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If you're feeling upset or unwell, it can be good to seek help. Here we explain what psychotherapy is and how it can help.
Psychotherapy is a psychological treatment that aims to help individuals understand themselves and manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviours better in order to improve their mental health. There are different approaches to psychotherapy, based on different theories, using different tools and techniques to meet the client’s needs and goals.
Psychological treatment is based on psychology as a science. It is an effective treatment for many different diagnoses and conditions. This includes depression, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, trauma, eating disorders and addiction.
It is common to combine psychotherapy with medication and lifestyle changes to achieve mental wellness.
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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
Psychotherapy is treatment that aims to help individuals understand themselves and manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviours better to improve mental health.
At Lavendla, the psychologists and therapists set the price. An individual therapy session with Lavendla’s therapists usually lasts 45 minutes and costs between 100-200 CAD.
Psychological treatment is based on psychology as a science and can treat many different diagnoses and conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, trauma, eating disorders or addiction.
The timeframe for therapy varies depending on the severity of your concerns. A shorter period of therapy may be sufficient for some, while others need longer treatment. It can be anything from one session to two years.
Therapists use different methods and techniques to process thoughts, and feelings and meet the client’s needs in different ways. The therapist may also give homework between sessions.
It is common to receive psychotherapy in combination with medication, such as anti-depressants or sleeping pills. If you want to stop your medication, talk to your doctor.
The treatment itself can be structured according to a specific evidence-based approach, but it can also be adapted to the needs of the individual. If you are in group treatment, the therapy is often manual-based.
If you work with psychotherapy and have a health care license, you have a duty of confidentiality. The professional may not disclose information about you to anyone else unless there is an immediate risk to self or others.
A licensed profession requires anyone who seeks to practice a certain job to complete specific education and training and abide by specific rules and regulations. In Canada, psychotherapists are only licensed in certain provinces.
Yes, you can see a psychotherapist online. At Lavendla, all of our therapists can provide online sessions.
If you have been mistreated by a licensed practitioner like a psychotherapist, social worker or nurse, you can report them either to their place of work or their regulatory body.
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who work with psychotherapy and can help you feel better. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call 911, call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to your nearest emergency department.