What is Psychotherapy?
May 28, 2024 | Canada
As we continue to expand our conversations around mental health we may encounter various resources that aim to support us in our mental well-being. One such resource is psychotherapy services. The following are some answers to frequently asked questions about psychotherapy.
Who is a Psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a licensed mental health professional who has completed extensive training in the field of mental health. They have often attained a minimum of a post-graduate degree in the field paired with an internship.
What can a Psychotherapist help with?
A psychotherapist can have many different areas of expertise. Some topics that they can support you with include processing trauma, working though anxiety, coping with depression, support around grief, help with relationship struggles and more.
What does a psychotherapy session look like?
Often, the first 1-3 sessions are the psychotherapist gathering information about your history, getting to understand your present struggles all while building a relationship of trust and safety with you. You may meet with your psychotherapist online, over the phone or in-person.
The following sessions will incorporate different coping tools, resources, ideas and interventions to help you reach your therapeutic goals. Some may need a couple of sessions for this, and some may need more, depending on the complexity of the issues at hand. A psychotherapist may have specialized training and therefore may use cognitive tools, art, music, nature, the body, breathe work, play, drama to help you attain your goals.
The last session is often one of closure, where you may review your growth with your psychotherapist and your next steps prior to concluding psychotherapy.
Where can I find a psychotherapist?
You can reach out to the Health Navigation Service which can help you navigate the healthcare system and facilitate access to psychotherapy services for members of the Jamat who may be struggling with mental health concerns. Subsidies to cover fees may be available for those who are eligible.
Other websites include:
Call 9-8-8 if you are dealing with suicidal thoughts and/or a crisis.
Other resources:
- Bounce Back is a free Cognitive Behaviour Therapy program offered to those age 15 years or older
- Good2Talk is a free support services for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia
- Kids help phone offers support services for those ages 5-20
- Free online group therapy for anxiety for adults
- Free in-person (in Ontario) or virtual counselling sessions for youth or their families
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