Choosing a Type of Therapy

The pandemic created a huge market for mental health services.  People began needing more help but also on a positive note, realizing that its ok to not be ok.  Social media picked up the topic too.  Some people with limited or no training or expertise are popular on social media talking about symptoms of mental health diagnostic categories and giving out coping tips. 

As far as diagnosing goes, only a Registered Psychologist, or Medical professional are able to do this. They can also treat mental health conditions with medication only if they are a medical professional like an MD, Psychiatrist or sometimes a Nurse Practitioner.  

There are often higher fees and longer wait lists to see a Registered Psychologist since they are able to provide a diagnosis. They can also provide therapy.

A Psychiatrist is a medical specialist and unless in an Emergency setting, most often require a referral from your Family Doctor.  Wait lists can be excessive.  They often offer short appointments that are focused on making sure a patient has the right medication for their condition.  Some are trained in psychotherapy but it is rare to be able to see a Psychiatrist in Ontario for therapy.

Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario are licensed to provide ethical and competent care that is relational and contractual, aiming to bring about positive change in thinking, feeling, behaviour, and social functioning when one or any of these factors has adversely impacted a persons day-to-day quality of life or relationships. 

Registered Psychotherapists are bound by standards of practice set out by their college, in Ontario its the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.  The public can look to see if a member is regulated, has any conditions on their license or are still in the Qualifying category requiring supervision.  They can also look at the site to know what to expect, for example a clear goal setting process and evidence based practice that helps people make progress. 

A Registered Social Worker and some other professionals such as Occupational Therapists or Doctors can also provide Psychotherapy in Ontario though their training in methods may be different.  The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is the regulatory body for social workers that assesses their qualifications for membership and protects the public.  A Social Worker may look at an individual's wellbeing more in the context of the systems they live in and interact with, assessing their functioning as an interaction of biology, social factors, cultural or spiritual factors and offer a perspective or suggestions that connects outside factors to the cause and solution to challenges.  Our team member Audette is both a Registered Social Worker and a Registered Nurse with experience in Psychiatry.  

What is also important is to recognize that the theoretical orientation of the therapist - the way they do therapy -  is not tied to outcomes.  There are many ways to get to a goal. However, relationship with the therapist is primary.  If you do not feel heard, understood, comfortable and hopeful with a therapist they are not going to be able to help you.  

At our clinic we are all licensed and regulated professionals. We use different methods, including ACT and CBT (Victoria, Maria, Shirley, Chantel), Emotion Focused (Elissa, Shirley), Systemic Therapy, Psychoanalytic (Ella), Attachment Focused (Ella), DBT (Maria), Mindfulness Based (Chantel, Shirley) Systemic/Family (Christy), Humanistic-Existential (Most of the team), Trauma (Chantel, Maria) and more.  The intake coordinator or Clinic Director will help you find a fit to your expectations, personality and needs.  You are welcome to have a free consultation with several therapists to see who feels like a good match for you.  Reach out.