Do you ever feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or just not like yourself? If so, you're not alone. Sometimes, life can be tough, and it's okay to seek help. This is where psychotherapy comes in.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a type of mental health treatment that focuses on providing you a safe and supportive space to express yourself, explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and help you feel better.
Origin of the word “psychotherapy” [1]
psycho ~ from the Greek word psykhē (the soul, mind, spirit, life)
therapy ~ from the Greek word therapeia (curing, healing)
While psychotherapy is usually talk-based (i.e. you and your therapist talk about issues, challenges, coping strategies, etc.) psychotherapy can also include non-verbal interventions such as art therapy and music therapy. (Stay tuned for upcoming posts that will delve into art therapy/art psychotherapy).
What is the role of the psychotherapist?
The role of psychotherapists is to be open, accepting, and supportive during your journey to a life that can be better and easier for you to manage. Psychotherapists will help you:
- develop self-awareness
- recognize and alter thoughts and behaviours that may not be working for you
- identify your strengths, abilities, and resources
- learn and practice new coping skills and strategies
Who can provide Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is provided by trained professionals who are equipped with the education, knowledge, and skills to help you address issues that may be impacting your mental well-being.
In Ontario, only certain regulated professionals [2] are allowed to use the title “psychotherapist.” These include registrants of the:
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
- College of Nurses of Ontario
- College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
- College of Psychologists of Ontario [3]
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
In Ontario, anyone using the title “psychotherapist” must clearly identify to which regulatory College they belong. [4]
Who can benefit from psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy can benefit anyone who has thoughts, feelings, emotions, moods, perceptions, or cognitive or memory issues that are having a negative impact on their life in areas such as judgement, insight, and behaviours or that interfere with their enjoyment of daily life, social functioning and/or relationships with others.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, coping with life changes, self esteem, self confidence, relationship issues or other mental health concerns, psychotherapy can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate through these challenges.
Psychotherapy is a valuable resource for anyone seeking help with their mental health. It's a collaborative process that aims to empower you to live a happier and healthier life. If you're considering psychotherapy, take the time to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, who understands your needs and is the right fit for you. Remember, it's okay to seek help, and you deserve to live your best life.
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[1] https://www.etymonline.com/word/psychotherapy
[2] CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) https://www.crpo.ca/concerns-about-unregulated-individuals/
[3] On July 1, 2024, “College of Psychologists of Ontario” will be amended to “College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario who holds a certificate of registration in the profession of psychology” https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91r18#BK24
[4] https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91r18#BK24
