Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, body image concerns, over-eating, a mood problem such as depression or anxiety, or life issues that bring you in to therapy, the most important consideration is the “fit” between yourself and your therapist. Evidence shows that regardless of the type of counselling, this is the biggest predictor of successful outcome. You can get the feeling for the therapist by an initial phone conversation and if that feels comfortable, a single session. Feel free to ask your therapist any questions that you may have.
The next consideration is the form of therapy or therapy approach to be used to best address your problem or issue. At Thornhill Therapy and Assessment, we offer several types of therapy approaches. The pros and cons of these options for treatment will be discussed with you and we will collaborate in choosing the option that suites you and the situation the best.
Treatment Approaches at Thornhill Therapy and Assessment:
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy (C.B.T.) (Helpful for depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and many other issues)
C.B.T. is an evidence-based form of therapy that has demonstrated effectiveness for treating eating disorders, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. C.B.T. sessions are structured and clients take an active role in both deciding the content of each session, as well as the “homework” between sessions, so that they can practice new skills in everyday life situations. The focus is on identifying and breaking into the behavioural and thought patterns that keep the problem going. Once there is improvement, therapy can focus on the long term issues and underlying beliefs that are often connected to the origins of the problem. Therapy sessions are collaborative, and the client develops the skills and knowledge to eventually become his or her “own therapist”, with the skills and knowledge to continue growing after formal therapy has ended.
Cognitive Behavioual Therapy- Enhanced (C.B.T.-e )/ C.B.T. for Eating Disorders
C.B.T.-e is a specific application of C.B.T. for eating disorders. This is an evidence based approach with specific strategies for Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating disorders. This approach includes addressing the thoughts and behaviors that keep the eating disorder going and making gradual changes. Areas that are addressed include food restriction, strategies to stop binge eating or purging, weight and shape concerns, perfectionism, and self-esteem.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (D.B.T.) Informed Therapy (Helpful for Binge Eating, Bulimia, mood driven behavioural problems and substance abuse)
DBT is in the same family of treatment as CBT. DBT is also an evidence -based approach focussing more on the key role that emotions themselves can play in maintaining problems. This can be especially true for individuals who find themselves overwhelmed with strong emotion and/or who have difficulty returning to neutral or postive emotions after upsetting feelings. Full D.B.T. treatment is intensive and generally involves weekly therapy sessions and emotion regulation skills training sessions. Lauren offers D.B.T.-informed therapy, where she combines some of the skills training from modules such as Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Mindfulness with other DBT strategies in individual counselling.
Client-Centered Supportive Psychotherapy (Helpful for life issues, to talk things out and get feedback)
In general counselling clients may explore any life issue or feelings that may be keeping them stuck or causing concern. These sessions are not as structured and goal -oriented as they are in C.B.T. or D.B.T., instead they are more open -ended, which can allow some people to express feelings and address issues that otherwise might be difficult, overwhelming, or unclear. Clients are gently guided towards enhanced self-awareness, emotional expression, insight and change. This approach can be of particular benefit to those who have already had C.B.T., those who are looking for more general support and/or to deepen their self awareness, and those who are not ready or don’t respond well to a more goal-oriented forms of treatment.
Family and Couple Counselling