Developing Coping Skills

Coping skills are the strategies we use to manage stress, emotions, and life's challenges. While our network of specialists in this area is growing, you can explore therapists who help clients build resilience and develop healthier ways of navigating difficulty.

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Coping skills are the tools and strategies we use to manage stress, regulate emotions, and navigate challenging situations. Everyone has coping mechanisms, though some serve us better than others. Therapy can help you identify patterns that may not be serving you well and develop new strategies that support your well-being and resilience.

Building stronger coping skills can benefit many areas of life—from managing daily stress to navigating major life transitions or processing difficult emotions. A therapist can work with you to understand your current patterns, explore what's working and what isn't, and develop practical strategies tailored to your needs. On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and watch intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates with you.

Melissa Servello

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Offers In-Person (Woodbridge, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Melissa Servello

Melissa Servello

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
$140/session
Anxiety, Depression, Negative body image, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Decision making, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Effective communication, Fears and phobia, General Mental Health, Stress, Self-Regulation, Perfectionism, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Depression, Negative body image, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Decision making, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Effective communication, Fears and phobia, General Mental Health, Stress, Self-Regulation, Perfectionism, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Grief and Loss
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Nicky Lightstone

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Newmarket, ON)
Virtual Sessions in BC, ON, NL, SK, MB, AB, YT, and NU.
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Nicky Lightstone

Nicky Lightstone

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
$160/session
Life transitions, Interpersonal dynamics, Self-Development, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Depression, Depression coping skills, Familial and social relationships, General Mental Health, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Nature-Based Spirituality, Negative thinking and ruminating, Personal Growth, Relationships, Self-Criticism, Self-esteem, Stress, Ecopsychotherapy, Climate Anxiety, Coping Skills
Life transitions, Interpersonal dynamics, Self-Development, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Depression, Depression coping skills, Familial and social relationships, General Mental Health, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Nature-Based Spirituality, Negative thinking and ruminating, Personal Growth, Relationships, Self-Criticism, Self-esteem, Stress, Ecopsychotherapy, Climate Anxiety, Coping Skills
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About First Session
What are coping skills?

Coping skills are the strategies and techniques people use to manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations. They can be healthy (like deep breathing, exercise, or talking to a friend) or less helpful (like avoidance or substance use). Therapy often focuses on strengthening adaptive coping skills while reducing reliance on patterns that may cause harm.

Why are coping skills important?

Strong coping skills help you navigate life's inevitable challenges with greater resilience. They can reduce the impact of stress on your mental and physical health, improve relationships, and help you respond to difficulties rather than react impulsively. Developing a range of coping strategies gives you more options when facing hard times.

How can therapy help with coping skills?

Therapy provides a supportive space to explore your current coping patterns, understand where they come from, and develop new strategies. Therapists can teach specific techniques like mindfulness, cognitive reframing, or emotional regulation skills. They can also help you practice these skills so they become more natural over time.

How do I find a therapist to help with coping skills?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and look for those who work with stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, or general mental health. Many therapists incorporate coping skill development into their work. Watch intro videos to get a sense of each therapist's style and approach.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you're looking to build coping skills, you might explore therapists who work with stress management, anxiety, emotional regulation, mindfulness, or self-care. These areas often overlap and addressing them can strengthen your overall ability to cope with life's challenges.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session makes it easy to find a therapist who fits your needs. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty, location, or availability. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, and you can book directly online when you're ready.