What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is often misunderstood because people compare it to the psychiatric profession, and institutionalization. More simply, psychotherapy can be understood as a model of ‘talk’ therapy. It involves processes, in which the client develops insight or ‘mindfulness’ of existing concepts of self or identity, and the world in which he/she exists. These concepts are based on our life-histories, our cultures, families, work environments, belief systems, and state of health, life events, and stressors.

In therapy sessions, both therapist and client discuss specific issues that the client identifies as important to their functioning at work, school, in interpersonal relationships (family, friends, colleagues, partners), and more.

The therapeutic relationship that develops between therapist and client is one of ‘collaboration’, in which ‘trust’ is the key to the integrity of the confidentiality within each session. ‘Process’ is what comes naturally from the sharing that occurs within sessions.

The main goal of psychotherapy is a sense of understanding oneself. This results in the client becoming aware of a sense of empowerment towards making personal choices in his/her life overall.

Why Psychotherapy?
We each seek to make sense of ourselves, interpersonal relationships, and environment in which we exist. This can be very difficult for some individuals in given circumstances, and therefore may need assistance from professionals in order to make sense of themselves, and their world.

Many individuals seek psychotherapy for such conditions as:

• Anxiety
• Grief and Loss
• Anger
• Separation/Divorce
• Chronic Illness/Debilitating Illness
• Life-Threatening Illnesses
• Stress Management
• Substance Abuse
• Sexual Orientation and Identity
• Youth and Bullying/Harassment
• Depression
• Trauma
• Self-Harm Behaviors