Frequently Asked Questions on Counselling and Therapy

Psychotherapy is a general term used to describe a form of treatment that is based on “talking work” done with a therapist. The aim is to relieve distress by discussing and expressing feelings; to help change attitudes, behaviour and habits that may be unhelpful; and to promote more constructive and adaptive ways of coping.

Successful psychotherapy depends on a supportive, comfortable relationship with a trusted therapist.

Both provide psychotherapy. The difference lies in their licensing body and educational background. All receive supervision/consultation from senior clinicians and/or peers in our clinic.

Psychologist: Typically has a Ph.D. in Clinical or Counselling Psychology. They have training in doing assessments, which includes making diagnoses and providing therapy. They cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists are Certified (Registered) with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Psychotherapist: Typically has a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy, Counselling Psychology, or Counselling. Psychotherapists work with specific psychological symptoms and disorders, but do not diagnose or prescribe medication. Psychotherapists are a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

They focus on how people think, feel, and behave. Their work can involve individuals, groups, and families. Areas of practice may include:

• Mental health concerns – anger management, Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Phobias, Eating Disorders, and Personality Disorders
  Addictions (e.g. drug, alcohol, sex, gambling)
• Adjustment and transitions – stress management, identity, career and vocational, separation and divorce, loss and bereavement, motor vehicle or workplace accidents, chronic illness, and family life transitions
• Relationship issues – family relationship discord, parent-child conflict, parenting, couple relationship breakup, intimacy issues, and sexual difficulties
• Socially-related issues and trauma – immigration and cultural dislocation, social isolation, PTSD, child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence
• Child development and behavioural issues – cognitive and intellectual functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, disruptive and oppositional behaviours, conduct problems, and trouble with the law.

Don’t be afraid to ask therapists questions to find out if you are comfortable with their style and approach. Some sample questions:

• What educational and professional training do you have?
• How many years of experience do you have working as a therapist?
• Do you have specific training or experience working with my particular issue (e.g., trauma, divorce, childhood sexual abuse)?
• What is your approach to therapy for my specific problem?
• How many sessions can I expect?
• Are you a member of an association or professional organization?

You may want to consider whether you want a therapist of the same gender, sexual orientation or ethnic background as you. There may also be other characteristics that you want your therapist to have in common with you, or to at least be sensitive to (e.g., issues of race, culture, age), or other factors that you see as important to your identity and way of viewing the world.

Information shared with your therapist is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent, except under certain specific conditions. 

Known as “limits of confidentiality” these involve situations where the therapist suspects that harm might come to someone. Harm could include if you indicated that you were going to harm yourself or someone else, you shared that a child was being abused or neglected, or that another health care practitioner had sexually abused a patient in some way.  In these instances, the therapist has an obligation to report this information to the appropriate authority. The courts also have the power to subpoena a therapist’s files. 

Your therapist will explain confidentiality and privacy issues with you at the beginning of the therapy.