ll talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you would like support with, and what you hope might change.

Depending on your needs, we may also explore your personal, relational, family, cultural, and intergenerational experiences and how they may be connected to what you’re experiencing today.

You do not need to have your entire story figured out before you arrive.

Trauma therapy should not require you to tell everything all at once. We work collaboratively and at a pace that supports your sense of safety and readiness.

We’ll also talk about how we work, practice policies, confidentiality, and what you can expect moving forward.

A valid credit card is required to be kept on file for payment of your sessions.

In some special circumstances, we may be able to accept payment by e-transfer. If you are paying by e-transfer, payment must be sent at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Please contact us if you have questions about payment options.

Our primary method of payment is credit card.

In special circumstances, we may accept e-transfer. E-transfers must be sent at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment to:

info@ancestralmemorytherapy.com

Please include your name and appointment date in the e-transfer message so that we can identify your payment.

Depending on the therapist, we may offer direct billing with some insurance providers, including GreenShield, Blue Cross, and Sun Life.

If direct billing is not available for your therapist, you may be able to submit your therapy receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider before beginning therapy to confirm your coverage, including whether your specific therapist and service are eligible for reimbursement.

A valid credit card is required to be kept on file for direct billing.

Begin Your Journey Today - In-Person Therapy Available Toronto and Hamilton

Every step towards healing is a victory. Join us at Ancestral Memory Therapy, where we’ll walk alongside you on your unique journey towards understanding, integration, and healing. Book a free 15-minute consultation to start your journey today.