About the author
Nicole
Laoutaris
(
She/Her/Hers
)
Toronto, ON

Nicole Laoutaris is a freelance writer and adult learning professional specializing in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle content with degrees from Wilfrid Laurier and Seneca.

Book session with Nicole

Nicole Laoutaris is a freelance writer and adult learning professional based in the Greater Toronto Area. She specializes in educational content for brands and companies in industries such as mental health, pet health, lifestyle and wellness, cannabis, and personal finance.

Nicole holds a double undergraduate degree in Communications and Film studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, and post-graduate certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca College. She currently lives in Hamilton Ontario with her spouse and her cat.


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Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist vs. Social Worker vs. Psychotherapist

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

In Canada, there are four major categories of regulated mental health professionals to get familiar with: psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists (also referred to as “counselling therapists”).

How Much Does Therapy Cost?

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

Somatic Therapy Exercises and Techniques

By 
Nicole Laoutaris

While cognitive therapies deal with mind and our thoughts, somatic therapies realize that we store our experiences and our emotions in our bodies. You may experience symptoms of stomach upset or back pain and not be aware that this is associated with deeply ingrained and systemic anxiety or stress.

Therapy 101
1.0 Therapy basics
2.0 Types of therapists
3.0 Costs and coverage
4.0 Mental health specializations
5.0 Therapy techniques
1.0 Therapy basics
How does therapy work?How to find a therapistWhat to expect during your first therapy appointmentOnline vs. in-person therapy appointments
Go to Therapy basics
2.0 Types of therapists
Psychiatrist licensing and education in CanadaPsychologist licensing and education in CanadaSocial worker licensing and education in CanadaPsychotherapist licensing and education in Canada
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3.0 Costs and coverage
How much does therapy cost?Affordable and sliding scale therapyIs therapy covered by provincial healthcare plans in Canada?Therapies covered by workplace insurance benefits
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4.0 Mental health specializations
Anxiety disorder assessment and therapy techniquesDepression disorder assessment and therapy techniquesObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) assessment and therapy techniquesTrauma therapy techniquesPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment and therapy techniques
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5.0 Therapy techniques
Compare popular therapy techniques: CBT, DBT, EMDR and SomaticCognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exercises and techniquesEye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy exercises and techniquesDialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) exercises and techniquesSomatic therapy exercises and techniques
Go to Therapy techniques
Go to Therapy 101
Additional Resources
Therapy Master ClassActualize PodcastClient storiesFor workplaces