What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy (often referred to as mental health counselling) is a collaborative process between you and a trained licensed mental health professional. It offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and lived experiences, through a tailored evidence-based framework and collaborative goals. Therapy can help you better understand yourself, develop healthier coping strategies, and move through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or feeling stuck. Therapy sessions are typically 50 min. long and are booked consistently, usually weekly or biweekly, either virtually or in-person (whichever format works best for you). Depending on your presenting issues, therapy will likely span between 6 to 20 sessions or more. 

Therapy is not about being told what to do, judged, or “fixed,” nor is it a quick solution. Unlike a coach/teacher, friend, or online tool, psychotherapy offers a consistent, attuned relationship with a trained unbiased clinician who can recognize patterns, gently challenge blind spots, hold risk responsibly, and help you process complex emotions in real time. Healing often requires more than information — it requires relational safety, attunement, depth, and consistent professional guidance. As an experiential, somatic-based therapist, I not only work at the level of insight and analysis — I also pay attention to your nervous system, bodily cues, and felt experience, supporting change that is both emotional and embodied.

The therapeutic relationship is a unique one, built on the foundations of trust, rapport, empathy, and a real human connection. 

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What's the difference between psychotherapy and other types of support? I often get confused between different titles/providers.

A: While there are many types of supports available, I am a psychotherapist who specializes in and offers psychotherapy services only. Please see descriptions below for services that are not the same.

Psychiatry:

• Diagnoses conditions and can prescribe medication

• Usually referred to by a GP for complex mental health disorders 

Psychological Assessment/Services:

• Uses standardized tests to confirm a formal diagnosis

• Usually only needed if you're seeking formal accomodations at work/school

Coaching / Teaching:

• Goal-oriented support focused on skills, performance, and learning 

• Future-focused; does not treat mental health disorders

Crisis Services:

• Immediate, short-term support during acute mental health or safety emergencies

• Focuses on stabilization and connection to ongoing care