Psychotherapy

When might you need to seek psychotherapy?

If you have been feeling bad for a long time or have noticed that you have a pattern that is difficult to break, it may be useful to seek psychotherapy. It can be anything from having a tough childhood to having sleep problems. Many people who seek psychotherapy do so because they find it difficult to talk to their loved ones about their concerns or they may not have enough support in their lives. Seeking psychological treatment is common and nothing to be ashamed of. According to Statistics Canada, over 5 million people sought mental health support in 2018 alone!

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Are there different ways of working with psychotherapy?

One of the most common forms of treatment in psychotherapy is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). There is a lot of research showing that it is effective for many different conditions.

Within CBT, there are new treatments, known as third-wave CBT, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and compassion-focused therapy (CFT). There are also other treatment methods such as interpersonal therapy (IPT). For more complex concerns, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) or schema therapy can be helpful.

There are also methods such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) which can be helpful for trauma. You can also have psychodynamic therapy, existential therapy or couples therapy, depending on what you need.

How does psychotherapy work?

In simple terms, psychotherapy consists of two parts: the relationship between the psychologist and the client, and the method used by the psychologist.

The relationship, also known as therapeutic alliance, is an essential part of therapy. A good relationship ensures that you feel comfortable and understood by the therapist. The therapy treatment itself can be structured based on a certain evidence-based approach, but it can also be adapted to the individual’s needs.

If you are in group treatment, the therapy is often based on a specific manual or course. You can attend psychotherapy where you meet in person, but it is also possible to meet online via video. There is also a lot of research on internet-mediated CBT (ICBT) that has shown to be effective.

Psychotherapy basics

1. Conversation and relationship: The conversation between client and therapist is central to psychotherapy. Here you can explore what you need help with.
2. Goal setting: At the beginning of therapy, you create short- and long-term goals for the therapy.
3. Therapeutic methods: There are various therapeutic methods that therapists can use in psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, existential therapy, gestalt therapy, and many others. Each method has its own principles and techniques.
4. Self-awareness and change: Psychotherapy aims to help the client increase self-awareness, understand deeper patterns and causes of problems, and develop skills and strategies for change and better management of life’s challenges.
5. Duration and frequency: The number of sessions and duration of therapy varies depending on the severity of the problem. Some therapies may be short and focused, while others may be more long-term and exploratory.
6. Individual and group treatment: Psychotherapy can take place individually or in groups, depending on the client’s preferences and needs.
7. Evidence-based practice: There is a lot of research on psychotherapy. Evidence-based means that there have been scientific studies showing their effectiveness for different psychological problems. The effectiveness for different conditions can vary between different methods, with some methods getting better results than others.

If you work with psychotherapy and have a health care license, you have a duty of confidentiality. The professional must not reveal information about you to anyone else. In group therapy, all group participants must agree on confidentiality.

Who can provide psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy can be provided by different professionals. Licensed psychologists usually work in psychotherapy, but there are also opportunities for other professionals such as doctors, social workers and nurses to train as psychotherapists. In Canada, psychotherapy is only regulated in certain provinces, like Ontario and Nova Scotia. This means that individuals in these provinces need to complete certain training and education and apply to a provincial board before they can call themselves registered psychotherapists.

If you are looking to see a psychotherapist, it is important to know about their education, experience and whether or not they have a psychotherapy or other professional license. Having a license means that the psychotherapist must abide by certain rules and regulations, including strict confidentiality laws and committing to continuing education.

Online psychotherapy

It is possible to work with psychotherapy online via video. All of our psychologists and therapists at Lavendla provide online therapy. You are welcome to book an appointment for any concern. We make the difficult easier.

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