Understanding Insomnia

Insomnia affects how you fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested. While our network of sleep specialists is growing, you can explore therapists who work with anxiety, stress, and related concerns that often impact sleep.

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Insomnia is a common sleep difficulty that can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, and struggling to function during the day. Whether you have trouble falling asleep, wake frequently during the night, or find yourself awake too early, sleep challenges can significantly affect your quality of life. Chronic insomnia often intertwines with stress, anxiety, depression, or life circumstances that keep your mind racing when you need rest.

Therapy can be a helpful approach for addressing insomnia, particularly when sleep difficulties are connected to underlying emotional or psychological factors. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is one evidence-informed approach that many find effective. On First Session, you can explore therapists who work with anxiety, stress management, and related concerns. Browse profiles and watch intro videos to find a therapist whose approach resonates with you.

Jessica Sloan

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Waterloo, ON)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
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Jessica Sloan

Jessica Sloan

Registered Psychotherapist
She\Her
$185/session
ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Somatic Therapy, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Caregiver burnout, Fertility, PTSD, Nervous system regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Trauma processing, Self-esteem, Prenatal care, People pleasing, Pregnancy, Assertiveness, Insomnia, Perfectionism, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Career Stress, Imposter syndrome
ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Somatic Therapy, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Caregiver burnout, Fertility, PTSD, Nervous system regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Trauma processing, Self-esteem, Prenatal care, People pleasing, Pregnancy, Assertiveness, Insomnia, Perfectionism, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Career Stress, Imposter syndrome
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Thiviyan Sithganesan

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Thiviyan Sithganesan

Thiviyan Sithganesan

Registered Social Worker
He/Him
$180/session
Childhood trauma, Relationships, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger, Attachment, BIPOC, Burnout, Children/Teens, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Emotional regulation, Health anxiety, Infidelity, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Men's issues, Mindfulness, Motivation, Phobias, Stress, Insomnia, Couples, Grief and Loss
Childhood trauma, Relationships, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger, Attachment, BIPOC, Burnout, Children/Teens, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Emotional regulation, Health anxiety, Infidelity, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Men's issues, Mindfulness, Motivation, Phobias, Stress, Insomnia, Couples, Grief and Loss
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Fawn MacInnis

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Orilla, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Fawn MacInnis

Fawn MacInnis

Registered Social Worker
Her/ She
$140/session
Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Break-up recovery, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Couples, Trauma processing, Thought Restructuring, Life transitions, Family Conflict, Insomnia, Goal Setting, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Vulnerability, Anger Management, Stress, Grief and Loss
Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Break-up recovery, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Couples, Trauma processing, Thought Restructuring, Life transitions, Family Conflict, Insomnia, Goal Setting, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Vulnerability, Anger Management, Stress, Grief and Loss
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Nicholas Balaisis

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Kitchener, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, BC, and QC.
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Nicholas Balaisis

Nicholas Balaisis

Registered Psychotherapist
$155/session
Anxiety, Attachment, Attachment wounds, Building Meaningful Connections, Burnout, Career guidance, Couples Therapy, Depression, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Masculinity, Insomnia, Infidelity, Intimacy concerns, Meaning and purpose, Men's issues, Performance anxiety, Parenting, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Transformative dream work, Sexuality, Relationships, Spirituality, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety, Attachment, Attachment wounds, Building Meaningful Connections, Burnout, Career guidance, Couples Therapy, Depression, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Masculinity, Insomnia, Infidelity, Intimacy concerns, Meaning and purpose, Men's issues, Performance anxiety, Parenting, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Transformative dream work, Sexuality, Relationships, Spirituality, Identity and Self-Exploration
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About First Session
What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and not being able to return to sleep. It can be acute (short-term, often related to stress or life events) or chronic (lasting three months or longer). Insomnia affects daytime functioning and can contribute to fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia can stem from many factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, irregular sleep schedules, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, or significant life changes. Sometimes insomnia develops after a stressful event and persists even after the initial trigger has resolved. Understanding the underlying causes can help guide effective support.

How can therapy help with insomnia?

Therapy can address the thoughts, behaviours, and emotional patterns that contribute to sleep difficulties. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured approach that helps people change sleep habits and address anxious thoughts about sleep. Therapists may also help with underlying stress, anxiety, or depression that affects rest.

How do I find a therapist for sleep difficulties?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and look for those who work with anxiety, stress, or general mental health concerns—areas that often overlap with sleep difficulties. While our network of sleep specialists is growing, many therapists can support the emotional factors that impact rest. Watch intro videos to find someone who feels like a good fit.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you're experiencing insomnia, you might benefit from exploring therapists who work with anxiety, stress management, burnout, or nervous system regulation. These areas often connect to sleep difficulties and addressing them can support better rest over time.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada. You can browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty or availability. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, making it easier to find qualified support for your needs.