FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any questions that are not answered below, please contact us.
Are your massage therapy services covered by OHIP?
No, Registered Massage Therapy and alternative healing modalities are not covered by OHIP. However, some of the treatments we offer are covered by extended healthcare plans.
If I am covered for massage treatments through my extended health care, can you bill the insurance company directly?
Yes, we can bill your insurance company directly for payment, and you only have to pay the small portion (if any) that is not covered.
We use a third party program to bill your insurance company. Sometimes, even for no reason, they decline the request. You are required to pay for your appointment if your insurance company, or the third party declines the request, for any reason.
Do you accept WSIB claims?
We do not currently offer direct billing for WSIB claims.
Can I claim massage therapy on my income tax?
Massage therapy can be claimed on income taxes. With medical expenses you must have expenses totalling 3% of your income to use them. Please consult with your accountant.
Do you provide Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation?
Massage therapy is frequently used to assess MVA injuries and design a treatment plan to restore your functional ability as soon as possible. We are unable to direct bill auto insurance companies for MVA treatments.
What do I wear during a massage therapy treatment?
You are asked to undress to your level of comfort. Most people undress fully, some choose to leave underwear on and some leave on most clothing until they become comfortable with massage and their massage therapist.
Do I have to disclose all my health conditions on the health history form to my massage therapist?
It is best if you can give an accurate picture of your health and injuries on your health history form. This enables your therapist to design the most appropriate and effective treatment for you.
Can other members of my family use my benefits?
Receipts can only be made in the name of the person receiving the treatment.
What to Expect During Your Massage Treatment:
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Upon arrival you will fill out a health history and consent form, or you can download them, and bring the completed forms to your appointment.
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The therapist will speak with you to determine the right kind of massage techniques for you and your condition. They will notify you of what areas they will be treating and ask for your permission to proceed with the treatment.
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The therapist will conduct a physical examination, focused on your main problem areas.
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When it is time for your treatment, the therapist will explain how to get onto the table. You will be left in privacy to undress and get onto the table. You can remove whatever articles of clothing you are comfortable with.
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During the massage your therapist will regularly check in with you on the pressure and your level of comfort. If you are ever uncomfortable, please notify your therapist.
Why is it called Hypnosis?
The name was inspired by the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos. People who practice hypnosis for health often appear so deeply relaxed that look like they are sleeping; hence the name 'hypnosis'.
What is Hypnosis? What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state of being. It is completely natural and as unique to us as our own fingerprint. Hypnotherapy is the practice of working in this highly relaxed state to achieve lasting transformative change.
Why practice Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a highly effective, non-invasive tool. It can be used on its own or as a compliment to other therapies to achieve lasting results.
Hypnotherapy has a 93% success rate after an average of 6 sessions
Behavioural Therapy has a 72% success rate after an average of 22 sessions
Psychoanalysis has a 38% success rate after an average of 600 sessions
Source: Barrios, Alfred A. “Hypnotherapy: A Reappraisal,” Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice (1970)
What is a Hypnotherapy session like?
In hypnotherapy, we by-pass the critical factor of the mind to work on the subconscious level. This allows us to visit our core values, the root causes of issues, and strengthen our mind-body connection. A session might feel like a guided meditation with lasting results.
Why work with Andy?
I practice a practical, collaborative style of hypnotherapy - not authoritative or gimmicky entertainment hypnosis. Throughout the past 20 years of my career I have gained hands-on experience working with the subconscious mind in a wide range of spaces. It is my greatest honour and privilege to support those I work with in achieving their goals.
Is foot care covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately no foot care is not covered by OHIP
Is foot care covered by health insurance?
Some plans do cover foot care nursing and some don't. Please contact your health
benefits provider in order to know for sure. I do not do direct billing, however I do
provide receipts that can be submitted for reimbursement.
Are foot soaks part of your treatment?
No I do not do foot soaks as part of a regular treatment. The reason being that this is no
longer considered best practice for a couple of reasons. They can increase the risk of
infection and can soften the tissue which could increase the risk of injury. Foot soaks can
be beneficial in some circumstances and I will recommend them when necessary.
How far do you travel for in home visits?
I travel anywhere within a 40min drive of Belleville, making regular trips to Trenton,
Shannonville and Prince Edward County.
What does a session look like?
If it is your first time in counselling, here’s what to expect:
On our first session, we will proceed with reviewing the intake form you submitted prior to
coming in. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Informed Consent form and
we will discuss your main motivation for coming to therapy and what you are hoping to achieve.
Don’t worry though; not everyone has a defined goal when they go to counselling.
Your first visit serves to establish a connection between us which we will hopefully continue building over
the course of sessions. In subsequent sessions, I will prompt you to talk about what you are
wanting to address, and I might point out aspects of your situation to help you gain some
perspective. At times, I might gently challenge you, so that you can get new understanding about
your experience. Sessions are 50-minute long and because I work from a person-centered lens,
that time is yours and I will most often follow your lead with the topics you want to talk about
while facilitating deeper exploration of subjects that emerge.
Who should go to counselling?
Anyone can go to counselling. I like to think of counselling as a maintenance strategy. You do
not need to wait for terrible things to happen to seek mental health support. Going to counselling
can be preventative. By that I mean that regularly speaking with a therapist to level out our
feelings about day-to-day situations can be good practice to help keep our moods in check and
help us in our relationships with others. Of course, counselling can help people get through
difficult experiences and work to regain balance with their mental health and wellbeing.
Why go to counselling?
Going to counselling can help us navigate our relationships, heal from trauma, develop social
skills and emotional regulation, and manage our thoughts so that we live happier or more
satisfying lives. It can help with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, burnout,
fatigue, chronic pain, sleep problems, relational issues, emotional and thinking patterns, focus
and goals, life transitions, grief and loss, and an array of other life situations and concerns. It can
facilitate self-discovery and personal growth.
Is counselling the same as coaching?
Counselling and psychotherapy focus on mental health while coaching is geared toward self-
development in specific areas.
When is a good time to start counselling?
It is never too late to start this process. If you feel the need to talk to someone and want to be
heard, here’s your cue to reach out. Young children also benefit from counselling and different
modalities such as play therapy, for instance, can support progress in therapy with children.
Is psychotherapy (counselling) covered under insurance?
It can be. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered. Many companies do
offer reimbursement for psychotherapy if this is included in your plan. Your insurance provider
may require some details to accept your claim, so please let me know if you have any questions
prior to booking.