What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is an intentional interpersonal relationship which provides psychological treatment for a mental disorder, behavioural disorder or any other problem causing psychological pain or distress. Its goal is to promote significant changes in the client’s cognitive, emotional, or behavioural functioning, personality, state of health, or relationships with other people. Psychotherapy employs a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behavior change.

The practitioner of psychotherapy must use scientifically recognized theoretical models and validated treatment methods that are respectful of human dignity.

What happens in psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy consists of a conversation with a person who is familiar with many of the common problems and dilemmas of our lives. That person will help you identify the emotions, attitudes, and beliefs which are affecting you, and suggest ways of substituting more optimistic, realistic feelings and beliefs.

You may be seen alone by the Psychological Associate, with your life partner, or as a family.

How often do I go?

Psychotherapy often occurs weekly, but as you begin to feel better you may wish to space your meetings out until you feel ready to graduate from therapy.

Is everything kept secret?

In Ontario and most other provinces, you don’t have complete confidentiality in psychotherapy.

If you are about to harm someone, your therapist will have to warn that person and call the police.

If a child you care for is at risk of being neglected or abused, your therapist must call the Children’s Aid Society, whose responsibility is to protect children and teens.

Your therapist can be subpoenaed to court along with the file s/he is required to keep as a record of your meetings.

These are all rare events, but they can happen.

With these exceptions, your file and whatever you say is kept secret.

What does psychotherapy cost?

Fees vary from practitioner to practitioner and tend to be lower in rural and remote areas. Psychotherapy is often covered by private insurance. Check with your provider for details of your coverage.

What if I don’t like my therapist?

It is your right to stop at any time. Therapists have different approaches and styles and you may not “click” with every one.

If you think that your therapist has acted unethically, the College of Psychologists of Ontario is empowered to investigate.

Who can practice psychotherapy?

At this time in Ontario, Psychological Associates practice psychotherapy, as may certain other professions. A College of Psychotherapists of Ontario is in the process of being formed. Entrance requirements for this profession have not yet been formalized.

For the Psychotherapy Act 2007, see
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_07p10_e.htm.

Psychological Associate

A Psychological Associate is a professional who has specialized university training in psychology. This training focuses on understanding human behaviour and learning a variety of techniques to help clients resolve their personal difficulties. A Psychological Associate is familiar with interview techniques, has completed supervised internships in psychotherapy and is able to use psychological tests to evaluate clients’ intellectual abilities, aptitudes, or aspects of their personality. At this time in Ontario, the title “Psychological Associate” is protected, which means that to use this title, practitioners must be members of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Will the Psychological Associate prescribe medication?

If medication is needed, your therapist will liaise with your family doctor or suggest you discuss medication with him or her.

Where can I find psychotherapy?

Community mental health services provide psychotherapy.

There are also many practitioners in private practice.

A referral service for Psychological Associates in private practice can be found here.

For an insider’s look at the practice of psychotherapy, try
The Top 10, The Most Influential Therapists of the Past Quarter-Century.