DBT is an intensive, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to support individuals experiencing multiple and complex challenges. Originally developed for people struggling with suicidal behaviour and borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been shown to be effective for a range of concerns, including trauma-related difficulties, substance use disorders, certain eating disorders, anger, and impulsivity. The model has also been adapted for adolescents and their families.

DBT helps clients build skills to increase awareness, regulate emotions more effectively, tolerate distress, and strengthen relationships. The treatment approach is structured, goal-oriented, and emphasizes a strong, collaborative partnership between client and therapist to support meaningful and lasting change.

CBT refers to a theoretical and treatment framework that has been applied to address a wide range of mental health concerns. Grounded in an evidence-based understanding of how our thoughts, emotions, physiological sensations, and behaviours interact with one another, CBT helps individuals identify patterns that keep them stuck and learn strategies to shift these patterns in meaningful ways.

CBT can effectively treat depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment is generally time-limited, typically lasting between 10 and 20 sessions, though this may vary depending on each individual’s needs and goals. A core aim of CBT is to empower you with practical tools to fundamentally shift unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, leading to meaningful and lasting improvements in daily functioning and quality of life.

Humanistic psychotherapies such as EFT or Client Centred Therapy focus on the client's experience and the therapeutic relationship rather than new information or skills.  In EFT clients are provided with a place to explore and deepen their emotional experiences. A core assumption in EFT is that all people have the capacity to flourish given the right circumstances.  This is a belief we share at VanPsych.

Dr. Lorne Korman, in collaboration with Dr. Karen Choi, has developed a specialized treatment for problem anger that integrates elements of DBT, EFT, and CBT. This innovative approach differs significantly from traditional anger management programs.

Problem anger can present in many forms. This treatment helps each individual identify their specific anger-related patterns and the factors that maintain them. The treatment provides tailored, evidence-informed skills that address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural processes that contribute to anger.

Anger therapy can be delivered through both individual and group therapy formats. The group setting has shown to be particularly effective, offering a supportive environment where participants can learn and practice skills, gain insight into their emotional processes, and make meaningful changes in how they understand and manage anger in daily life.

MBCT is a transformative approach that blends elements of cognitive therapy with the ancient practice of mindfulness. It was developed to help individuals who have experienced recurrent depression gain a deeper understanding of their thought patterns and emotional responses. Through mindfulness meditation and cognitive techniques, MBCT equips people with the skills to recognize and prevent the relapse of depression. MBCT is also offered in a group format.