What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a psychological treatment scientifically proven to reduce the impact of psychological distress or mental disorders (e.g. anxiety and depression).
It aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the difficulties experienced by a person and/or those around him/her, in order to promote changes in functioning, perceptions, thoughts, emotions, attitudes and relationships.
This service is more than just emotional support or advice. With the collaboration of the client, this treatment aims to bring about profound changes in order to promote better organization and regulation of the internal experience of the person and/or those around him/her.
These changes enable the person to adapt more favorably in the various spheres of his or her life.
Why seek therapy and when?
When a person is experiencing psychological distress, acute stress, difficulties in carrying out daily activities, difficulties affecting family harmony or other relationships in their living environment, or a feeling of helplessness or impasse, a psychotherapy consultation, or more in-depth therapy, may be recommended.
This approach could lead to a better understanding of difficulties, provide answers to certain questions, bring conflict resolution up to date, and encourage the implementation of strategies beneficial to the well-being of a person and/or his or her entourage.
Here are some common reasons for consulting a psychotherapist:
- Anxiety/phobias
- Depression/exhaustion
- Post-traumatic stress
- Intimidation
- Relationship difficulties/self-affirmation
- Family issues
- Insomnia
- Grief/loss/separation
- Dependency
- Disruptive behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Body image issues
- Etc.
To make an appointment or for questions about psychology and psychotherapy
Frequently asked questions about psychotherapy
Find concise answers to your questions about our psychology and psychotherapy services.
What is the purpose of a psychotherapy consultation?
The aim of a psychotherapy consultation is to help you explore your psychological difficulties, whether they be anxiety, depression, stress or other disorders.
Under the guidance of a psychotherapist or psychologist, this therapy provides a private space where thoughts and emotions can be expressed in complete safety.
The work carried out during these consultations enables a better understanding of the symptoms and reasons affecting a person's mental health.
Theaim is to develop therapeutic approaches adapted to improving quality of life, by facilitating better management of life situations and providing solutions to problems encountered.
This process takes place in a confidential setting, with a professional counsellor, whether a psychologist or another psychotherapist.
In short, psychotherapy helps people cope better with psychological disorders by offering personalized treatment and facilitating better adaptation to everyday life.
How do psychotherapy sessions work?
Therapeutic sessions can be held in a variety of settings, including individual, family, couple or group meetings.
At CERC, consultations mainly take the form of individual or family meetings, whether with children, teenagers or adults.
These sessions can be held face-to-face at one of CERC's service outlets, or online via videoconferencing for greater flexibility.
Establishing a relationship of trust is essential to the therapeutic process. The professional we meet pays particular attention to defining, in agreement with the client, clear expectations and objectives for the treatment.
Once this basis has been established, sessions focus primarily on verbal exchanges, accompanied by observation of non-verbal reactions.
During the sessions, different therapeutic approaches can be used, depending on the symptoms and objectives established.
The psychotherapist guides the person in exploring their thoughts, emotions and behaviours, in relation to the disorders or difficulties they are experiencing.
Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of new coping strategies and the development of skills for dealing with everyday situations.
The psychotherapist offers active listening, raises behavioral dynamics and reflexes, and puts them into perspective with life history, with the aim of fostering greater self-awareness.
This exploration aims to establish new coping strategies. For children, teenagers and sometimes adults, other methods can be integrated into the sessions, such as games or drawing.
Who can practice psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a reserved act, requiring a permit issued by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ).
Once they have obtained their title, psychologists and physicians are authorized to practice therapeutic interventions.
Other specialists, such as psychoeducators, sexologists (for whom a master's degree now entitles them to this license), guidance counselors, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, marital and family psychotherapists and criminologists, can also obtain this license.
However, this requires additional training and a certain number of hours of supervised practice.
Are psychotherapy costs covered by insurance?
The cost of psychotherapy sessions is covered by some insurance programs. If you're not sure about your coverage, please contact us so we can help you.
