Q & A

What is Psychotherapy

What is Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a psychological intervention aimed at helping individuals address emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns by exploring their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It involves a collaborative process between a trained mental health professional (such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor) and the client, with the goal of promoting emotional well-being, improving coping skills, and resolving psychological issues.

When to seek psychotherapy?

You may consider requesting psychotherapy if you experience any of the following for an extended period (e.g., weeks or months) and they interfere with daily life:

Emotional and psychological symptoms:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety that do not subside.
  • Intense mood swings, irritability, or anger that affects relationships.
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
  • Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or sleeping.
  • Recurring thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or extreme guilt.

Behavioral changes:

  • Withdrawal from social interactions or isolation from friends and family.
  • Substance abuse (e.g., alcohol, drugs) as a way to cope with emotions.
  • Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite) leading to weight fluctuations.
  • Reckless or impulsive behaviors that pose risks to oneself or others.

 -Coping with life events or traumas:

  • Grief and loss (e.g., death of a loved one, divorce).
  • Trauma from abuse, accidents, or violence.
  • Chronic stress from work, school, or family pressures.
  • Adjustment to major life transitions (e.g., moving, career change, illness).

Relationship and interpersonal issues:

  • Difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships.
  • Constant conflicts with family, partners, or colleagues.
  • Low self-esteem, self-doubt, or feelings of worthlessness.
  • Struggles with communication, boundary-setting, or emotional intimacy.

Physical symptoms with psychological roots:

  • Unexplained physical pain, fatigue, or tension (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) linked to stress.

 -Preventive or proactive care:

  • Even without severe symptoms, psychotherapy can help individuals gain self-insight, build resilience, or navigate personal growth goals (e.g., improving self-confidence, managing stress proactively)

Are Fees Covered By Insurance?

Psychotherapy and psychological services may be covered by your extended health insurance, workers compensation, or auto insurance. Ask your insurer about your level of coverage. It is your responsibility to verify coverage for the service provided. It is your responsibility to submit your paid receipt to your insurer to obtain reimbursement. Services are not funded by Provincial Health or social assistance / disability plans.

Are Services Confidential?

We will protect your personal health information。You can trust your therapist to keep confidential the information that is disclosed in session.  Your personal health information will not be disclosed to others without your consent, unless required by law (e.g., child protection, health professional sexual abuse, court order) or ethical/professional standards (e.g., risk of serious bodily harm).

Important notes: Seeking psychotherapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It demonstrates a commitment to self-care and well-being. If you experience acute crisis (e.g., active suicidal thoughts), contact a crisis hotline or emergency services immediately. Psychotherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with medication (if prescribed by a psychiatrist) for optimal results.

If you’re unsure whether psychotherapy is right for you, consider consulting a mental health professional for an initial assessment. They can help determine the best approach based on your needs.

什么是心理治疗


心理治疗,又称谈话治疗,是一种心理干预手段,旨在通过探索个体的思想、感受和行为,帮助其解决情绪、行为和心理健康问题。它涉及训练有素的心理健康专业人员(如心理学家、精神科医生或持证咨询师)与来访者之间的协作过程,目标是促进情绪健康、提升应对能力,并解决心理问题。目标:

何时寻求心理治疗

  • 如果以下情况持续较长时间(如数周或数月)并影响日常生活,可考虑寻求心理治疗:

1)情绪和心理症状:

  • 持续的悲伤、绝望或焦虑感未消退。
  • 剧烈的情绪波动、易怒或愤怒,影响人际关系。
  • 对曾经喜欢的活动失去兴趣。
  • 难以集中注意力、做决定或入睡。
  • 反复出现自伤、自杀念头或极度内疚感。

2)行为改变:

  • 社交退缩或与亲友隔离。
  • 依赖物质(如酒精、药物)来应对情绪。
  • 食欲变化(暴饮暴食或食欲不振)导致体重波动。
  • 鲁莽或冲动行为,对自己或他人构成风险。

3)应对生活事件或创伤:

  • 悲伤与丧失(如亲人离世、离婚)。
  • 虐待、事故或暴力带来的创伤。
  • 工作、学业或家庭压力导致的慢性应激。
  • 适应重大生活转变(如搬家、职业变动、疾病)。

4)人际关系问题:

  • 难以建立或维持健康的人际关系。
  • 与家人、伴侣或同事持续冲突。
  • 自卑、自我怀疑或无价值感。
  • 在沟通、设定边界或情感亲密方面存在困难。

5)心理源性身体症状:

  • 与压力相关的不明原因身体疼痛、疲劳或紧张(如头痛、胃痛)。

6)预防性或主动性关怀:

  • 即使没有严重症状,心理治疗也能帮助个体获得自我洞察、增强复原力,或实现个人成长目标(如提升自信、主动管理压力)

费用是否由保险覆盖?

心理治疗和心理服务可能由你的扩展健康保险负责。请向保险公司咨询你的保险具体条例范围。核实服务的覆盖情况是你的责任,你需自行将付费收据提交给保险公司以获得报销。无论保险是否包括,均需支付费用。咨询服务不属于省级医疗保险或社会救助 / 残疾计划资助。

服务是否保密?


我们将保护你的个人健康信息。你可以信任治疗师对咨询中披露的信息保密。除非法律要求(如儿童保护、健康专业人员性虐待、法院命令)或符合伦理 / 专业标准(如存在严重身体伤害风险),否则你的个人健康信息不会在未获你同意的情况下透露给他人。

重要提示: 寻求心理治疗是坚强的表现,而非软弱。它表明你对自我关怀和健康的承诺。如果遇到紧急危机(如存在主动自杀念头),请立即联系危机热线或紧急服务机构。心理治疗可单独使用,或与药物治疗(如精神科医生开具的处方)结合使用,以获得最佳效果。

如果不确定心理治疗是否适合你,可考虑咨询心理健康专业人员进行初步评估。他们会根据你的需求帮助确定最佳方案。

同路人 心理咨询 倾听 陪伴 成长