Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy and is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples and families in individual and group settings. Psychotherapy occurs when the Psychotherapist and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours that are adversely affecting their day-to-day lives, relationships and the ability to enjoy life.

A psychotherapy client should be able to observe the following key elements over the course of their care with a Psychotherapist :

A conversation about the benefits, risks and expected outcome(s) of the psychotherapy and the opportunity to give their informed consent

A clearly communicated, mutually agreed upon goal or plan for the psychotherapy

Each therapy session has a clear beginning and a clear end where problems or concerns are presented and discussed and outcomes are explored

the Psychotherapist demonstrates the appropriate use of boundaries to create a safe and confidential environment

Psychotherapy is a controlled act that may only be provided by a member of a psychotherapy regulating college of Ontario.