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Now offering virtual services across Ontario

Individual Therapy

A dedicated space for you to slow down, be heard, and work through what’s holding you back with a licensed professional who gets it.

INSURANCE ACCEPTED | FLEXIBLE RATES

what is individual therapy

Why Individual Therapy Matters for Your Well-Being

One-on-one care, built entirely around you “Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about understanding yourself deeply enough to live more freely.” Individual therapy is a private, one-on-one relationship between you and a licensed therapist. Unlike group settings, every session is focused entirely on your experiences, your patterns, and your goals.

At McDowall, we use an integrative approach drawing from evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, somatic techniques, and psychodynamic work. We adapt the approach to you, not the other way around. Whether you’re navigating a specific challenge or looking for deeper self-understanding, individual therapy creates the conditions for real, lasting change.
WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT

Is It Right For Me?

You don’t need to be in crisis. Many of our clients start therapy when life is manageable but something feels off.

Anxiety & Worry

Excessive worry and anxious thoughts

Depression & Low Mood

Persistent sadness and lack of motivation

Stress & Burnout

Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted

Relationship Challenges

Difficulties in personal connections

Life Transitions

Career changes and major life shifts

Trauma & Past Experiences

Processing difficult memories

Self-Esteem & Confidence

Building self-worth and confidence

Grief & Loss

Coping with loss and change

YOUR THERAPY JOURNEY

What to Expect in Therapy

At McDowall, our licensed couples therapists use proven methods such as the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help you and your partner
HOW THERAPY HELPS

How Individual Therapy Supports Your Well-Being

Individual therapy can positively impact many areas of your life. Our therapists help you develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and practical coping strategies for meaningful personal growth and resilience building.

Featured Therapist

Find My Therapist

Browse our experienced therapists and find the right fit for you.

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH

Where are you right now in your mental health?

Everyone’s mental health exists on a continuum. Individual therapy can provide therapeutic support at any point along this journey, from crisis intervention to personal development and ongoing psychological support.

Surviving

Getting through each day takes effort. You may be in pain, shutdown, or barely holding it together.

Therapy can help you stabilize →

Struggling

You're functioning, but something feels off. Stuck patterns, low mood, or a background hum of anxiety.

Therapy can help you find traction →

Thriving

Life is good, but you want to go deeper build resilience, strengthen relationships, grow as a person.

Therapy can help you go further →

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Our Individual counselling in Toronto is available both at our clinic and online across Toronto and Ontario. With flexible scheduling and secure video sessions, support is always within reach.

In-Person session available

COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS

Virtual vs In-Person Individual Therapy

Both formats offer effective, professional care. Choose what works best for your lifestyle and preferences.

Flexibility & Convenience

Face-to-Face Connection

No Travel Required

Access to Specialists Anywhere in Ontario

Private Home Environment

Physical Presence & Body Language

Easy Scheduling

Confidential & Secure

Evidence-Based Effectiveness

WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT

Why Choose McDowall for Individual Therapy

We provide professional mental health counselling services with registered psychotherapists and psychologists serving Ontario through evidence-based, integrative care.

Experienced & Compassionate Therapists

Our team brings decades of combined expertise in mental health care

Evidence-Based Treatment

Using proven psychological approaches backed by research

Integrative Approach

Holistic care that considers all aspects of your wellbeing

Personalized Matching

Our intake team helps match you with the right therapist

Confidential & Professional

Safe, private environment for your mental health journey

Flexible Options

Virtual therapy across Ontario and in-person at select locations

Common Therapy Myths vs Reality

Common Individual Therapy Myths vs Reality

Some things people believe about therapy that aren’t true and what is.

“Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness”

Most clients are high-functioning people who want to break stuck patterns and understand themselves better.
” You’ll have to talk about your childhood every session.”
We work on what matters to you — past or present — guided entirely by your goals and pace.
” Therapy takes years before you see any results.”
Many clients notice meaningful shifts within 6–8 sessions with focused, integrative work.
” Talking about your problems makes them worse.”
With the right therapist, structured exploration reduces the emotional weight of difficult experiences.
OUR PROCESS

Our Integrative Approach to Individual Therapy

We take comprehensive approach to evaluating your physical and psychological concerns.
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Book Consultation

Contact us to book an appointment that works for you. 

Complete Intake Process

Complete consent form and intake before your appointment.

Attend Your Appointment

Attend in-person or virtually to begin your private session
Our Blog

Featured Articles

Insightful reads on mental health, relationships, and personal growth.
FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OHIP cover therapy in Ontario?
OHIP does not cover individual therapy with a psychologist or psychotherapist. However, most extended health benefit plans — including Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, and Blue Cross — cover registered psychologists and psychotherapists. We provide official receipts for direct submission to your insurer. If your therapy relates to a motor vehicle accident, it may be covered under your auto insurance SABS benefit.
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials — it’s about fit. Our intake team matches you based on your specific concerns, communication style, identity, and scheduling needs. We offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can get a feel for the fit before committing. If it isn’t right, we’ll rematch you — no pressure, no awkwardness.
Most clients begin to notice meaningful shifts within 6–8 sessions of focused work. Some find what they need in 10–12 sessions. Others continue longer for deeper personal growth or complex trauma work. Your therapist will review progress with you regularly, and you’re always in control of the pace and duration.
Yes — McDowall offers virtual therapy to anyone in Ontario, including Ottawa, Hamilton, Kingston, London, and across the GTA. Our secure, PHIPA-compliant video platform works on any device. Many clients switch freely between virtual and in-person depending on their week. No commute, no waiting room — just your session, wherever you are.
Your first session is a relaxed, conversational intake — not a test and not a crisis assessment. Your therapist will ask about what brought you in, your background, and your goals. You don’t need to have it all figured out. By the end you’ll have a clear sense of what working together could look like and whether the fit feels right.
Session fees vary by practitioner. Registered psychologists typically range from $180–$250/session; registered psychotherapists are often more accessible. We offer a free 15-minute consultation before any financial commitment. Most extended health plans cover a portion or all of the cost — check your benefits for “psychologist” or “psychotherapist” coverage.
Yes. Therapy is strictly confidential under Ontario privacy law (PHIPA). Narrow exceptions exist — such as imminent risk of harm to yourself or another person, or disclosure of abuse involving a child. Your therapist will explain the full limits of confidentiality in your first session so you know exactly where you stand.
Yes. Psychological therapy after a motor vehicle accident is typically covered under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) through your auto insurer. McDowall specializes in MVA-related therapy and assessment, including OCF-18 treatment plans. We can help navigate the claims process and coordinate with your insurer where appropriate.

Individual Virtual Therapy Across Ontario

We offer secure virtual therapy for clients across Ontario. This allows you to access professional support from the comfort and privacy of your home.