Message from the Director

Why in-person therapy still works—and what makes Leaside Therapy Centre different

It can feel overwhelming with all the choices out there when you’re looking for psychotherapy. From AI to online to in-person options, how do you even know which one is right for you? Well, you need to understand the differences first.

Here’s what I want you to know...

50%

By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.

Source: Canadian Mental Health Association
100%

Everyone has mental health and will experience challenges regarding their mental well-being, but not everyone will experience a mental illness.

Source: Canadian Mental Health Association
20%

Only 1 in 5 people with a mental health challenge will receive appropriate treatment, meaning 80% do not.

Source: Canadian Institute for Health Information

Hello

My name is Sheri Betel and I am the Director of the Leaside Therapy Centre. I am also a Registered Social Worker with a full time private practice. I have been practicing for 35 years and believe in the value of good psychotherapy. Being in the field for so long, I have a very good understanding of what makes for good psychotherapy and I want to give you the shortcut on how to become a more informed consumer. Let’s start with the different forms of therapy out there…

AI: what chatbots can't do

AI is amazing for a month's worth of library research in seconds—I wish it had been around when I was in grad school! It's fantastic for regurgitating information concisely. But when it comes to therapy, AI offers no real connection. It can't capture depth or nuance, and it certainly can't offer the true empathy of human feeling. That alone makes for a bad therapist.

Where it gets dangerous is there's no accountability. AI doesn't follow any rules or laws and could offer dangerous advice based on what you tell it. Experts across Canada agree: AI chatbots can steer people in the wrong direction due to a lack of nuance and privacy concerns. A human therapist might challenge you or tell you things you don't want to hear, but they'll always have your care and best interest at heart. So, AI can't replace humans... yet!

Online Therapy: Convenience with caveats

Now I'll be the first to admit, doing psychotherapy through a computer is almost the same as in-person psychotherapy and determined to be just as effective. But not every online therapy platform is created equally. Here I am referring to the big corporate type of online therapy companies. These companies offer services that:

  • Prioritize convenience over connection: An algorithm often sets you up with the next available counsellor who may or may not be experienced in the type of therapy or issues you want to address. Algorithms don’t understand “fit” thereby limiting your ability to build a personalized, long term relationship.
  • Are problem-oriented, not process-oriented: They focus on the immediate issues you present rather than exploring the deeper underlying causes for the problems you are experiencing.
  • They follow a brief treatment model: Sessions are typically limited to 6 or fewer, and the big corporate company dictates what model to use and how therapists should conduct therapy.

These can be a quick “band-aid” for a single, limited issue, but they often fall short on the personalized, in-depth care you deserve. The sheer convenience for client and therapist of online therapy means it is here to stay, but it does not mean you have to go with the big companies that do the best marketing.

Personalized Psychotherapy: The tried and true Connection

When I refer to personalized psychotherapy, I'm talking about a therapist you choose who has the training and experience to help you with your issues. This can be in person, online, or even over the phone—the key is the tailored, human approach.

This approach offers:

  • Tailored Support: Therapists with extensive training and experience can address complex, undefined issues, going beyond surface-level problems to explore core concerns.
  • Deep Processing: We create a safe space for silence and reflection, allowing for profound emotional processing. We notice what's unsaid, identify patterns, and gently challenge you when it's most beneficial.
  • In-the-Moment Support: By being truly present with you, we hold space for deep emotions and can help calm trauma and anxiety as it arises.

Decades of research have concluded that it's not about the model, it's about the connection. A solid feeling of connection and trust with your therapist is the best indicator for a successful psychotherapy outcome. This is the time-tested approach of psychotherapy that has been around for decades.

What Sets Leaside Therapy Centre Apart?

So, you’ve chosen the tried-and-true path of personalized psychotherapy. Now what? You’re likely looking online, inundated with hundreds of therapist names. How do you choose?

Leaside Therapy Centre is built on many years of experience. In fact combined, our therapists have hundreds of years of clinical expertise. I personally screen every therapist to ensure they have both excellent education and real-world experience, all while being accountable to a regulatory college. We’re a tight-knit team, not just individual practices, collaborating to provide the most comprehensive and trusted care possible—truly the “Cadillac of therapy” you can rely on.

Our commitment to your emotional well-being

At Leaside Therapy Centre, we take immense pride in cultivating a team of dedicated professionals who embody our core values. We don’t bring on any therapist to fill office spaces; we endeavour to ensure you receive top-tier therapy care through:

Expertly vetted therapists

I personally screen everyone who works with us. Every therapist must have the right education and experience to belong to a regulatory college, ensuring accountability and adherence to professional standards.

A collaborative community

We operate as a cohesive group of enthusiastic therapists who collaborate, rather than compete. I strive to support our therapists as much as our clients, ensuring your therapist is always at their best for you.

Comprehensive care

As a team, we share support, insights, and expertise with each other. We also network to offer you all the therapy you might need in one place, streamlining your journey to well-being.

Sheri Betel, Director, MSW, RSW Psychotherapist

A Final Thought from Sheri

Whether you're reaching out for the first time or trying therapy again, I want you to know that you're not alone. My goal with Leaside Therapy Centre has always been to create a space where you can feel genuinely heard and supported. We've done the work to ensure you're in good hands—because you deserve care that goes beyond just showing up.

– Sheri Betel, MSW, RSW
Director, Leaside Therapy Centre

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