Frequently Asked Questions at Oak and Sands Counselling

Oak and Sands Counselling provides individual therapy for women, men, teens (12+), and children (4+), as well as couples therapy, family therapy, and court-ordered family counselling. Our specialized modalities include EMDR, CBT, DBT, EFIT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, and IFS. We serve clients in person at our Alliston location and virtually across Simcoe County, Newmarket, York Region, and Ontario. All our therapists are regulated professionals, ensuring expert, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.

Your first step at Oak and Sands is a complimentary 15-minute consultation, available virtually or by phone. This quick session lets you ask questions, discuss your goals, and determine clinical fit with one of our therapists. Whether you’re seeking EMDR for trauma, couples counselling, or support for your teen, this consult is a pressure-free way to see if our approach is right for you. Book your consult online or by calling our Alliston office.

Our services are provided by Registered Psychotherapists (RP), Registered Social Workers (RSW), and MACP clinicians, which are covered by most Canadian private insurance plans. Please check with your provider (such as Manulife or Sun Life) for your specific coverage, as OHIP does not apply. We offer Good Faith Estimates for full transparency and have limited sliding scale spots for clients with financial barriers. Contact us to discuss eligibility and current fee ranges.

Session length varies by service type. Most individual and couples counselling sessions are 50–60 minutes, while EMDR can run 60–90 minutes. Sessions are designed to be comfortable and flexible—you can sit on the floor, bring a coffee, or even knit if it helps you feel at ease. Our office at 180 Parsons Road, near the Alliston Library, is welcoming and private. Virtual sessions follow the same relaxed, client-centred approach.

Yes, we offer specialized therapy for children (ages 4+) and teens (12+), including EMDR for children 9 and older. In Ontario, mature minors can consent to their own therapy if they demonstrate understanding and capacity. We work closely with families to ensure consent and confidentiality are handled appropriately, in accordance with provincial laws. For court-ordered or family therapy, additional documentation may be needed.

Oak and Sands offers same-day and urgent session availability when possible, especially for those in distress or facing acute challenges. While not a crisis centre, we prioritise rapid access for current and new clients in Alliston, Newmarket, and throughout our Ontario service area. If you require immediate assistance, please call our office—if we’re unavailable, we’ll direct you to appropriate emergency resources.

Our physical office is at 180 Parsons Road, Unit 30–34, Alliston, Ontario, conveniently located near local landmarks like the Alliston Library and Riverdale Park. In addition to in-person sessions, we provide secure virtual counselling to clients across Simcoe County, York Region (including Newmarket), and throughout Ontario. This makes our services accessible whether you’re nearby or further afield.