Psychotherapy Service
Anyone who has a problem that affects their mood or emotions can benefit from talking to a mental health professional. Although many people are reluctant to seek help, even when their symptoms are severe, the truth is that psychotherapy can improve your quality of life in a variety of ways. It can help you resolve conflict, deal with the stress of everyday life, relieve anxiety, and cope with serious problems such as grief, addiction or depression.
Many different types of professionals offer Psychotherapy Service Toronto, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and counselors. If you’re not sure who to choose, check with your health insurance provider or visit the NIMH’s Help for Mental Illness webpage to find resources for finding a therapist. Once you’ve found a therapist, talk to them about your concerns and what you want to get out of therapy. They’ll likely explain their approach and answer any questions you have.
The type of approach a therapist uses will influence what happens in your sessions. For example, some therapists may use cognitive behavioral therapy to treat depression and other disorders by teaching patients to challenge self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. Others may use psychoanalytic or humanistic approaches to explore early experiences and better understand how they might be affecting current problems. Others still may focus on teaching skills, such as how to cope with road rage or other unhealthy reactions.
It’s normal to feel nervous at the first session, but your therapist is trained to set the tone and help you feel comfortable. During the initial session, you’ll discuss your background and reasons for seeking therapy. Then, your therapist will ask you about the specific problems that are causing you distress and work with you to develop solutions.
During your session, you can expect to talk about your relationship with other people and your family, your feelings, and the things that happen in your life. Sometimes, the discussions can be intense. You may feel upset, angry or even cry. You might also feel physically exhausted after a session.
In addition to talking, your therapist might give you homework. This might include writing in a journal, having an experience outside your comfort zone or learning new coping skills. It’s important to do your homework, as it will help you make progress towards your goals.
It’s also common for therapists to meet with clients over the phone or via messaging between sessions. This can be helpful if you have a busy schedule or live far away from a treatment center. However, be aware that it can take a little longer for therapists to respond to messages than if they were meeting with you in person. This can be frustrating if you need quick responses, so it’s best to stick with your scheduled appointments.