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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 therapist
What to expect during your first therapy appointment
Online vs. in-person therapy appointments
Go to Therapy basics
2.0 Types of therapists
Psychiatrist licensing and education in Canada
Psychologist licensing and education in Canada
Social worker licensing and education in Canada
Psychotherapist licensing and education in Canada
Go to Types of therapists
3.0 Costs and coverage
How much does therapy cost?
Affordable and sliding scale therapy
Is therapy covered by provincial healthcare plans in Canada?
Therapies covered by workplace insurance benefits
Go to Costs and coverage
4.0 Mental health specializations
Anxiety disorder assessment and therapy techniques
Depression disorder assessment and therapy techniques
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) assessment and therapy techniques
Trauma therapy techniques
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment and therapy techniques
Go to Mental health specializations
5.0 Therapy techniques
Compare popular therapy techniques: CBT, DBT, EMDR and Somatic
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exercises and techniques
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy exercises and techniques
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) exercises and techniques
Somatic therapy exercises and techniques
Go to Therapy techniques
Go to Therapy 101
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Mental Health Articles and Blog
Therapy Basics
The Therapeutic Alliance: Why The Relationship with Your Therapist Matters
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Recent blogs and articles
Types of Therapists
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Nayab Tahir
Types of Therapists
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Shannon Pintwala
Therapy Techniques (Modalities)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Canada | First Session
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First Session Editorial Team
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Therapy Costs & Coverage
What does MSW RSW mean in Canada?
Confused by the term MSW RSW in Canada? Learn what it means, how it affects your insurance, and how to find a qualified therapist who fits your needs.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Therapy Costs & Coverage
What does "Qualifying" mean for a Registered Psychotherapist?
What does "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)" mean in Ontario? Learn about RP(Q) licensing, insurance, supervision, and how to choose the right therapist.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Therapy Costs & Coverage
How to Find a Therapist Covered by Insurance in Canada (2025)
Learn how to find a therapist in Canada covered by your insurance plan, including what credentials are reimbursed, and how to decode your benefits booklet.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Anxiety
How to Manage Anxiety After a Layoff: A Guide to Coping, Healing, and Moving Forward
Laid off and feeling anxious? Learn how to manage job loss with self-care, therapy, community, and personal growth strategies.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Psychedelic Therapy
MDMA Therapy in Canada
MDMA therapy is an increasingly popular form of of psychedelic therapy. Here's everything you need to know about MDMA therapy in Canada.
BY:
Bryce Warnes
Psychedelic Therapy
Psilocybin Therapy in Canada
Psilocybin therapy is an increasingly popular form of psychedelic therapy. Here's everything you need to know about psilocybin therapy in Canada.
BY:
Bryce Warnes
Therapy
Signs You Found a Good Therapist
People start and continue with therapy for a variety of reasons. Often, the factors leading us to seek help often intersect. In other words, more than one aspect of our lives will be relevant to finding the right therapy and therapist that works for us.
BY:
Nicole Laoutaris
Therapy
What makes a good therapist?
How to know if you’ve found the right therapist—what to look for, what it should feel like, and why the right fit matters more than you might think.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Therapy
Elbows Up for Canadian Mental Healthcare
US-based BetterHelp threatens Canadian mental healthcare. Discover why choosing local therapists protects quality, confidentiality, and Canada's sovereignty.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Growing a Private Therapy Practice
Can I Use Client Testimonials or Reviews as a Therapist in Canada?
Can therapists in Canada use client testimonials? Learn the rules, why reviews are restricted, and ethical ways to market your practice with confidence.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Therapy Techniques (Modalities)
Somatic Therapy Methods (Explained by a Somatic Therapist)
Discover how somatic therapy methods like EMDR, tapping, and Havening help process trauma and stress by engaging the body-mind connection for lasting healing.
BY:
Margaret Hux
Therapy
Mental Illness Disability Benefits for Canadians
Everyone experiences moments when they’re low on energy because of stress or sadness. It can be difficult during those times to keep up with the day-to-day. Many people in Canada struggle consistently with their mental health, and it can deeply impact daily life, including when it comes to employment.
BY:
Nicole Laoutaris
Therapy
Should I Use ChatGPT as a Therapist? | Pros, cons and thoughts on using an AI therapist
Using ChatGPT and other platforms as an "AI therapist" is an increasingly popular and instantly accessible option. But can it replace human therapists, and deliver the same results?
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Depression
Psychedelic Therapy for Depression
Psychedelic therapy is an increasingly popular option for individuals struggling with depression and treatment-resistant depression. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your journey.
BY:
Bryce Warnes
Trauma
Psychedelic Therapy for PTSD
Psychedelic therapy is an increasingly popular option for individuals struggling with PTSD. If you’re interested in exploring psychedelic therapy as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you’re probably wondering: “Does psychedelic therapy for PTSD work?” or, “Should I take psychedelics for PTSD?” and, “Where can I find psychedelic therapy for trauma?” Here's what to know before you start your journey.
BY:
Bryce Warnes
Growing a Private Therapy Practice
How To Become a Psychedelic Therapist in Canada
Learn how to become a psychedelic therapist in Canada.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Growing a Private Therapy Practice
How To Create A Video For Your Therapy Practice
Learn how to create an authentic video for your therapy practice.
BY:
Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session
Trauma
What is Functional Freeze? What To Know and How To Cope.
BY:
Kimberly Crossman
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