Eastwood Psychologists

  • 44 Main Street South, Brampton, ON L6W 2C4
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Psychotherapy

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a special kind of relationship, where you will talk with your therapist to resolve your difficulties and create new possibilities. Your therapists’ role is to help you make changes in your life. Your therapist brings knowledge and expertise about how to help people make changes and overcome psychological difficulties; however, it is important to know that you are at the center of therapy and will work as a teammate with your therapist.

Why do people seek psychotherapy?

There are many reasons why people seek psychotherapy. Just as each person is unique, so are the issues that bring someone to treatment. People may seek therapy due to a sense of dissatisfaction with life or emotional pain. There may be immediate distress related to a clear crisis such as a loss, or perhaps an ongoing difficulty in some area of life such as relationships, work, or school. Some people might seek psychotherapy because they are suffering from strong, debilitating sadness, fear or worry. Everyone’s situation is unique.

Is psychotherapy effective?

Hundreds of well-designed research studies have demonstrated that most people benefit from psychotherapy. Approximately 75% of those who participate in psychotherapy show improvement. Although response varies, many people can experience improvement quite quickly (10 to 20 sessions or less). Psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, lifestyle change and stress, among others. Research has shown that the improvements made in psychotherapy are generally long lasting.

At Eastwood Psychologists, it is important to us that you achieve the best outcomes possible.  At our practice, psychological assessment and treatment is evidence-based, collaborative, and carefully monitored.

What is psychotherapy like?

Treatment length is personal and tailored to your needs. However, most commonly you will meet with your therapist for 50 minutes once per week. During this 50-minute session you and your therapist will draw on your knowledge, skills, and experiences that will help you work toward your goals, even if it has been difficult for you to access these resources on your own in the past. Psychotherapy should help you uncover the importance of your own choices and actions, particularly in those periods of your life when you may see only limited or distressing options.

To work towards your goals, your therapist may ask you to experiment with new or different ways of thinking, acting, or feeling. Your imagination, your honesty with yourself, and your commitment to your development will be important assets. Your therapist may also ask you to try some exercises between sessions, keep personal notes about some of your experiences, or complete forms about your experiences and progress. What you do during psychotherapy may also change over time depending on your needs, and the nature of your difficulties.