Psychotherapy

A “psychotherapist” is a broad term for a trained professional who helps people with their mental health by using psychotherapy techniques to treat their mental distress, problem, or disorder. Examples of psychotherapy applications include: relieving symptoms, aiding in recovery, and preventing the symptoms from recurring.

The Regulated Health Professions Act established governing bodies, known as “colleges,” to oversee some of the care provided by professionals in Ontario.  “Controlled acts” are defined as acts which may be performed only by authorized regulated health professionals.  Regulated health care providers are accountable to their regulatory college.

The “College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario” is the regulatory body in Ontario for “Registered Psychotherapists.” There are other health professionals registered with other regulatory colleges who may also perform the controlled act of psychotherapy.  

“[The controlled act of psychotherapy is] treating, by means of psychotherapy technique, delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual’s serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual’s judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning.”

Some Reasons for Seeking Psychotherapy

1. Get help : Some problems might need help beyond what you can manage on your own.
2. Effectiveness to Alternatives : It could be more effective compared to alternatives (e.g., dysfunctions, addictions, legal problems).
3. Science-Based Methods : Psychotherapy may use methods proven by scientic study to be potentially more effective, especially for dealing with mental health.
4. Enhanced Outcomes : It potentially improves treatment outcomes when used alongside other treatments.
5. Growth and Healing : It might promote growth and healing.