Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Emotions aren’t just thoughts—they live in the body. 

This free guide will introduce you to emotional intelligence, helping you recognize emotional patterns, regulate your nervous system, and cultivate deeper connections with yourself and others.

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Below you’ll find some of the most common ones we hear. If you’re still unsure, reach out — we’re happy to support you in finding clarity.

We know that beginning therapy or coaching can come with a lot of questions. 

What does 1:1 work with The Simplest Self look like?

Is this therapy or coaching?

TSS is a psychotherapy and coaching clinic. Some of our team members are registered psychotherapists or licensed counsellors, and others offer trauma-informed coaching and somatic support. We’re always transparent about who provides what — and whether you’ll be receiving psychotherapy, counselling, or coaching and somatic support. All of our practitioners are trained in trauma, attachment, and somatic-based work.

How long are sessions? How often do we meet?

Sessions are 50 minutes and held via Zoom. Most clients begin with weekly sessions, but this may shift over time depending on your needs and goals. Some clients continue with us long-term, while others do shorter-term work focused on a specific area of growth.

Who do you work with?

We work with adults who are ready to explore the emotional and somatic patterns keeping them stuck. Many of our clients have a history of complex trauma, struggle with anxiety, shame, disconnection, or people-pleasing, and are looking for something deeper than traditional talk therapy. If you’re curious about your nervous system, your past survival strategies, or how to feel more empowered in your life — this work might be a fit.

What’s the difference between psychotherapy, counselling, and coaching?

At The Simplest Self, we offer psychotherapy, counselling, and somatic-based support. Here’s how we differentiate them:

Psychotherapy: Offered by licensed or qualifying therapists on our team. This is clinical work that can include deeper trauma processing, working with diagnoses, and exploring long-term patterns. Psychotherapy is only available to clients who reside in regions where the therapist is licensed to practice.

Counselling: Relational, supportive work focused on emotional wellness, life transitions, and self-understanding. Counselling may include therapeutic tools and frameworks without involving clinical diagnosis or treatment.

Somatic-Based Support: Offered by practitioners trained in modalities like Somatic Experiencing® or nervous system regulation. This work is non-clinical but deeply therapeutic in nature — ideal for those looking to reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous system, or explore protective parts and survival strategies. While not psychotherapy, it often complements or feels similar to it.

Coaching: Goal-oriented support focused on integration, growth, and nervous system capacity building. Our coaching is always trauma-informed, relational, and guided by a deep understanding of how the past shows up in the present.


We’ll always be transparent about the kind of support you're receiving, and we’re here to help you find the right fit based on your needs, location, and comfort.

What’s the difference between top-down and bottom-up approaches?

At The Simplest Self, we weave together both top-down and bottom-up approaches — because real, sustainable change often happens when the body and mind are working together.

Top-down support involves working with the mind — things like exploring patterns, reflecting on beliefs, connecting past experiences to present responses, and engaging in parts work or meaning-making. It often includes language, insight, and relational processing.

Bottom-up support starts with the body — helping your system feel safer through practices like orienting, grounding, breathwork, nervous system regulation, and noticing sensations. This helps you build capacity and shift how your body responds to stress or emotion.

Rather than force change, this approach helps you develop a relationship with your internal experience — one that is curious, compassionate, and paced in a way that your system can actually integrate.

What are your rates?

Rates vary depending on the practitioner’s training and licensure. Sessions typically range from $120-200. We offer a few reduced-fee spots where available. If you're unsure what type of support is right for you, our Client Care Specialist can help you find the right fit. 

Do you accept insurance or HSA?

We do not bill insurance directly, but HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds are often accepted for both therapy and coaching, depending on your provider. If you need documentation for reimbursement, we’re happy to provide receipts — and licensing/registration info when applicable (for example, for Lauren or Sunny).

Are you licensed?

Some of our therapists, like Lauren and Sunny, are registered or licensed in their jurisdictions and can provide documentation if needed. Others on our team offer coaching, which is not a licensed service but still draws on trauma-informed training and somatic principles. We are happy to clarify this during your intake process so you know exactly what to expect.

What if I’ve never done somatic work before?

That’s totally okay — most of our clients are new to it too. We move slowly, explaining each practice and checking in with your body’s pace. You’re always in choice, and we’ll never push you to go deeper than your system is ready for. This work is about building capacity, not bypassing discomfort.

Do you offer sessions outside of Canada?

Yes. We work with clients across North America and internationally. Licensing regulations may apply depending on where you live — for example, therapy services may only be available to residents of certain provinces or states, while coaching can be accessed from anywhere.

What Our Clients Say

“Working with Lauren has been life-changing. Her gentle guidance helped me connect deeply with my body, allowing me to feel safe, grounded, and empowered in ways I hadn’t thought possible.”

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What Our Clients Say

“Lauren creates a safe, non-judgmental space where I can truly explore my emotions. Her approach is thoughtful and empowering, and it’s helped me grow in ways I never imagined.”

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What Our Clients Say

 "I am already starting to feel the changes from my work with Nikki after a few short months and I am so so grateful to have found her. I look forward to understanding myself a bit better and healing with compassion and somatic tools that will keep me grounded and healthy for the rest of my time here."

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© THE SIMPLEST SELF 2025
© THE SIMPLEST SELF 2025

A team of trauma trained psychotherapists & somatic practitioners

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