Psychotherapy

For more information about Psychotherapy:

Lillian was like a breath of fresh air in my stagnant life. Through compassionate listening and non-judgemental feedback, Lillian creates an atmosphere so comfortable and safe that self-reflection is possible with being stressful or self-destructive . I no longer feel trapped and thanks to Lillian's patience and understanding, I finally feel like I am headed in the right direction towards the life I was meant to live. Lillian devotes herself to her work and defines the true meaning of vocation; a gift to anyone who accepts and is ready for change. - Karen B

psychotherapy

Whether you find yourself in the middle of a crisis, or simply feel that something in your life is not quite working; psychotherapy can help. The role of the psychotherapist is to actively listen, so she/he can hear and understand your unique situation and concerns. Psychotherapists are trained to work with you to explore problems, and help you to discover creative solutions. A good therapist uses a combination of intuition, wisdom, and knowledge to help guide clients through the process of personal exploration and growth. Through psychotherapy, you can develop new perspectives and personal resources to reach your goals and maintain positive change.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is the treatment of a person's problems usually by conversing with another person in a process known as "talk therapy." This other person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor, clinical social worker*, etc. With successful psychotherapy a client changes in a positive way; resolving or mitigating troublesome behaviours, beliefs, compulsions, thought, or emotions. Ideally, these are replaced with more pleasant and functional alternatives.

Psychotherapy includes interactive processes between a person or a group, and a psychotherapist. Its purpose is the exploration or resolution of troublesome thoughts, feelings and behaviour for the purpose of problem solving or achieving higher levels of functioning. Psychotherapy aims to increase the individual's sense of his/her own well-being. Psychotherapists employ a range of techniques - based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication, and behaviour change - that are designed to improve the mental health of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family).

*Social Worker: 1- 2 years of graduate training, perhaps an internship, and a year or two of supervised graduate work before obtaining the license. A practicing social worker should be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Why would i need psychotherapy?

People use psychotherapy in many different ways to improve their lives. Some people want to look back into their past to deal with unresolved pain and trauma hoping to get some relief from depression, anxiety, addictions, or any number of other mental health concerns. Others don't really want to explore their past, but find themselves trying to find better ways to move towards positive change in their lives. Sometimes a crisis situation arises, and the individual needs help to cope. Those familiar with psychotherapy might see regular sessions as a way to maintain good mental and emotional health, and may choose to see a therapist as part of their routine care, like they would go to a family physician or dentist.
Whatever the reasons, seeing a therapist can help you gain insight, promote mental and emotional wellbeing, build motivation to change, and help you establish a balanced more fulfilled life.

Some reasons for using psychotherapy:

To improve relationships
For encouragement and motivation to positive change
To relieve depression, anxiety or excessive anger
To heal from addictive/obsessive behaviours
To work through unresolved emotional/psychological trauma
To work through phobias
To help develop a healthy marital relationship (pre-marriage, marriage counselling)
To successfully navigate the ending of a relationship (separation or divorce)
Bereavement/Grief/Loss
To manage mental illness
To cope with end of life issues
To manage chronic pain
To build greater self awareness
To promote self esteem and a personal integrity
To learn how to live a more healthy emotional, psychological, social, spiritual life
To examine and resolves feelings of being stuck, unfulfilled, overwhelmed, or that in some other way that life is unmanageable
Stress management
To learn relaxation techniques
To explore personal (emotional, social, spiritual)development
Help in making major life decisions
To work out family issues (parenting, blended families, family communication, conflict resolution etc)
To meet the specific psychological needs of Children/Youth

Who goes to see a psychotherapist?

Sometimes people think that only those who can't deal with life, or who are mentally ill go to a therapist. This is not at all true, but individuals may avoid going for fear that they will be seen as a failure, or somehow weak. Asking for help is a sign of strength and wisdom. Everyone can benefit from a new perspective and the emotional support of psychotherapy. We go to many specialists for help with different problems. You break your foot; you go to a doctor. Your car won't work; go to the mechanic. We don't see these as a sign of weakness, but as common sense. It makes sense that when something is not working well - in your relationships, in your mind, in your emotions, or in your way of living - that you see a trained professional. It takes courage to ask for help, but taking that step can greatly improve your life. So who goes to see a therapist? Anyone who feels the desire to become better equipped to live life to their fullest potential.

Psychotherapy sessions with
Lillian Benrubi are available for: