SERVING CLIENTS ACROSS ONTARIO
Online counselling for adults navigating illness, caregiving or loss.
Support for the times when life feels uncertain, heavy or hard to carry alone.
I’m here to support you in reconnecting with who you still are and what you need as a person.
You may feel like you’re struggling—not just with your health, but with the healthcare system, and sometimes even with your own mind. When you’re in uncharted territory, it's hard to know what you need and how to plan for the future.
Let’s make things a little easier. I can offer you a space where you can breathe and be honest about your questions, your fears and your hopes.
We'll talk about navigating the practical and emotional challenges of living with illness, being immersed in our strained healthcare system, and how to connect with what’s truly most important to you and the life you still want to lead. Whether you're thinking about the next step or the long-term, we'll work together to find some clarity.
Kristy Buck, MSW, RSW (she/her)
Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Based in Toronto, On
As a social worker, I have more than 20 years of experience working in healthcare supporting people like you. I also know what it's like to sit in that uncomfortable chair at the doctor's office—and at bedside, too.
My purpose is to help people navigate the challenges they face so they can connect with more ease and clarity—no matter what life looks like.
I believe we all have the wisdom we need inside us to answer the questions that arise in life. But, sometimes we all need a bit of help connecting with our values and strengths to see the way forward.
My approach is eclectic, collaborative, flexible and tailored to what matters most to you. I draw from a range of therapeutic perspectives—mindfulness, existentialism, narrative therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), among others. I'm also trained in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), an evidence-based therapy for people living with chronic pain. My philosophy is client-centred, strengths-based and trauma-informed.
It’s important to me that my services are safe, convenient, accessible and helpful to you.
HOW I CAN HELP
Online support to individuals, couples and families for:
Making sense of a new diagnosis or a change in health status
Managing emotions (fear, uncertainty, anger, overwhelm, to name a few)
Preparing for medical appointments and navigating systems
Communicating with others and setting boundaries
Coping with chronic illness and improving chronic pain
Preparing for the end-of-life (advance care planning)
Loss and grief
Frequently Asked Questions
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Book a free 15-minute call with me so that you can share a bit about the kind of support you’re looking for and ask any questions you might have for me. We’ll decide whether we seem to be a good fit for working together. If so, we can make a video or phone appointment to continue our discussion - usually within two weeks. Video sessions are hosted on the Canadian online platform, Jane.
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Unfortunately, I am unable to provide crisis support. If you are experiencing an emergency or need to connect with immediate support, please call 988 or 911 - or visit your nearest hospital. If you are in distress or need urgent emotional support, The Distress Centre of Toronto offers 24/7 support to people in Toronto and Peel: 416-408-4357.
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I am generally available Monday to Thursday, from 10am-6pm. I have some limited availability outside of these times.
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Clients often tell me that my approach is warm, empathic and helpful. We’ll start our conversations wherever you like. I’ll provide you with a compassionate and respectful space for you to explore and make sense of your situation as well as connect with your own wisdom.
I’ll offer some questions, reflections and ideas along the way. Together we’ll decide on a pace and a way forward that’s in line with your goals and your budget. We’ll check in along the way to ensure that our discussions are helpful to you.
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A 50-minute individual session is $180. A 50-minute couples or family session is $200. (There is no HST on counselling services.)
I accept payment via e-transfer or credit card at the end of a session.
I also offer a limited number of sliding scale appointments for people without extended health care benefits and who are in financial need.
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Yes, they often are. I recommend that you confirm your coverage with your plan administrator directly. A receipt will be emailed to you after payment which you can then submit to your insurance for reimbursement. At this time I do not offer direct billing.
The cost of counselling services with a Registered Social Worker can be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax.
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Please provide at least 24 business hours’ notice (preferably 48 business hours’ notice) via email if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment for any reason in order to avoid a late cancellation fee. This notice provides me with an opportunity to offer your appointment time to another client who may be waiting for support. You will be charged a full rate for missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24 business hours’ notice in most situations.
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I am open to your feedback along the way to ensure that our sessions are as helpful as possible to you, but I’m also glad to refer you to another practitioner if you decide that you’d prefer to try a different approach.
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a system of evidence-based techniques that can help people improve or eliminate many forms of chronic pain. It involves teaching your brain to re-interpret pain sensations through a lens of safety. PRT can also be helpful for people experiencing bothersome physical symptoms associated with chronic illnesses or distressing emotional states, such as anxiety.
Have another question? Contact me.
Get in Touch
Ready to talk?
Have a question OR NEED AN ALTERNATE CONSULT TIME?
Send a message.