Understanding Depression Public Talk Summaries
Psychotherapy: How to Prepare and What to Expect
Presented by: Dr. Danielle Rice
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves speaking with a trained mental health professional to address emotional or psychological challenges. It helps individuals improve mental well-being by changing thoughts, behaviours, or relationships. Whether it’s improving relationships, reducing depressive symptoms, or enhancing day-to-day functioning, psychotherapy is a process focused on helping you feel better and live a more fulfilling life.
How Does Psychotherapy Work?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process. It’s not something you “get”, but something you work on with your therapist. This may involve discussing personal goals, uncovering root causes of issues, and finding practical ways to manage emotions or behaviors. Therapy can also be individual or group-based, and goals will vary depending on your needs.
Where Can You Access Therapy?
Psychotherapy is available in various settings:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many workplaces offer free short-term therapy options.
- Academic Counselling Centres: Universities and colleges often have on-campus therapy services available to students.
- Provincially Funded Programs: Many provinces offer publicly funded therapy programs. For instance, Ontario has the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP), which provides therapy for mild to moderate depression and anxiety, available both in person and online.
- Private Therapy: While typically not covered by insurance or government programs, private therapy is an option for those who can afford it.
- Family Doctors and Hospitals: Requires a referral, but available through your doctor or local health services.
What to Expect in Your First Session?
Your first session will likely involve some paperwork and providing some background information. You’ll also go through assessments to help the therapist understand your current situation. It may not feel exciting, but this paperwork is important for establishing a clear and accurate picture of your needs.
How to Prepare for Therapy:
Think about what you want to achieve in therapy—whether it’s better managing stress or improving relationships. Therapy is a partnership, and having a rough idea of your goals can help your therapist guide you toward solutions. If you’ve had therapy before, reflecting on what worked or didn’t work can help tailor your treatment.
Setting Yourself Up for Success:
A strong therapeutic relationship is key to success, so make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist. Discussing expectations for treatment and being open about your cultural needs and personal background can also improve the process.
Is Therapy Working?
Tracking your symptoms (e.g. mood, sleep, energy levels) and discussing them with your therapist is important. If things aren’t improving, talk to your therapist about adjusting your approach or exploring other options.
If you’re considering therapy, think about your goals and how you’d like to feel better in the future. Taking that first step toward therapy can help you unlock meaningful changes and improvements in your life.