Virtual Therapy In Ontario, In Person Therapy in Hamilton, Oakville & London
Once surrounded by mystery and stigma, psychotherapy is now widely recognized as an effective way to improve mental health, increase self-understanding, and foster personal growth and healing. Despite its growing popularity, many people still have important questions: What exactly is psychotherapy? What does therapy look like in practice? And perhaps most importantly, how can therapy help me feel better?
In this post, we’ll explore what psychotherapy is, how it works, and what you can expect from the process. We’ll also address some common myths about therapy, discuss challenges that might come up along the way, and outline practical first steps you can take if you’re considering starting therapy.
Psychotherapy, also commonly known as therapy or talk therapy, is a collaborative process between a trained and licensed mental health professional and a client. In Ontario, psychotherapy is a regulated health profession governed by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). The CRPO ensures that registered psychotherapists meet professional and ethical standards of care.
Psychotherapy refers to a range of evidence-based treatments that help individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The primary goals of therapy are to reduce distressing symptoms, improve day-to-day functioning, and enhance overall quality of life.
People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some attend therapy to address mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD or trauma. Others pursue it for personal growth, relationship challenges, or general emotional well-being. Regardless of the reason, therapy relies on a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential relationship where clients can explore their experiences openly with the support and guidance of a highly-trained, trauma-informed, compassionate therapist.
Psychotherapy is a gradual and collaborative process that unfolds over time. With a strong therapeutic relationship, the effects of psychotherapy can be transformative, helping clients heal, grow, and develop greater emotional resilience.
Below are some of the ways therapy can support mental health and personal growth:
1. Increased Self-Awareness
Through dialogue, reflection, and observation, therapy fosters curiosity about your internal world. Many therapeutic approaches invite clients to pause and notice their thoughts, sensations, and emotions. This practice can help clients develop greater self-understanding.
2. Emotional Understanding
Therapy is a supportive experience designed for clients to slow down and notice their feelings. Instead of following the impulse to push emotions away, clients learn to name them, make sense of them, and feel some relief in understanding where they originate from. These practices improve self-compassion over time.
3. Cognitive Exploration
Our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors. In psychotherapy, clients learn to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. This form of exploration helps clients to develop more adaptive neural pathways that promote new perspectives and healthier emotional responses.
4. Behavioral Changes
As self-understanding and compassion increase, therapy helps clients develop new ways of responding to challenges. They learn to promote healthy habits such as practicing self-care and improving communication. These are examples of meaningful behavioral changes that support lasting well-being.
5. Relational Healing
The therapeutic relationship is one of the important factors in determining your success and progress. This relationship becomes a powerful model for trust, vulnerability, and authentic connection. Over time, clients often find these experiences extend into their relationships outside of therapy, supporting stronger interpersonal bonds.
Therapy is meant to be collaborative, which means that therapists will ask you about your goals, concerns, and considerations when creating your treatment plan. This plan is individualized to suit your specific needs, and your goals and treatment plans will be openly discussed and re-evaluated with time. Life is unpredictable, and your treatment plan should reflect those changes. Psychotherapy is meant to support you in reconnecting with yourself through curiosity, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Psychotherapy can bring about powerful and positive change; however, that doesn’t mean the process always feels easy. It’s common for therapy to stir up uncomfortable emotions or memories as you begin to look more closely at your inner world. Revisiting painful experiences, facing uncertainty, or exploring feelings you thought were long buried can all feel difficult at times.
It’s essential to remember that if you experience discomfort, it doesn’t mean that therapy isn’t working; it could mean that you’re actively building your emotional window of tolerance. In fact, these moments often signal that real healing and growth are taking place. Emotional understanding and behavioral change take time, and progress can look different for everyone.
By working with a skilled, compassionate therapist, you can engage in a collaborative process that helps you move through this process safely and at a pace that feels right for you. Over time, therapy can strengthen your resilience, enhance your self-awareness, and help you navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.
Even though there has been a growing awareness regarding psychotherapy, certain misconceptions are still observed.
Let’s unpack a few common myths:
Myth: Struggling with mental health is a sign of weakness.
Fact: Many factors influence mental health, such as our environment, our genes, and other stressors. Avoiding our issues can often lead to worsening symptoms. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength and resilience.
Myth: Therapy is only for those with severe mental illness.
Fact: While therapy can be used for those with severe mental illnesses, it can also be beneficial for those who are dealing with daily challenges with work or relationships, for example. Anyone can gain benefits from feeling heard and understood.
Myth: If you have managed your emotions before, you don’t need therapy now.
Fact: Mental health, just like physical health, is not static. Just as you would go see a doctor if you have a broken leg or a sharp pain in your back, mental health can become worse if it’s constantly set aside. Many clients go to therapy to discuss unresolved issues that happened in the past. Sometimes, the way we used to handle challenges no longer works today or has become problematic.
Myth: Talking about mental health will only make things worse.
Fact: Avoiding something rarely makes it disappear. Having an open conversation about mental health can help you connect with others who may be going through the same challenge. Verbalizing what you are experiencing is often the first step in feeling better.
Whether you are new to therapy or have been to therapy before, the first step you can take is to schedule a consultation. This short meeting will allow you to talk with a therapist about your goals, answer any questions you may have, and ensure that the therapist is a good fit to support you and your needs.
It’s normal to feel nervous about starting therapy. Remember that this is not about putting on a performance and being perfect, but rather, it is a space to explore, connect, and grow. For many clients, a consultation with a therapist can be relieving as they experience a space without judgment or pressure.
At Vital Minds Psychotherapy, we offer individualized in-person and virtual services. Feel free to book a FREE virtual or telephone consultation with one of our skilled and licensed therapists. We look forward to connecting with you to see how we can best support you on your journey to better mental health.