Positive Psychology in Therapy
Reconnect with what matters to you.
Life can feel flat or disconnected even when you are keeping up with everyday responsibilities. Positive psychology explores strengths, connection and meaning. In therapy, we can begin with what feels difficult and what you would like more room for in your life.
In-person therapy in London and Burlington, with online therapy across Ontario and phone appointments.
Making room for activities that feel meaningful to you.
What is positive psychology?
Positive psychology is a research field exploring what supports well-being, including strengths, relationships, purpose and engagement. Ideas from this field can inform a broader therapy approach alongside work on distress and everyday difficulties.
One framework, PERMA, explores positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment. What each area means to you depends on your life, values and circumstances.
When might these ideas be useful?
These ideas may be relevant when you want to explore direction, self-understanding or connection. You can bring those goals to therapy alongside anxiety, low mood or other concerns.
Finding direction after a change
When a role, relationship or routine changes, questions about meaning can become more noticeable. Exploring what matters now may help you consider a manageable next step.
Feeling worn down by work
You might want to understand which activities engage you and where your energy goes. With stress counselling, there can also be room to discuss demands, limits and support.
Struggling to see your strengths
When self-criticism is loud, it can be difficult to recognize what you bring to a situation. Looking at specific actions and past coping can offer a more balanced picture.
Wanting more connection
You may be hoping for closer relationships or a greater sense of belonging. Reflecting on support, shared experiences and what connection means to you can help clarify that goal.
What can positive psychology exercises look like?
These examples illustrate ways to explore strengths, meaning and connection. Choose something that feels manageable, and notice how it fits your life.
Recognizing a strength
Think of a recent difficult moment. What did you actually do to get through it? Asking for help, being persistent or noticing a limit can be useful starting points.
Noticing a supportive moment
Notice one small moment of comfort, interest or support. It might be a conversation, a piece of music or time spent outdoors.
Choosing a meaningful step
Identify something you care about and a small action that fits your current capacity. The action might be returning to a hobby, spending time outside or contacting someone you trust.
Making room for connection
Consider a relationship that feels supportive. Think about a small way to connect, such as sharing a meal, taking a walk or sending an honest check-in.
A hypothetical example: Someone who has stopped painting during a stressful period might choose ten minutes with their sketchbook. The aim could be to reconnect with something they care about, without judging the result or expecting it to change their mood immediately.
What if an exercise feels forced or unhelpful?
You can say so. Grief, depression or exhaustion can make gratitude and achievement exercises feel out of reach. Therapy can make room for pain, anger and uncertainty, and for talking about what kind of support would be useful.
Your circumstances matter too. Workload, finances, discrimination and relationship safety may call for practical changes or additional support. An exercise should not add pressure to put a positive spin on what you are facing.
What starting therapy can involve
1. Get acquainted
A free, obligation-free 10-minute consultation gives you a chance to ask questions and discuss whether a therapist’s services fit what you are looking for.
2. Start with what you can share
You can begin with a current difficulty, a question or something you hope will change. You do not need to have everything clearly defined or share your heaviest experiences straight away.
3. Discuss a direction together
Therapy is collaborative. We can talk about your concerns and goals, and you can ask how the therapist’s approach relates to what you want help with.
You do not need to choose a named approach first. CBT and ACT are two approaches offered within our practice. Your consultation is a chance to ask which options fit your needs.
Meet our therapists
Our individual therapy services offer space to explore difficulties, understand yourself and discuss what matters to you. Read about each therapist below, or ask us for help choosing.
Hannah Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Hannah’s primary approach is psychodynamic therapy, which may appeal if you want to understand recurring feelings or relationship patterns. Her work includes young adults experiencing anxiety, stress and relationship concerns. She also offers CBT and ACT.
London: 659 Central Ave, Suite 15. Free parking. London office details.
Hailey Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Hailey offers individual counselling with a focus on trauma and anxiety. Her training includes ACT, which considers values and responses to difficult experiences, and trauma-focused therapy. She also uses DBT-informed tools.
Burlington: 582 Guelph Line. Free parking. Burlington office details.
Both clinicians offer online therapy across Ontario and phone appointments. You can ask either therapist how your goals fit with the way they work.
Fees, insurance and planning your care
Your 10-minute consultation is free. Ongoing therapy sessions are paid appointments. Check the current fee and session length for the service you are considering, and ask your insurer whether your plan covers a Registered Psychotherapist.
View current therapy fees and insurance information
We can provide receipts for eligible insurance reimbursement. Your insurer can confirm the coverage, limits and requirements that apply to your plan.
Questions about positive psychology and therapy
Let’s find a starting point
If you would like support with what feels difficult or what feels missing, we can begin with a conversation. Book a free, obligation-free 10-minute consultation to get acquainted and ask about working together.
Prefer to ask a question first?
Use the form below to ask about a therapist, location or appointment format. A brief message is enough; you do not need to include a detailed personal history. Sending an inquiry does not reserve an appointment.
Further reading
The Canadian Positive Psychology Association explains the distinction between positive psychology as a research field and treatment for psychological disorders. The University of Pennsylvania’s PERMA overview describes its five areas of well-being.