What is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a professionally trained individual who has the skills and training necessary to assess, diagnose and treat mental health issues. Psychologists are registered, regulated, and licensed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) and practice psychology under the framework of the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).

To be registered as a psychologist in the Province of Ontario an individual must have a doctorate degree in psychology or its equivalent. In addition to this degree, he or she must pass professional examinations, complete a one-year supervised internship, and agree to follow ethical codes and standards of practice.

What is the difference between a Psychologist, a Psychiatrist, and a Psychotherapist?

Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology that includes approximately 5000 hours of clinical training and specialization in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of human emotion, thought, and behaviour. They have advanced training in counselling, psychotherapy, psychological testing, and the science of behaviour change. Psychologists are the only professionals qualified to use certain kinds of psychological tests to assess intelligence, emotional and behavioural problems, and neuropsychological dysfunction. Psychologist’s fees are covered by private payment, extended medical plans, employee assistance programs, and through government agencies or other special programs. In Ontario, the College of Psychologists of Ontario licenses Psychologists.

Psychiatrists obtain a degree in medicine and then take specialized training in psychiatry, which generally refers to the study, assessment, and treatment of emotional and behavioural problems. Their treatment of choice is most often pharmacotherapy (medication), often augmented by psychotherapy. Psychiatrist’s fees are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (O.H.I.P.). In Ontario, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario licenses psychiatrists.

Psychotherapists have varied types of training and levels of experience. They are regulated in the province of Ontario. They treat, by means of psychotherapy, an individuals mental and emotional problems. Psychotherapist’s fees are covered by private payment and some extended medical plans. In Ontario, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario licenses psychotherapists.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy involves personal engagement in a process of exploration of various painful personal issues, emotional problems, physical symptoms and relationship dysfunction by means of verbal and non-verbal communication, rather than with the use of medications or physical interventions.

Psychotherapy may be performed by practitioners with a number of different qualifications, including psychologists, psychotherapists, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatrists.

What is our approach to psychotherapy?

Our approach at Dr. Lisa Berger & Associates is based on our respect for individuals and our belief that each person is capable of solving problems in their own unique way. We provide a process, skills, tools and support with which to do this. Our team of trained professionals will encourage and support you to trust in your own natural healing ability and to learn how to process through your feelings.

Many people are cut off from themselves and their feelings, making them feel less human and less alive. Our emotions provide us with valuable information about who we are, where we come from, and how we wish to be. When we experience any kind of trauma it impacts our ability to deal with our emotions and to find and implement healthy ways of facing our problems.

Psychotherapy involves more than insight and understanding; its purpose is to enable you to feel, connect and integrate life experiences whose feeling content has been split off from your awareness. This brings about an internal shift that results in relief from intense negative feelings and destructive behaviour. In therapy you learn a new way to connect to yourself and know yourself, which you will then continue to use to achieve clarity throughout your life.

We believe that as you work through your difficulties you can become more assertive, self-honouring and appropriately reactive and that you can develop steady self-respect as you connect with your own truth.