Talk Therapy 101: What It Is and How It Helps

Emotional healing often begins with something simple but profound: a conversation. When life feels heavy, overwhelming, or unclear, having a safe space to name what’s going on can be the first step toward relief and change.

Talk therapy—also known as counselling or psychotherapy—is one of the most common and effective ways to support mental health. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck, therapy offers a collaborative space to explore your experiences, build new skills, and work toward emotional clarity and healing.

At Shoreline Counselling, we offer therapy both in person in Fort Langley and online, making support accessible wherever you are.

What Is Talk Therapy?

Talk therapy—also known as therapeutic counselling—is a collaborative process between you and a trained therapist. Through conversation, you’ll explore your emotions, behaviours, thought patterns, and life experiences to better understand yourself and work toward meaningful change.

There are many different styles of talk therapy, including approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, person-centred therapy and interpersonal therapy. Each one offers different tools and techniques, but all share a common goal: helping you move toward healing, clarity, and growth.

Talk therapy can be helpful for individuals, couples, and sometimes families, depending on what you’re needing support with.

4 Types of Talk Therapy

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that may be keeping you stuck.
It’s a structured, goal-oriented approach often used to treat anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional challenges. With CBT, you’ll learn practical strategies to shift your thinking, build healthier habits, and improve how you cope with life’s difficulties.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious patterns, past experiences, and emotional conflicts that may be influencing your current life.

This approach is often longer-term and reflective, helping you understand how your early relationships and life experiences shape the way you think, feel, and behave today.

By bringing hidden patterns into awareness, psychodynamic therapy can open the door to deeper healing and lasting change.

3. Person-Centred Therapy

Humanistic therapy focuses on self-exploration, personal growth, and the belief that you are the expert on your own life. In this approach, the therapist provides empathy, non-judgment, and unconditional support, creating a safe and accepting space where you can explore your feelings and experiences at your own pace.

The goal is to help you reconnect with your true self, values, and inner strengths, so you can live in a way that feels authentic, empowered, and meaningful.

4. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal Therapy focuses on improving communication and relationship skills to help you navigate life’s relational challenges more effectively. This approach is especially helpful when emotional struggles are connected to grief, life transitions, conflict, or changes in social roles.

IPT is often used to treat depression and anxiety, with the goal of helping you build healthier, more supportive connections with the people in your life.

How Talk Therapy Works

Starting therapy might feel daunting at first, but the process is designed to be supportive and collaborative.

It usually begins with an intake session, where you and your therapist get to know each other. You’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, your personal history, and what goals you’d like to work toward—whether that’s managing anxiety, healing from grief, improving relationships, or simply finding more clarity in life.

From there, you’ll meet regularly for sessions, where you’ll explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, confidential space. Therapy is client-centered, which means your therapist will adapt to your pace and needs. Some people come with specific goals in mind, while others are looking for a place to untangle what feels stuck or overwhelming.

Therapy can happen in person at our Fort Langley office or online—both formats are effective, and we’re happy to help you choose the option that feels right for you.

Benefits of Talk Therapy

Talk therapy offers a powerful opportunity to feel truly heard and understood, creating space to explore your emotions without judgment. This process helps you build self-awareness, recognize patterns, and develop healthier ways of coping with life’s stresses.

Therapeutic counselling supports long-term mental health by addressing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. Over time, regular therapy sessions can strengthen your ability to manage emotions, set boundaries, and communicate more effectively with others.

Ultimately, talk therapy nurtures emotional resilience, empowering you to face life’s ups and downs with greater clarity and confidence.

Common Myths About Talk Therapy

There are many misconceptions about therapy that can make people hesitate to reach out.

One common myth is that therapy is only for people with serious mental health problems. In reality, therapy is a valuable tool for anyone looking to grow, heal, or better understand themselves—whether you’re dealing with a crisis or simply want support navigating life’s everyday challenges.

Another myth is that “talking doesn’t change anything.” While it might sound simple, the conversations in therapy are purposeful and guided by evidence-based approaches designed to create real, lasting change.

Many people come to therapy not just for crisis intervention, but to deepen their self-awareness, improve relationships, and build skills for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

What to Expect When Talking to a Therapist

Therapy sessions are designed to be a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space where you can feel comfortable sharing at your own pace.

If it’s your first time, your therapist might start by asking questions about what brought you to therapy, your current feelings, and your goals. They may also explore your personal history to better understand your experiences. These questions help create a foundation for your work together.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure what to say—therapists are trained to guide the conversation gently and help you feel at ease, even when it feels difficult or new.

Sessions are collaborative: you’re in control of what you share, and no one will pressure you to talk about anything before you’re ready. Therapy is about supporting you in a way that feels safe and helpful.

What to Talk About in Therapy

In therapy, you can bring up whatever feels important to you. Common topics include stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, self-esteem, life transitions, and past experiences, but there are no limits—no issue is too big or too small.

You might want to explore feelings or situations that have been on your mind, or simply share what’s happening in your life. Therapy is a space to ask questions, set goals, or even talk through any confusion or uncertainty about the process itself.

Remember, your therapist is here to listen and support you with whatever you bring to the conversation.

Who Is Talk Therapy For?

Talk therapy is for everyone—no matter your age, gender, background, or life stage. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply want to better understand yourself, therapy can support you.

Therapeutic counselling helps with both acute issues, like a recent loss or crisis, and ongoing concerns, such as managing anxiety, navigating relationships, or coping with stress.

People who often benefit include teens, adults, couples, caregivers, professionals, and many others. If you’re curious about therapy, it’s likely a good fit for you.

Getting Started with Talk Therapy

Starting therapy is easier than you might think. First, find a therapist who feels like a good fit for you—this can be through recommendations, online searches, or referrals. Many therapists, including those at our clinic, offer a brief consultation to help you see if it’s the right match.

Once you find a provider, booking your first session is simple. It’s normal to feel a little nervous or unsure—remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.

Before your first session, you might find it helpful to think about what you’d like to focus on or any questions you have about therapy. But if you’re not sure, that’s perfectly okay too.

At our clinic, we offer flexible booking options and online appointments to make starting therapy accessible and convenient for you.