Therapy

Clients experience best outcomes in therapy when they feel rapport with their therapist. Read an expert's website or profile and then speak with him or her. Does the counselling therapist seem responsive and empathetic? Do you feel comfortable? If so, you may have found someone who can help you move forward in your life in meaningful ways.

In addition to offering you counselling tips, a therapist can help you explore and gain insight into your feelings, needs and any deeply rooted issues that might be holding you back. Further, a relational therapist can inspire and empower you to engage others authentically, assertively and with sensitivity. The interpersonal and communication skills you gain will better equip you to address the inevitable challenges and opportunities in all areas of your life.

Tip 2: Get clear on what you want.

Take time to consider what you want from therapy. Would you like to explore an issue? Find ways to communicate and connect? Get your life or relationship back on track? Be supported while you go through a difficult time or a life transition?

Also, think about what's important to you in a professional. Clients often say they want to work with an expert who is accepting or non-judgmental. Whether you want feedback or just to be heard, it's important to let the therapist know. Sometimes what you want may change as you go along. That's perfectly fine.

When looking for a relationship or couples counselling therapist, keep in mind you you probably also want an expert with therapy training. Why? Because therapists not only understand issues underlying dysfunctional dynamics, but can foster communication, understanding and conflict resolution skills. Notice how the professionals you speak with communicate with you during your consultation.

Tip 3: Think of therapy as an investment.

People who invest in and commit to professional support tend to get where they want to go. And relatively comfortably. They value expertise and are willing to invest time and effort in their own growth. They recognize that working with an expert - whether in terms of creative pursuits, career development, business, education or sports - will likely help them create the kind of future they want. Working with a therapy and counselling expert for personal development, relationship issues, life transitions and emotional concerns is no different.

To learn more about how to find the best fit in relationship therapy and couples counselling in Toronto, please see my couples page.

What are psychotherapy and counselling?

Psychotherapy and counselling are processes of personal growth that can create lasting, positive change in your self-esteem, career, relationships and approach to life.

A psychotherapist or counsellor can support you through challenging circumstances and ease the way to a more fulfilling life. Working together rather than struggling in isolation can give you new perspectives, open up possibilities for healing and change, and help you find satisfying solutions to your problems.

A client and mental health expert meet regularly with the goal of exploring and understanding the client's inner and outer worlds - such as feelings, experiences, difficulties, hopes and relationships. The therapist or counsellor will not give advice so much as help you explore options and resolve inner conflict so that you can arrive at your own insights and decisions. The ultimate aim is to assist you in living with more purpose, authenticity, effectiveness, creativity and spontaneity.

What are the benefits of psychotherapy and counselling?

Psychotherapy and counselling can:

• give you a non-judgmental space in which to tell your story, express your feelings, be heard and feel understood
• offer you a safe or neutral place to talk about concerns, memories, experiences, situations, dilemmas or fears
• help you work through unresolved experiences, gain insights, explore possibilities, and use strengths to catalyze change
• raise your awareness of how your beliefs are influencing your decisions and limiting your potential
• help you adjust behaviour patterns that are blocking you from living fully and feeling satisfied
• support you in becoming the director of your life
• help you to know, accept and value yourself in relation to others
• empower you to find your voice, assert yourself, make requests and set boundaries
• help you identify and experience your feelings as well as get your needs met
• develop your ability to engage others genuinely and live in a way that reflects the real you
• empower you with skills to enrich your relationships and build self-esteem

Since everyone changes in their own unique way and at their own pace, a therapist or counsellor will tailor their approach to each client's needs. My goal is to give you my heartfelt attention and facilitate your journey toward a more fulfilling life. In time, with the insights and the skills you gain, you will likely feel more at ease and be better equipped to handle life - acting on your own behalf and relating to others more effectively. I welcome you to get in touch so that you can experience the benefits of psychotherapy and counselling.