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Sometimes you may need therapy for different reasons, but it's not always easy to know where to go. Here we explain what a therapist is and how you can get help.

Who is a therapist?

A therapist is a professional who works to help people deal with mental, emotional, behavioural or relational concerns. Therapists can have different educational backgrounds and specializations. The term can cover a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and social workers.

In Canada, the term therapist is not protected. This means that anyone can call themselves a therapist. However, certain professions that provide therapy require licenses, like psychologists and social workers. There are many problems that can be improved with the help of therapy.

What is the difference between therapists?

The difference between therapists depends on their training, specialization and treatment methods:

  • Licensed psychologists have completed a masters or doctorate degree with supervised practical training. Psychologists require licenses in all areas of Canada except the Yukon. They can assess, diagnose and treat mental and behavioural problems with talk therapy.
  • Licensed psychotherapists have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counselling psychology or a related field. In Canada, psychotherapists only require a license in certain provinces.
  • Psychiatrists are trained doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
  • Counsellors may or may not be registered professionals who can provide crisis and ongoing mental health support. The term counsellor is not regulated in Canada, and counselling may be conducted by a wide variety of professionals.
  • A coach specializes in specific areas such as relationships or careers and offers goal-oriented therapy and support.

The choice of therapist may depend on the client’s specific needs and preferences regarding the treatment method and problem area.

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

Benedetta Osarenk

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What can a therapist help with?

A therapist can help with a wide range of mental, emotional, behavioural and relational problems. Here are some examples of what a therapist can help with:

  1. Anxiety and depression: Therapists often work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression and other similar concerns. They offer strategies to manage symptoms and explore the underlying causes of these feelings.
  2. Stress management: They may offer techniques and strategies to manage stress and improve the client’s ability to cope with life’s stresses.
  3. Sleep problems: Therapists can help with sleep problems and insomnia.
  4. Relationship problems: Therapy offers a space to work through problems in relationships. This could be with couples, family dynamics or problems in relationships with friends or colleagues.
  5. Self-esteem and self-image: Therapists help individuals work on issues related to low self-esteem and negative self-image. They help promote a more positive self-perception.
  6. Crises and life changes: They can assist people who are struggling with behavioural issues or who are facing major life changes. This includes career change, loss, or big decisions.
  7. Trauma and PTSD: Specialized therapists work with clients who have experienced trauma and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  8. Addiction: Therapists can provide support and treatment for people struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other behavioural concerns.
  9. Eating disorders: They can help people with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating to understand and treat the underlying psychological causes of their behaviour.
  10. Personal development: Therapy can also be a tool for personal development. Therapists can help individuals to better understand themselves, develop personal strengths and work towards their goals.

Therapists adapt their treatment based on the client’s unique needs and goals. They may use different therapeutic techniques and methods to help their clients improve their mental and emotional well-being.


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How do I know which therapist to choose?

The choice of therapist depends on your specific needs, the techniques the therapist uses, and the therapist’s professional background and skills. There is research showing that some methods are better than others for specific problem areas. Therefore, it is important to find a therapy method that works for you. It is also important for clients to feel comfortable with their therapist. Trust is fundamental to a successful therapeutic process.

How does a therapist work?

Therapists use different methods and techniques to help their clients, depending on their specific needs and problems. These can include talk therapy, behavioural therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, family therapy and many others.

The goal of therapy is often to help the client understand and process their emotions, improve their relationships, develop healthier patterns of behaviour, and increase their overall well-being.



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12 common questions and answers about therapists

What is a therapist?

A therapist is a professional who works to help people deal with mental, emotional, behavioural or relational problems and syndromes.

Who is a therapist?

Therapists can have different educational backgrounds and specializations, and the term can cover a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and social workers.

Is therapist a protected title?

No, the term therapist is not protected, which means that anyone can call themselves a therapist. Psychotherapist is a protected title in some areas of Canada, and psychologists require licenses in all areas of Canada except the Yukon.

What does evidence-based mean?

Evidence-based means that a therapy technique is based on current research.

What is a psychologist?

Licensed psychologists have completed a masters or doctorate degree and have received a license through a regulatory body. They can assess, diagnose and treat mental and behavioral problems with talk therapy.

What is a psychotherapist?

A psychotherapist has completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counselling psychology or a related field. In Canada, psychotherapists only require a license in certain provinces.

What is a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are trained doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.

What is a counsellor?

Counsellors may or may not be registered professionals who can provide crisis and ongoing mental health support. The term counsellor is not regulated in Canada, and counselling may be conducted by a wide variety of professionals.

What is a coach?

Coaches specialize in specific areas such as relationships or careers and provide targeted therapy and support.

What can a therapist help with?

A therapist can help with a wide range of mental, emotional, behavioural and relationship problems.

How do therapists work?

Therapists use different methods and techniques to help their clients. These can include talk therapy, behavioural therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and other forms of therapy.

Where can I seek help?

If you want to seek therapy, we recommend that you contact a licensed psychologist or therapist. You can book a first appointment with one of our therapists here at Lavendla. We make the difficult easier.

Treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy

Treatment approaches can differ between different schools of therapy. This is what a treatment can look like with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT):

1. Understanding and assessment

The first step is to understand the problem and that it is okay to seek help for it. A licensed psychologist can help you assess your concerns based on your life situation. You can also fill in assessment forms.

2. Psychoeducation and objectives

You will learn about your concerns and how it affects you both physically and mentally. It is important to understand what is happening in your body, thoughts and feelings. It also involves setting goals for treatment.

3. Tools to change behaviours and patterns

This works on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to the problem. This will help you develop a more nuanced picture and increase your ability to manage emotions, thoughts and change behaviours. Together with your therapist, you will explore situations and learn how to deal with them. You will also be given homework to practice between sessions.

4. Follow up and evaluate progress

You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing to maintain your progress over time.

Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. Together we can make the difficult easier.


Written by Sophia Coulter

Sophia is a registered nurse with experience in inpatient, emergency and community mental health care. She has a passion for providing emergency support for those experiencing mental health crises.