Therapy 101
1.0 Therapy basics
2.0 Types of therapists
3.0 Costs and coverage
4.0 Mental health specializations
5.0 Therapy techniques
1.0 Therapy basics
How does therapy work?How to find a therapistWhat to expect during your first therapy appointmentOnline vs. in-person therapy appointments
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2.0 Types of therapists
Psychiatrist licensing and education in CanadaPsychologist licensing and education in CanadaSocial worker licensing and education in CanadaPsychotherapist licensing and education in Canada
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3.0 Costs and coverage
How much does therapy cost?Affordable and sliding scale therapyIs therapy covered by provincial healthcare plans in Canada?Therapies covered by workplace insurance benefits
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4.0 Mental health specializations
Anxiety disorder assessment and therapy techniquesDepression disorder assessment and therapy techniquesObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) assessment and therapy techniquesTrauma therapy techniquesPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment and therapy techniques
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5.0 Therapy techniques
Compare popular therapy techniques: CBT, DBT, EMDR and SomaticCognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exercises and techniquesEye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy exercises and techniquesDialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) exercises and techniquesSomatic therapy exercises and techniques
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Additional Resources
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4.0 Mental health specializations

Finding a therapist that’s right for you will be based on a few factors. In this guide, we introduced you to primary types of therapists (psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers), common therapist modalities (techniques used in treatment), and various therapy arrangements (in-person vs. online therapy).

Some therapy options are covered by provincial healthcare plans, some by workplace or private insurance, and there are low-cost options available to those who need it. But, understanding costs and coverage can require some research.

This section of our guide is designed to help you understand the basics of navigating therapy costs and coverage, whether it’s covered by your workplace benefits or if you’re paying out-of-pocket.

Anxiety Disorder Assessment and Therapy Techniques

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

Anxiety may seem like a catch-all buzzword in mental health conversations. The challenge is that symptoms of anxiety (worry, stress) are a normal part of everyday life. Anxiety is like an alarm bell that helps us pay attention to situations that might be putting us in mental or physical danger. 

Depression Disorder Assessment and Therapy Techniques

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

Everyone experiences periods of time when we feel less-than-great. Part of life is experiencing negative emotions, sadness, loneliness or grief. Unlike short periods of depression, major depression (or clinical depression) occurs when negative feelings and symptoms occur daily and for long periods of time, or they start to interfere with your everyday life, relationships or work.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Assessment and Therapy Techniques

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

OCD is often, incorrectly, used in common language to describe tendencies toward perfectionism and organization. While these traits might be present in those with OCD, it’s important to remember that this is a very real condition that is a class of mental illness (i.e diagnosable by licensed psychiatrists and psychologists as a health condition). 

Trauma Therapy Techniques

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

Trauma is the result of experiencing something that overwhelms our mind and nervous systems. Living through a disastrous event or a series of prolonged distressing events can have long lasting effects on our mental wellbeing and our ability to cope with everyday challenges. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Assessment and Therapy Techniques

By 
First Session Editorial Team

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after a stressful, frightening or life-changing negative experience. This could include witnessing an act of violence, experiencing abuse, the death of a loved one, or living through a disaster or accident.

Teen and Youth Therapy Techniques

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

Social, academic, emotional and physical changes are natural during teen years, but can be difficult to navigate. At the same time, these years are critical for developing healthy mental and emotional habits that will be carried into adulthood. 

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