What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a structured yet compassionate process that involves the assessment and treatment of patterns related to thinking, mood, emotional regulation, and behaviour – all within a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Psychotherapy is not about being fixed…it’s about being seen, heard, and understood in a way that may not have been possible before. Within a secure and supportive therapeutic relationship, we explore the patterns, beliefs, and parts of self that developed in response to your experiences and begin building new ways of relating to yourself and others. This is where meaningful change begins.

My Therapeutic Approach

I take an integrative and collaborative approach to psychotherapy, drawing from several evidence-based modalities to meet your unique needs. This includes Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI), among others. Rather than applying one model rigidly, I tailor our work together based on your goals, experiences, and the patterns that feel most present in your life; our work is client-centered, meaning you remain the expert of your own lived experience. My practice is guided by curiosity, compassion, and practical skill-building.

Some sessions may focus on understanding protective parts of you, while others may involve exploring relational patterns, building emotional regulation skills, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, or clarifying motivation for change. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all — it is responsive, relational, and shaped by what feels most supportive for you in each season.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    IFS understands the mind as made up of different parts, each with protective intentions. Rather than trying to eliminate these parts, we approach them with curiosity and compassion, helping your inner system feel more balanced and led by your calm, authentic self.

  • Emotionally Focused / Attachment-Based Therapy

    Attachment-based approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), focus on how our early relational experiences shape the way we connect with ourselves and others. Often, beneath anxiety, conflict, or withdrawal is a deeper longing to feel safe, seen, and secure. In therapy, we slow down emotional experiences and explore the patterns that keep you feeling stuck. By strengthening emotional awareness and creating new experiences of safety in relationship, meaningful change becomes possible.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, or self-doubt. Together, we examine the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions, and gently challenge patterns that no longer serve you.

  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

    Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) focuses on building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT recognizes that two things can be true at once: you are doing the best you can, and you can learn new ways of responding. This approach is especially helpful for managing intense emotions, impulsivity, or relationship challenges, while cultivating greater balance and stability.

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

    Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative and non-judgmental approach that supports you in exploring ambivalence and strengthening your own motivation for change. Rather than being told what to do, you are guided to clarify what matters most to you. MI is particularly helpful when navigating substance use, behavioural change, or life transitions, and honours your autonomy throughout the process.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences, especially early relationships, influence current thoughts, emotions, and relational patterns. By increasing awareness of unconscious patterns and recurring themes, we can better understand why certain dynamics continue to show up. This deeper insight often creates space for new choices, greater self-understanding, and lasting change.

  • Narrative Therapy

    Narrative therapy separates you from the problem and explores the stories you carry about yourself. Together, we highlight strengths and re-author narratives in ways that feel more empowering and aligned.

Individual Psychotherapy Sessions

50-Minute Clinical Session

A 50 minute session focused on exploring current concerns, building insight, and developing practical strategies for change. This format allows for consistent, steady therapeutic work and is the most common session length.

$160.00

75-Minute Clinical Session

A 75-minute session offers additional time to process complex experiences, engage in deeper trauma or attachment work, or address multiple concerns without feeling rushed. This option can be especially helpful during periods of transition or intensive therapeutic work.

$240.00

100-Minute Clinical Session

A 100-minute session provides space for more in-depth exploration and structured therapeutic interventions. Intensive sessions may be beneficial for trauma processing, significant life decisions, relapse prevention planning, or when focused, immersive support is needed.

$320.00

I offer sliding scale fees to increase accessibility to my psychotherapy services. Please reach out to discuss reduced fee options. Your well-being is my priority.

Session Format: Virtual

At this time, all sessions at Michelle Farmer Psychotherapy are conducted virtually using a secure, PHIPA-compliant video platform and electronic record-keeping system. Your privacy and confidentiality are a priority, and all technology used meets Ontario’s standards for protecting personal health information.

 

Michelle is also available for in-person sessions at Nourished Mind Psychotherapy in the Beaches - Toronto, Ontario.

Address: 1860 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M4L 1H1

Book a free consultation