What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, often just called “therapy,” is a way to work through emotional or mental health challenges by talking with a trained professional. It’s like having a guide or coach to help you understand your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors so you can learn how to make changes that move you closer to your goals. Therapists use proven techniques to help you cope with stress, heal from past experiences, improve relationships, or just feel more balanced in life. It’s a safe, confidential space where you can share what’s on your mind and learn tools to handle life’s ups and downs..

What professionals provide psychotherapy?

In Ontario, the controlled act of psychotherapy can only be performed by specific regulated professionals who are authorized to practice psychotherapy within their scope. These professionals must belong to one of the following regulated colleges:

1. College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) – For registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) who meet the requirements to provide psychotherapy.

2. College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) – For psychologists and psychological associates.

3. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) – For medical doctors who provide psychotherapy.

4. College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) – Specifically for registered psychotherapists (RPs).

5. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) – For social workers authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy.

These professionals must be competent and appropriately trained in psychotherapy, and they must adhere to their regulatory college’s standards and guidelines. Someone who provides psychotherapy does not necessarily also have the permittance to prescribe and monitor psychotherapeutic medications. If medication is something you are interested in exploring, please book a consultation to discuss how to curate an interdisciplinary team to compliment the intervention of psychotherapy.

What makes you (The Whole Human Psychotherapy) qualified to provide this service?

Jordyn Loro is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has been an active member of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) for a decade. The CNO is a regulatory body that nurses belong to and contribute to annually. It is composed of registered nurses who develop best practice guidelines and accountability systems to ensure the nursing profession meets its obligations to the communities it serves.

Jordyn is also a member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), an organization dedicated to promoting professional growth and ensuring nurses stay updated on evidence-based best practices. This commitment helps nurses provide care that is grounded in research and proven by science. Through the RNAO, Jordyn participates in two specialized committees: the Mental Health Nursing Interest Group and the Independent Practice Nurses Interest Group.

Jordyn has extensive experience supporting a diverse range of clients with both physical and mental health challenges. She is skilled in providing both brief and long-term counseling to individuals across all stages of life. Her expertise includes working with clients managing multiple chronic physical and mental health conditions..

Is psychotherapy for me?

Psychotherapy can be helpful for almost anyone who wants support in understanding themselves better or navigating life’s challenges. It’s especially beneficial for someone feeling stressed, anxious, or down, or for those struggling with big life changes, relationship issues, or past experiences that still weigh on them.

Maybe you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself lately. Or maybe you want to build your confidence, manage stress, or improve your communication skills. Therapy is also a great space for people who are curious about their emotions or patterns and want to grow as a person.

You don’t have to have a crisis to benefit from therapy—it’s for anyone who wants to feel better, gain perspective, and build tools for a healthier, more balanced life.

What can I expect at my first therapy appointment?

Before your initial consultation, as well as your first appointment or any subsequent sessions, you will receive a link to our secure online telehealth platform. Simply click the link, and it will open in your preferred browser (please note that our platform is least compatible with Safari). While we recommend using a computer for the best experience, tablets and smartphones will also work as long as your internet connection is stable. If you encounter any technical issues, we can assist with basic troubleshooting.

Once you’re connected to the telehealth platform, I will join you on the call. During our initial appointment, we will begin by reviewing important policies, including confidentiality, informed consent, and cancellation procedures. Afterward, we will discuss your current life circumstances and the reasons that led you to consider therapy. From there, we will start exploring the tools and strategies that can help you reach your goals and develop a general plan for moving forward.

What therapeutic approaches can I expect?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. The idea is that unhelpful thinking patterns can lead to negative feelings and behaviors. In CBT, you learn to recognize and challenge these thoughts, replacing them with more balanced and positive ones to improve your mental health.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

DBT is about finding balance—accepting yourself as you are while also working to make changes. It’s especially helpful for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and coping with distress. It teaches skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and handling tough situations without making them worse.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

This approach helps you explore and strengthen your motivation to make changes in your life. It’s a collaborative process where the therapist helps you talk through your goals, values, and any doubts or obstacles you’re facing, guiding you toward taking positive steps forward.

Breath Work

Breath work involves using specific breathing techniques to calm your body and mind. By focusing on your breath, you can reduce stress, manage anxiety, and even improve focus and energy levels. It’s a simple but powerful way to feel more in control of your emotions.

Meditation

Meditation is about training your mind to focus and be present. It often involves sitting quietly and concentrating on your breath, a word, or a feeling. Meditation can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and create a sense of calm and clarity in your daily life.

Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS)

IFS is based on the idea that everyone has different “parts” within them, like pieces of a puzzle, each with its own feelings, beliefs, and roles. For example, you might have a part that’s critical, a part that’s protective, or a part that feels hurt. In IFS, you learn to understand and work with these parts, helping them heal and cooperate so you can feel more whole, balanced, and in control.

What can I expect at a typical therapy appointment?

At a typical virtual psychotherapy appointment, you can expect a comfortable and supportive conversation, all from the privacy of your own space. Once you log in to the secure online platform and connect with your therapist, the session usually begins with a quick check-in to see how you’re feeling and to discuss any updates since your last appointment.

From there, the therapist will guide the session based on your goals. This might include talking through specific challenges, learning new strategies to manage emotions or stress, or reflecting on how things are going with tools or techniques you’ve already tried. The therapist will adapt the session to your needs, offering a mix of listening, gentle questions, and actionable suggestions to help you move forward.

You’re welcome to take the lead in the conversation or let the therapist guide it—whatever feels most comfortable for you. The goal is for you to leave the session feeling heard, supported, and equipped with steps to keep working toward your goals..

Are there certain mental health issues that you are exceptionally experienced with?

• anxiety

• depression

• women’s maternal and reproductive health

• clients and families of those living with chronic diseases

• caregiver stress/burnout/anxiety

• emotional regulation

• grief counseling

• youth/adolescents aged 12+ experiencing anxiety and/or depression; including performance anxiety secondary to school/sports/etc.

• work stress and career development

• significant life changes and transitions (high school to post-secondary; post-secondary to full time work; recent career change; moving; change in relationships, etc.)

How long does the therapy process take?

The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, the challenges you’re working through, and the type of therapy interventions in use. Some people see meaningful progress in a few weeks or months, especially with focused approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which often lasts 6–20 sessions. Others with more complex needs or long-term goals may benefit fr

om ongoing therapy over several months or years.

Research shows that about 50% of people feel significant improvement within 15–20 sessions, but it’s important to go at your own pace. Your therapist will regularly check in with you to make sure the process feels helpful and aligns with your needs.

What are my other options if psychotherapy doesn’t feel right?

1. Talk to Your Doctor

Your family doctor can be a great starting point. They can assess your needs, provide guidance, and refer you to other resources, like psychiatrists or mental health clinics, if needed.

2. Support Groups

Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be really helpful. Many communities and organizations, like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), offer support groups for different mental health challenges.

3. Community Mental Health Services

These are free or low-cost services available in many parts of Canada. They often offer counseling, crisis intervention, and workshops to help you manage your mental health.

4. Online Tools and Apps

There are evidence-based apps and websites, like BounceBack (offered free in many provinces) or MindShift, that provide guided exercises and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

5. Medication

If you’re open to it, medication can be another option. Your doctor or psychiatrist can help you explore whether this might be a helpful part of your treatment plan.

6. Holistic Approaches

Sometimes, focusing on overall well-being can make a big difference. Activities like yoga, mindfulness meditation, exercise, or even breathwork can help reduce stress and improve your mental health.

7. Crisis Lines and Immediate Support

If you need help right away or feel overwhelmed, services like Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566) or local distress lines are available 24/7. They offer confidential support and can guide you toward further help.

Remember, everyone’s mental health journey is different, and it’s okay to try different things to find what works for you!

What is the payment process like?

There are two general payment options:

1. Pay automatically via credit card on file immediately following the session.

2. Pay by electronic money transfer (EMT/e-transfer) immediately following the session.

If you have any questions regarding this process; please bring them up at the initial consultation appointment for further discussion.

Am I able to use my insurance/benefits?

Psychotherapy may be covered under your mental health or general health benefits with your insurance or it may be covered through nursing specific benefits. Please discuss this directly with your insurance provider and bring any further clarifying questions to our initial consultation appointment. It should be noted that some insurance providers will not cover nursing services at all.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that life happens to all of us, and sometimes things do occur at the last minute that prevent us from upholding previous obligations. Please let us know with as much notice as possible if you need to change or cancel an appointment. If a change or cancellation is made with more than 24 hours notice, no fee will be applied. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours in advance or the client is a “no show”; the complete cost of the session will be charged to the credit card on file.