Vossos Luoma & Associates

“Welcome to the Vossos Luoma website! On our site you will find information on each of our therapists, our most common therapeutic approaches, resources as well as general information on our services. If you would like to access our Registration form for services, simply select the Getting Started tab above and then the Registration link.”

A Bit of Background

Vossos/Luoma & Associates is comprised of a group of like-minded professionals who have chosen the helping field as their career. It began with Jamie Vossos as a sole private practice provider in 1989.

In 1999, Kathy Luoma joined Jamie in private practice. They have known each other since their work together in Children’s Mental Health in the mid 80’s. Kathy coming aboard was nothing short of a win fall as her experience and dedication to those in need is something special.

Kathy and Jamie began a journey together in building a private practice that was welcoming, safe, empowering and most importantly effective in helping those in need heal and engage in life as they so deserve. The belief they hold is that everyone deserves to live a life that is to their full potential. When things get in the way, we have the privilege to be invited into their lives to help, it is our responsibility to do so with respect, experience, compassion and professionalism.

Our practice has been long standing in the community of North Bay and surrounding areas. We have earned the trust of referring agents from healthcare, academia, legal, the private sector and government.
To those that have supported our work we thank you.
For those that allow us into their lives for brief and longer time periods, we want to thank you for your confidence and trust. We have been here because of you, and we will continue our work with the same passion, respect, and energy that you deserve.

Over time, our practice grew and so we have added some special people who fit, they just fit like a new pair of jeans.

Our Model of Practice

Our model is a unique one that begins with the firm name of Vossos/Luoma & Associates. This is the first point of contact and where all referrals come in. Where we are unique is in the way we practice. Each therapist functions independently in their own business. All files are confidential to each therapist with no knowledge of client information shared with anyone else. Although we consult with one another, no identifying information is shared unless a signed release of information is obtained and the client is aware of the reason for such consultation i.e., referral to another therapist in our firm or when contact is required for a therapeutic need.

Our Team Now

Jamie and Kathy have added what we believe to be, an incredible group of caring professionals. They have experience, energy, compassion and share the same dedication to those we serve. They also share a tremendous sense of humor which is a requirement here at Vossos Luoma.

Terra Nevrencan has been with us for 11 years.
She brings with her a dedication that is off the charts. Sometimes her office light is on when most of us are going to bed. Terra is wonderfully sensitive and compassionate with a strong voice for her clients as well as the significant issues they face.

Sharon Langley has been with us for 6 years
Sharon is a warm breeze on a chilly day. She will meet her clients where they are. Sometime in the office and sometimes on a therapeutic walk in the sun. She is committed to helping her clients find their path in life when they may not see a path that is possible.

Andrea Barton has been with us for 2 years
Andrea is perhaps the sunshine that everyone needs on a difficult day. She possesses a wonderful view of life that is positive, light and fun. This translates to an experience for her clients that is accepting, genuine and powerful.

Andrew Barton has been with us for 2 years
Andrew is a wonderful and caring man with a thirst for learning that is admirable. With his engaging, down to earth nature, he connects well with young people and that is no small task.

As you may see, we are not only proud of this group and all the experience they have gained, but they are also great people.

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.”

~ tinypositive.com

Our Belief About the Therapeutic process:

In-person sessions:

We believe that in-person therapy is the most powerful process available to those in need. The power of the therapeutic relationship involves a welcoming, confidential and calm environment. Personal engagement with the therapist and the feeling of someone being there with you is essential to the therapeutic process. In-person therapeutic sessions are offered in new offices that have been professionally designed with our clients in mind. Every detail has been taken into consideration for a safe and comfortable experience. We have invested in an environment that we are proud of and one that demonstrates our commitment to client care, respect and comfort. When someone feels comfortable and safe, the work can begin.

Virtual and Telephone Sessions:

When virtual sessions are requested or required, we provide a secure and confidential process via DOXY, a telemedicine website. We also offer telephone sessions when requested.
These forms of therapy ensure contact with your therapist is possible no matter where you are. Technology, for those that find it useful, allows therapy to be accessible when you need it despite your location or situation in life i.e., due to pain, living out of town, moving to university or when housebound for other reasons.

How it is done:

It is important that you have a strong internet connection to avoid any interruptions during your therapeutic contact.

Telephone Session – Your therapist will contact you at an agreed upon time.
A private and secure telemedicine video link will be sent to you before your session on DOXY: All data is encrypted, your sessions are anonymous, and none of your information is stored. DOXY adheres to PHIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR data privacy requirements.

Process and fit:

Our sessions begin with an initial contact with the therapist of your choice. However, connection/fit with your therapist is essential to any successful therapeutic experience. If for any reason you feel your therapist is not a fit, another therapist will be arranged immediately.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Picking a Therapist

Fit has to be there.

I have been a therapist for the past 39 years and the two questions that come up a lot are:
“How do I pick a therapist”?
“How do I know my therapist is a good fit”?

My answer is simple, has many years of experience behind it and to the point:

Picking a therapist is like buying a new pair of new jeans, you just have to find the one that fits you best. The one pair that is comfortable and makes you feel good.

People often call in to our office and ask for myself or Kathy to see them, their son, daughter or partner. I always ask them what they are looking for and if they have an idea for a preferred therapist. Many people question “ Do I have a choice?” I always answer the same thing, “yes, you need to have a choice, and you need to be comfortable with who you see.”

So, how do you find out if the therapist “fits”?

There are some fundamental questions to ask, and get the answers to:

Are they accredited and are they in good standing with their regulatory body i.e., for Social Workers it is the College of Social Work. The therapist will have an RSW behind their name with a reference number.
How many years have they been doing their work and is their experience a match to your need.
Is there approach sensitive to cultural and sexual orientation needs?
What are their fee and payment options?
Do they have the availability to see you in a reasonable timeframe and session frequency?

Now that we have an idea about the initial questions to ask, let’s look at the fit:
Like a pair of jeans, try them on for size. That is meet with the therapist and get a feel for him or her, their surroundings and general sense of who they are.

Look for:

Their approach – did they engage you with a welcoming approach and did they listen to you?
Did they provide a safe environment?
Did you feel like you were fitting their agenda/approach or were they patient and accepting?
Did you feel respected?
Do you feel the time was useful and that something was achieved – in short do you feel better having spent some time with them?
Finally, were they worth the investment of your time and money?

If so – see them again.
If not, ask for someone else to see. Do not worry about the therapist or his or her feelings about changing as they should be solid enough to focus on you and facilitate someone else.

So there you have it, find a therapist that feels as good as your favorite pair of jeans and be well.