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
Therapy Master ClassActualize PodcastClient storiesFor workplaces

1.0 Therapy basics

A therapist is a professional who is trained to listen, and help you better understand yourself and your relationships with other people. Whether you’re meeting virtually or in an office, your time with a therapist is private and protected.

Working with a therapist is about building a relationship based on trust and fit. They’ll offer insights into obstacles you are facing, how to overcome them and achieve your goals. Their long term aim will be for you to recognize your patterns on your own, and develop skills to manage your mental wellbeing for a more fulfilling life.

How Does Therapy Work?

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

Therapy is about working with a professional who can provide insight into challenges and obstacles you’re facing, and guidance to help you navigate your feelings, thought processes, and your behaviours.

What to Expect During Your First Therapy Appointment

By 
First Session Editorial Team

Once you’ve decided to meet with a therapist for your first session, you might be wondering what it’ll be like. Many people start therapy because something feels off, but they can’t put their finger on it; some have a clearer picture of what they want to work on.

Online vs. In-Person Therapy Appointments

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

Therapists work from a range of locations—they may work out of their homes or rent space in a building shared with other therapists, or you might meet them virtually and remain at home for your sessions.

See more articles

Carolina Rzeznikiewiz, co-founder of Momjo, on panic attacks and motherhood

By 
Rosa Park

Carolina Rzeznikiewiz is the co-founder of Momjo, a blog about education, entertaining, and supporting moms at all stages of their journeys.

Nina Huynh, Lifestyle Influencer, on Breaking the Cultural Stigma around Mental Health

By 
Rosa Park

With over 250K followers across Instagram and YouTube, influencer and entrepreneur Nina Huynh inspires her followers to dress boldly, love deeply, and live freely. 

Stefania Rossi (@dearmyanxiety) on Finding the Right Therapist

By 
Rosa Park

Stefania Rossi, the creator of @dearmyanxiety, was live with us on Instagram to share her story as part of our #mentalhealthweek series.

Other resources

Blog

Continue your mental health journey through compelling personal stories and educational articles.

Therapy Master Class

New to therapy? Try our free 6-day email course with everything you need to know to get started.

Find the right therapist for you.

Get started with First Session. You can compare hundreds of licensed therapists, counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists; and filter by province, specialization, therapy type and more. Watch intro videos, and book online or in-person appointments. Remember, your initial consultations are free.
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