What is Individual Therapy?

Therapy, also called psychotherapy, is a regulated act that uses scientifically-validated interventions to help people of all ages lead healthier, happier, and more productive lives.

Individual therapy can help you if you are in a crisis, feeling stuck, or even if you are feeling well, but want to thrive and grow.

How do I know if I need Individual Therapy?

Many people seek therapy for personal growth, as well as when feeling stuck or in a crisis.

You do not need a formal diagnosis to benefit from individual therapy. Sometimes people aren’t exactly sure what they want help with, and that’s OK too.

Therapy always starts with an initial assessment to help you identify some things that you might like to work on, and an explanation about the ways in which therapy can help you achieve your goals.

Does any of the following apply to you?  If so, individual therapy might be what you’re looking for.

Are you…

• Feeling stuck, unhappy, or unfulfilled?
• Struggling with painful emotions, thoughts, or memories?
• Not exactly happy with where your life is at right now?
• Wanting to change specific behaviours?
• Worried that you might have a “mental disorder”?
• Having problems in your relationships with others?
• Looking for personal growth or ways to enhance your wellbeing?
• Concerned about something specific, such as your career, sexuality, or gender?
• Feeling pressured by loved ones to seek professional help?
• Not exactly sure if you need help or not, but thinking about it?

Does Therapy really work?

Psychotherapy is based on science. It is well-researched, and it has been shown to be effective at helping people overcome a variety of difficulties.

While loved ones may be great at listening or giving advice, seeking help from a qualified professional is different, due to their extensive knowledge and training in mental health.

In fact, psychotherapy is a regulated act, meaning that you must have a professional license in order to legally practice psychotherapy.

As of 2006, Quebec requires psychologists to have a PhD.  This means that a psychologist has typically earned an undergraduate degree in psychology (3-4 years), as well as a Master’s degree (2 years) and a PhD (4-6 years), totally approximately 9-12 years of university-level training in psychology.

Doctoral Candidates supervised by a licensed psychologist are also allowed to practice psychotherapy.

The values that guide our work:

• Self-determination: Only you know what is best for you. We are here to accompany you on your journey and to offer insights from a different (not better!) viewpoint as you explore the paths available to you.  You always have the final say on the decisions that you take in your life.
• Collaboration: Therapy is most effective when the therapist and client agree on the goals of therapy and the strategies needed to achieve these goals. Your feedback on all aspects of the therapy process is essential to helping us tailor our approach to best meet your needs. Please let us know how we can be most helpful.
• Honesty and genuineness: We believe that an honest, kind, and direct approach is most helpful. We will not silently scribble notes about you that we do not share, but will discuss our perceptions with you in a collaborative way that we believe will be most useful to you.
• Unconditional positive regard:  We will always have respect for you, even if we disagree on things. You cannot “fail” therapy.  Therapy is a collaborative activity between you and the therapist. Giving ongoing feedback is the best way to optimize the treatment’s effectiveness.
• Empathy: We recognize that therapy is can be a difficult and emotionally painful process. We know that self-examination takes courage and patience, and we make every effort to provide you with a safe, professional, and confidential environment from which to discuss sensitive issues.
• Flexibility: We recognize that everyone is unique and we do not use a “one-size fits all” approach to treatment. We personalize scientifically-supported treatment strategies to best meet your needs. Our treatments are based on theoretical models supported by the Order of Psychologists of Quebec, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Therapeutic approaches offered at Blake Psychology:

You will find below a list of approaches offered at Blake Psychology.