Therapeutic Approaches

There are more than 400 different approaches to psychotherapy, and it can be difficult to know which one will work best for you. While many approaches have been carefully studied in clinical trials and shown to help people make meaningful changes, no single treatment works for everyone or every concern.

At FSP, our practitioners and counsellors are trained in a range of evidence-based approaches so we can tailor therapy to your unique needs. Different therapeutic styles focus on different aspects of experience—such as thoughts, emotions, behaviours, body sensations, perceptions, and relationships. At FSP, we integrate both top-down (insight-based) and bottom-up (body-based) approaches to support healing. Below is a brief overview of some of the scientifically supported therapies used at FSP.

Psychodynamic and Attachment Therapy

These therapies explore how your past and present relationships shape the way you think, feel, and relate to yourself and others today. In therapy, we look at patterns in emotions, thoughts, and behaviours—especially within important relationships—to better understand your experiences. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, these approaches work to uncover and heal the deeper relationship patterns that may be contributing to your challenges.

Emotion- Focused Therapy

This approach helps clients access and better understand their emotional experiences. In therapy, we explore emotions—both your own and those that arise within important relationships—as a pathway to meaningful change.

Sometimes the emotions we show on the surface can mask deeper, more helpful feelings underneath. By gently exploring these deeper emotions, therapy can help clarify your needs, boundaries, and goals, and support the development of healthier, more secure relationships.

Somatic & Body-Based Therapy

These approaches recognize that stress, trauma, and difficult experiences can be held not only in our thoughts and emotions, but also in our nervous system and physical sensations. In therapy, we gently explore body awareness—such as sensations, breathing, posture, and nervous system responses—to support regulation, safety, and healing. By working with the body, these approaches help shift people out of trauma patterns, and increase resilience.

Existential- Humanistic Therapy

These therapies support clients in exploring deeper meaning and increasing self-awareness. They focus on helping people better understand their thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences in the present moment. Treatment aims to create a safe space to explore feelings, remove blocks to emotional expression, and reconnect with your inner sense of direction and authenticity. Greater self-awareness is viewed as a powerful driver of growth and change.

Internal Family Systems Therapy

This approach is a compassionate, parts-based approach that helps people understand the different “parts” of themselves. These parts often develop to protect us from pain or difficult experiences. In therapy, we work to build a supportive relationship with these parts and access your core Self—the calm, curious, and compassionate centre within you. As parts feel understood and supported, they can release old burdens and allow for greater balance, healing, and self-leadership.

FSP Worksheets and Resource Sheets

Shame Worksheet

Couple's Therapy Worksheet

Emotions Worksheet

Self-Compassion Worksheet

Informative Videos

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