Starting Psychotherapy in Ontario: 03 Choosing the Right Type of Therapy
- Lindsey Hutchings, BScN
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 14
What Kind of Therapy Are You Looking For?
This is the third post in our series on Starting Psychotherapy in Ontario. Our first post shared four signs you might benefit from psychotherapy (Read Post 1 Here), and the second explored four signs you’ve found the right therapist (Read Post 2 Here). Now, we’ll guide you through choosing the right type of therapy to fit your unique needs.
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Why Choosing the Right Therapy in Ontario Matters
Picking the right therapy can feel overwhelming. However, it’s a powerful step toward healing. The right approach aligns with your goals—whether managing anxiety, healing trauma, or building self-esteem. Research shows that a strong therapeutic alliance boosts outcomes, but the type of therapy matters too. At LAH Counselling, I help clients across Ontario, from Windsor to Northern Ontario, find the best fit through personalized, online sessions.
Exploring Types of Therapy in Ontario
With so many approaches available, how do you choose the right one? Below, we’ll explore standard therapies offered in Ontario, each designed to support your mental health in unique ways. Whether you’re drawn to structured techniques or deeper emotional exploration, there’s a path for you.
CBT Therapy and DBT: Reshaping Thoughts and Emotions
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is like a mental toolkit for tackling negative thought patterns. It helps you identify and shift unhelpful thoughts. This makes it ideal for anxiety, depression, or stress. In Ontario, CBT is widely used because it’s practical and evidence-based. Often, clients see results in just a few sessions.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a specialized form of CBT, adds skills for managing intense emotions and relationships. It’s perfect for those struggling with emotional overwhelm or impulsive behaviours. DBT teaches mindfulness and distress tolerance. At LAH Counselling, I blend CBT and DBT to help clients feel more in control, whether you’re in Sudbury or Ottawa.
Feeling stuck in your thoughts? CBT or DBT might be your path. Learn more about managing anxiety with therapy.
Somatic Therapies: Healing Through Body Awareness
Somatic therapies focus on the mind-body connection. They help you release stored tension or trauma. By tuning into physical sensations—like tightness in your chest or a racing heart—you can process emotions that words alone can’t reach. Approaches like Somatic Experiencing are growing in Ontario for their gentle, holistic impact. If you feel disconnected or struggle to release physical stress, somatic therapies could help you find balance.
Parts Work: Understanding Your Inner Self
Parts work, like Internal Family Systems (IFS), invites you to explore different “parts” of your mind. This includes the critical or withdrawing parts. It’s a compassionate way to understand conflicting emotions and build self-acceptance. If you’re curious about your inner world, parts work might be your fit.
Trauma Therapy: Healing Past Wounds
Trauma therapy helps you process and heal from past experiences. This can be from a single event or ongoing challenges. Approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-focused CBT help you find peace and rebuild safety.
Other Mental Health Therapies to Consider
Beyond CBT, DBT, somatic therapies, and parts work, Ontario offers other approaches. These include psychodynamic therapy, which explores past influences, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for value-driven living. Each has unique strengths. The best choice depends on your goals—whether it’s managing stress, improving relationships, or finding purpose.
Learn more:
How LAH Counselling Guides Your Therapy Choice
Choosing the right therapy in Ontario doesn’t have to be daunting. At LAH Counselling, I, Lindsey Hutchings, RN, Psychotherapist, offer a holistic approach. My training in nursing (McGill University), biochemistry, and ongoing studies in IFS and Somatic Experiencing inform my practice. My online therapy sessions, available across Ontario, start with a free consultation. This ensures you feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll explore your needs and identify what therapeutic approach might be best for you. My goal is to create a safe, trusting space where you can grow confidently.
Learn more about LAH Counselling Services
Conclusion
Finding a psychotherapist in Ontario who makes you feel heard, safe, and comfortable is key to successful therapy. As Lindsey Hutchings, RN, Psychotherapist at LAH Counselling, I offer compassionate, evidence-based online therapy. Start today—book a free consultation at LAHCounselling.ca or explore my blog series for more insights. Take the first step toward mental health. You’re worth it!
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