THERAPY APPROACHES
Types of Therapy & Therapeutic Approaches
In-person counselling in London and Burlington, with online therapy across Ontario.
Explore different ways of working in therapy, from structured approaches like CBT and ACT to relational, mindfulness-based and insight-oriented approaches. You do not need to choose a model before reaching out.
CHOOSING AN APPROACH
How Therapy Approaches Differ
A therapeutic approach is a framework a therapist may use to understand what is happening and decide how to work with you. It is different from the therapy service you choose, such as individual, couples or family therapy.
There is no single model that fits every person or concern. CAMH notes that psychotherapy includes several models and that a supportive, comfortable relationship with a trusted therapist is important. A useful starting point is to think about your goals, preferences and therapist fit rather than trying to select the perfect acronym on your own.
01
Start with what you want help with
Your goals and the patterns affecting daily life can help shape which methods are worth considering.
02
Notice how you like to work
Some people value structure and practice between sessions. Others prefer more exploratory or relationship-focused conversations.
03
Consider the therapist relationship
Feeling able to ask questions, disagree, and talk openly with your therapist matters alongside the approach itself.
04
Keep practical needs in view
Location, online access, scheduling preferences and the type of therapy service you need can all affect the fit.
You do not need to choose a modality before booking. Your therapist can explain the approaches they are trained to use, why a particular method may be relevant, and how the plan can change as your goals become clearer.
EXPLORE THE OPTIONS
Explore Therapy Approaches
These short introductions are designed to help you compare approaches without turning this page into sixteen separate treatment guides. Choose any approach to learn more about how it is understood and what the work may involve.
JUMP TO AN APPROACH
01
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT looks at connections among thoughts, emotions, physical responses and behaviour. Work may include noticing patterns, testing assumptions and trying practical strategies.
02
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on making room for difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions guided by personal values. It often uses mindfulness and acceptance skills to support psychological flexibility.
03
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is a relationship-focused approach that pays attention to emotional patterns, connection and attachment needs. It is commonly used in couples work and related relational contexts.
04
Attachment-Based Therapy
Attachment-informed work explores patterns around trust, closeness, support and boundaries in present relationships, sometimes considering earlier experiences when relevant. It is a broad perspective rather than a diagnosis.
05
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines behavioural strategies with mindfulness and acceptance skills. Common DBT skill areas include emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness.
06
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
MBCT combines cognitive therapy ideas with mindfulness practice to help people notice thoughts and feelings without automatically reacting to them.
07
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
SFBT keeps attention on goals, exceptions and workable next steps. It is future-focused and draws on existing strengths and resources.
08
Strengths-Based Therapy
A strengths-based approach starts with abilities, resources, values and past successes, using them as part of how difficulties and goals are understood.
09
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores emotions, relationships and recurring patterns, including how past experiences may connect with present life. Insight and the therapeutic relationship can both be part of the work.
10
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy looks at how stories about ourselves and our experiences shape meaning. It can help separate a person from a problem and make room for preferred ways of understanding their life.
11
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT uses compassion-focused ideas and practices to explore shame, harsh self-criticism and difficult emotions with a kinder and more balanced response.
12
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS uses parts language to explore different internal experiences and protective responses with curiosity. It is an internal psychological model, not a form of family therapy.
13
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT is a structured approach that focuses on current relationships, social roles, life transitions and interpersonal difficulties.
14
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative conversational approach for exploring mixed feelings about change and strengthening a person’s own reasons for moving forward.
15
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology draws attention to strengths, meaning, engagement and well-being alongside problems that need attention.
16
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Trauma-focused therapy is a broad description for therapy that deliberately addresses trauma-related experiences using methods matched to the person and the therapist’s training. It is not one single treatment.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
You Can Start With Your Goals, Not a Therapy Acronym
A free consultation gives you a chance to briefly describe what is bringing you to therapy, ask about therapist fit and hear what options are available. We can start with your goals and talk through which approaches may be relevant.
MEET THE TEAM
Meet Our Therapists
The approach matters, but so does the person you work with. Hannah and Hailey each bring their own confirmed approaches and training, so the consultation can also be used to ask which therapist may be a better fit for your goals and preferred location.
LONDON, ONTARIO
Hannah Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Psychodynamic therapy is Hannah’s primary approach. She also offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Attachment-Based Therapy.
Hannah offers in-person appointments in London, along with online therapy across Ontario and phone appointments.
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
Hailey Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Hailey’s profile identifies specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and trauma-focused therapy, along with trauma-informed expertise. EFT is a listed therapeutic approach, and she also uses DBT-informed tools.
Hailey offers in-person appointments in Burlington, along with online therapy across Ontario and phone appointments.
IN-PERSON & ONLINE OPTIONS
Therapy in London, Burlington and Online Across Ontario
Choose the format that fits where you live and how you prefer to meet. Location and therapist availability are separate from choosing a therapeutic approach.
LONDON
In-Person Counselling in London
Hannah Steyaert practices from our London office at 659 Central Ave, Suite 15. Free parking is available.
BURLINGTON
In-Person Counselling in Burlington
Hailey Steyaert practices from our Burlington office at 582 Guelph Line. Free parking is available.
ACROSS ONTARIO
Online Therapy Across Ontario
Both therapists offer online therapy across Ontario. Phone appointments are also available if that format suits your needs.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About Therapy Approaches
You do not need to understand all of the terminology before reaching out. These answers cover practical questions that can make the choice feel simpler.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation
A free consultation gives you a chance to ask questions, talk briefly about what brings you to therapy and consider whether the available therapist, location and approach options feel like a good fit.
Use the booking page to review the available consultation options before confirming.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Contact Us Before Booking
If you are unsure which therapist, location or approach to start with, send us a general inquiry below. You do not need to include a detailed personal or clinical history in your first message. Sending an inquiry does not reserve an appointment.
Prefer to call? London and general inquiries: 226-970-2861 | Burlington: 647-970-1790