Toronto Psychotherapy

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a method of treating mental health concerns by talking to a licensed mental health provider. It gives individuals a safe place to talk about things that are troubling them, with a guarantee of confidentiality. Psychotherapy allows people to gain greater insights into their emotions, cognitions and behaviours, and a better understanding of the mental health conditions that they are experiencing. Over time, they gain the confidence and skills they need to communicate with others, take charge of their lives, and resolve conflicts.

There are many kinds of psychotherapy that are effective in different circumstances. When you first meet your therapist, he or she will do an assessment of your circumstances and your needs, and together you will create therapy goals and determine a treatment plan that is best for you.

 

How can it help?

Psychotherapy can benefit almost everybody in some way. Although it is usually associated with the treatment of mental illnesses, many people see therapists in order to maintain a sense of balance and wellbeing in their lives.

Some ways in which psychotherapy can be helpful include the following:

• Treatment for mental health concerns, such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression and PTSD
• Eating disorders, addictions, OCD and other self-sabotaging behaviours
• Helping families and couples resolve conflicts and acquire effective communication skills
• Coping with major life changes, such as divorce, job loss and bereavement
• Dealing with difficult emotions like anger, shame, guilt and fear
• Understanding life’s meaning and purpose

 

What is Holistic Psychotherapy?

The word “holistic” means whole. Holistic psychotherapy looks at issues in the context of the whole person, with consideration for their mind, body and lifestyle, as well as their relationship with the world.

Research shows that the Limbic System of the brain, which controls emotion, has limited communication with the cortex, which is responsible for logic and language. Therefore, traditional talk therapy, which primarily uses the cortex, may not be enough to create lasting change. A depth-oriented approach that utilizes both conventional and non-traditional methods of psychotherapy enables us to engage the Limbic System and access our emotions in a meaningful way. In other words, instead of talking about an issue, the conversation follows from the issue. Examples of non-traditional methods include Gestalt therapy, Coherence therapy (formerly known as Depth-Oriented Therapy), Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS), Focusing Technique, creative arts, guided imagery and mindfulness training.

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