Frequently Asked Questions
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that can help individuals alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions. Mental health conditions can include depression, anxiety, loss, and those related to the impact of trauma. Psychotherapy can also help identify the root causes of one’s condition, which can lead to better functioning, emotional well-being, and healing.
Do I Need Psychotherapy?
People seek psychotherapy for various reasons. Some people seek psychotherapy due to a crisis or trauma that has provoked intense and overwhelming feelings. Other people seek psychotherapy to address relationship problems, job stress, self-doubt, and other emotional problems.
What Happens in Psychotherapy Sessions?
Psychotherapy sessions can be conducted in individual, family, couple, and group settings. Sessions are usually held once per week for 50 minutes. The active involvement, trust, and relationship between a person and their psychotherapist are key to working together effectively and making gains in psychotherapy.
Does Psychotherapy Work?
Research shows that about 75 percent of people benefit from psychotherapy and most people experience symptom relief, leading to better functioning in their lives. Psychotherapy has also been shown to improve emotional and psychological well-being, which is linked to positive changes in the brain.
How Does Psychotherapy Work?
Psychotherapy is often referred to as "talk therapy," since treatment generally involves talking to a psychotherapist one-on-one, as a family, a couple, or a group of people with similar issues. Everybody wants to be heard and often, just talking about one's thoughts and feelings with a supportive and non-judgemental person, can improve emotional well-being.
Psychotherapy can be challenging as the process often brings uncomfortable emotions and thoughts to the surface. As a patient works with their psychotherapist, psychotherapy often provides them with a new perspective on a difficult problem, helps them to understand themselves better, and helps them to develop skills for healthy relationships. It is important to remember, however, that for psychotherapy to be effective, patients must be a willing participant in treatment.
How Often Should I Attend Psychotherapy?
The frequency of psychotherapy sessions varies and depends on factors such as the severity of a condition, therapy goals, and personal preferences. Patients ultimately decide how often they want to attend therapy, however, a minimum of weekly sessions are recommended for the first three months of treatment. Weekly sessions will:
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Provide consistency
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Facilitate ongoing progress and support
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Allow the patient and the therapist to establish a strong therapeutic relationship
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Allow the patient to explore concerns in greater depth
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Foster a sense of routine and accountability
In addition to the above benefits, studies have shown that improvement and recovery were achieved faster with higher frequency of sessions for individuals with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and personality disorders.
Is Psychotherapy in Ontario Covered By OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)?
Psychotherapy is currently not covered by OHIP. Psychotherapists in Ontario are independent professionals and their services are paid directly by patients.
Insurance/benefits plans through your employer may cover the cost of psychotherapy, if the plan includes coverage for Registered Psychotherapists. It is best to contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage availability and limits.
How Much Does Psychotherapy Cost?
Psychotherapists determine their own fee. Many psychotherapists offer sliding scale pricing and pro bono spots. It is important to ask your psychotherapist about fees prior to beginning sessions. Should there be fee changes during the course of your treatment, you will be given advance notice.
What Else to Know About Psychotherapy?
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Approach the treatment as a collaborative effort.
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Be open and honest.
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Follow through with assignments or reflections between sessions.
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Psychotherapy provides a unique opportunity for self-exploration, understanding, and personal growth. The contained environment of therapeutic relationship facilitates this process.
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The nature of psychotherapy is that there will be ups and downs, breakthrough moments, and times when it feels like there is not much happening.
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If a patient is not happy about treatment progress, they are encouraged to tell their therapist. Some of the most valuable conversations in psychotherapy, and at times turning points, are a result of honest communication.
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If a patient feels like they would like to discontinue psychotherapy, it is important that they attend at least one final session as it allows them to properly process their experience and continue benefiting from their work after they have ended treatment.
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Most psychotherapists will ask that patients let them know 24 hours in advance if they cannot make it to an appointment. Due to the nature of scheduling, psychotherapists will usually have to charge patients for the missed appointment.