Montreal Therapy Centre

Montreal Therapy Centre Professional counselling and psychotherapy services in Montreal Since that time, our team has expanded to include over 35 professionals. Services

1. Art Therapy.

https://linktr.ee/montrealtherapycentre

The Montreal Therapy Centre was founded in 2003 with the aim to provide high-quality psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, and families, at affordable rates. Our therapists come from diverse backgrounds and have completed high levels of training in a variety of specialties including marital and family therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, crisis c

ounselling, addictions, child and adolescent psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Presently, we offer services in English, French, Spanish, Dutch and Arabic. The Montreal Therapy Centre is centrally located at the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex in NDG. We are easily accessible by public transit. We offer daytime, evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule. At the Montreal Therapy Centre, we are committed to working collaboratively with you to help you achieve your goals. We would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about our services by phone at (514) 244-1290 or by email. Working With Us

At the Montreal Therapy Centre, we believe difficult life situations can provide a unique opportunity for personal growth and change. We view therapy as an experience through which you can build on existing strengths, develop new tools for approaching old problems in a new way, and learn life-long skills that can keep you focused on achieving your goals. We also believe that the conditions for self-exploration and change are created through a collaborative working relationship between you and your therapist. At the Montreal Therapy Centre, we assume all individuals, couples and families have the capacity for growth and transformation. Therefore, it is our aim to create an environment that allows our clients to identify and utilize their natural strengths. When you decide to work with a therapist at the Montreal Therapy Centre, you will visit our office for an initial meeting. Together with your therapist, you will discuss your current situation and identify key issues. Your therapist will begin to design a treatment plan and together you will decide the direction therapy will take. Through a series of regularly scheduled sessions with your therapist, you will work towards accomplishing your goals. Our aim is to work with you to create lasting change. Individual Therapy. Individual therapy can be helpful for a variety of issues. Therapy can provide you with an opportunity for personal growth and exploration, assist you with improving coping strategies to manage stress, depression and anxiety, and help you develop new tools for relationships and parenting. Individual therapy has been successful in assisting
with the following areas:
-Relationships
-Personal growth
-Career guidance
-Addictions
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Eating disorders
-Grief and loss
-Developing more effective parenting strategies
-Improving communication skills

At the Montreal Therapy Centre, individual therapy is a collaborative partnership. You and your therapist will work together in an effort to resolve the situation which brought you to seek help. Your therapist is interested in understanding your particular situation and the feelings involved which may be causing discomfort and difficulty. The Montreal Therapy Centre has many well-trained therapists who have experience assisting individuals to cope with their feelings, personal relationship difficulties, and work related issues.

2. Couples Therapy. What is Couples Therapy? Couples therapy provides couples with the opportunity to meet and discuss their issues with a professional trained in relationship matters. Common issues that bring couples to therapy include communication difficulties, intimacy, infidelity, anger, parenting, and pre-marital counselling. What to Expect:
In the first sessions, you and your partner will meet with the couples therapist to discuss the current difficulties you are experiencing in your relationship. Other topics that may be explored would include family history, relationship history, as well as goals for and expectations from the therapy. Together with your therapist, you will develop a plan to begin working towards resolving your conflict. Your couples therapist will look for:
-The negative interactional patterns that you are experiencing
-Explore the underlying emotions that may be preventing you from moving forward
-Facilitate a new awareness and understanding of these patterns
-Assist you in developing a new, more satisfying way of interacting with deeper communication and increased intimacy

Our Couples Therapists
Our couples therapists have specialized in post-graduate training in marital and family therapy. We are committed to fostering an open and unbiased environment wherein a variety of relationship issues can be delved into with respect, understanding and empathy. We welcome couples from all backgrounds, married and unmarried, as well as LGBT couples.

3. Family Therapy. Family therapy can help your family to learn better ways to interact and communicate with each other and resolve conflicts. Family Therapy may address:
-Parenting
-Step-parenting
-Blended families
-Coping with teenagers
-Difficulties with communication
-Family conflict
-Parent-child relationships
-Parent-teen relationships
-Grief
-Divorce
-Managing a child with disabilities

All families encounter a variety of stressors as its members grow and develop. At times, these growing pains may become more serious and you may want to consult a professional. Family therapy is based upon the belief that the behaviour of the individual is influenced and maintained by interactions with other important figures in their lives. Effective family therapy can result in deep and lasting changes for individual members as well as for the entire family unit. Family therapy is intended to identify conflicts and set specific goals for resolving them. Therapy usually explores family roles, rules, goals, and stages of development in order to target issues that may contribute to conflict and stress. It may address the family’s behavioural patterns, their ability to solve problems, and their ability to express emotions and communicate with one another. Therapy addresses family strengths as well as weaknesses.

4. Services for Children and Adolescents. Therapy with children and adolescents can
address such issues as:
-Learning Disabilities
-Grief
-Separation and Divorce
-Eneurisis / Encopresis
-Abuse
-Trauma
-Loss
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Eating Disorders
-ADHD
-Self-Esteem
-Behavioural Disorders

Generally children go through sporadic distresses and problems as they grow. It is common for a child to experience emotional ups and downs, especially if faced with new situations, demands and expectations. Certain reactions can be brief and may resolve themselves over time. However, sometimes a child’s reaction to life’s stresses may become extreme, and the parents’ efforts to help may be unsuccessful. At such times, professional consultation may be required. Adolescence can be a demanding and difficult time with new responsibilities and pressures. During this time often the whole family can feel off balance. Seeking help can assist in restoring that balance. For teens, most conflicts have to do with differences between family members or issues over the expectations of parents. The aim in therapy is to help the teen become skilled at expressing their needs and desires in ways that are constructive for the teen and in turn positive for the whole family. Adolescents are often reluctant to attend therapy for a number of reasons; they regularly distrust anything their parents recommend, they often feel that going to therapy means that they are crazy, some think the therapist will tell them what to do, while others are afraid they may run into someone they know and thus be shamed. Early involvement is essential to successful intervention. The most important thing is to not remain isolated in your struggle with your child/adolescent. How does a parent know when it is time to seek professional assistance for their child/adolescent?
-If the emotional distress is getting in the way of daily functioning
-If the problem seems to inundate and overwhelm the child/adolescent
-If the issue impedes achieving developmental milestones

Therapists who have specialized training with children and adolescents possess particular knowledge and skills that allow them to recognize problem behaviors and devise suitable interventions in a non-threatening environment. Therapy may be helpful to youth in a variety of ways for example; in providing emotional support, addressing the resolution of conflicts, and the exploration of new solutions to old problems. A therapist trained to work with children/adolescents and families can develop individualized treatment plans appropriate to the specific needs of their client. As an alternative to talk therapy many young people have expressed feeling more comfortable with art or other expressive therapies. The feelings of pride, power and control for a young child provide a compelling incentive to create. It is therapeutic for a child to be given the opportunity to be in control and independent. When doing art the child can create situations where s/he makes the rules, sets the limits, and commands his/her space. Using metaphoric art as part of the mastery process, most children feel empowered in this role and receive enormous benefits as a result. Often children’s artwork reveals how they view themselves and the significant relationships within their families. For adolescents it is generally more difficult to verbalize certain emotions. They are often overwhelmed and even confused by the many complex feelings that emerge as they approach adulthood. Therefore, for some adolescents “talk therapy” is not as successful as expressive therapies. For both children and adolescents art can be used to;
-Elicit verbalization
-Aid self-expression
-Explore feelings (especially with metaphors & symbols)
-Concretize desires
-Reveal scary feelings or secrets
-Increase self esteem
-Teach limit-setting

Will a therapist keep secrets from me about my child? For both children and adolescents, parents should obtain some feedback from the therapist about his or her assessment of the child. The therapist should share concerns about the child and offer methods or techniques to improve difficult relationships between parent and child. Regarding adolescents, the question of what information is shared with the parents and what information is confidential is carefully worked out with all concerned.

5. Art Therapy can help you with:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Grief
-Chronic pain
-Addictions
-Anger
-Self-esteem issues body image
-Relational issues
-Abuse issues
-Stress
-Eating issues
-Or an issue unique to your own life experience

What is Art Therapy? Art therapy is a unique branch of psychotherapy which involves the use of art materials for self-expression and reflection. Clients utilize a wide array of art media such as paint, charcoal, pastels and clay to create images of personal significance. These images are then discussed and explored in the presence of a trained art therapist. Often, through the exploration of these images, powerful feelings are evoked, and new insights attained. Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy? Anyone can benefit from art therapy. One common misconception about art therapy is that advanced artistic skills are required, or that art therapy is only appropriate for children. No previous artistic experience is necessary to benefit from art therapy. Art therapy is founded upon the belief that there is inherent creativity within each of us. Sometimes words are not enough to express complex feelings within. Sometimes individuals have difficulty expressing these feelings verbally. Art therapy can serve as a springboard for the exploration of personal issues which get in the way of living a full and satisfying life. What are the Benefits of Art Therapy? Art Therapy is:
-A non-threatening form of self-expression
-An effective tool for the management of stress and anxiety
-An alternate treatment for less verbal clients
-An effective means for personal growth and exploration
-Provides a more direct link to the emotional centres of the brain
-Provides a concrete record of progress attained in therapy
-Stimulates creativity which can enhance a sense of well being and self-esteem

6. Drama Therapy. Give your body a voice! Give your emotions a voice! Give your thoughts a voice! The National Association for Drama Therapy describes Drama therapy as the “intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals.” Founded on the following theories and practices, drama/theatre, psychology, sociology, psychotherapy, anthropology, play, and the creative process, drama therapy is an approach that looks at the positive and functional aspects of individuals rather than focusing on their deficits thereby encouraging participants to in turn nurture a positive sense of self. This approach is similar to other forms of therapy in that participants can set therapeutic goals, solve problems, and express feelings. However, it is extraordinarily unique in the sense that it also takes into account the creative capacity of each individual participant. Creative expression is thus encouraged as a vehicle for self-exploration – this could include, but is not limited to, techniques such as improvisation, theatrical games, storytelling, and enactment. Drama therapy thus allows for in-depth work with dramatic roles, similar to the roles individuals play on a daily basis (eg. lover, caregiver, wife, husband, boss, etc), thereby affording participants the opportunity to explore the relationships they have with others as well as the relationship they have with themselves. It is in this way that drama therapy helps individuals to expand and enhance the roles they play in their own lives. Through the use of creativity and more specifically, through the use of one’s body, the therapeutic experience is enriched and integration can be achieved.

7. Music Therapy. Music Therapy utilizes the therapeutic tools of music and sound to facilitate positive change within clients. A variety of approaches can be utilized, including music listening, imaging to music, expression and improvisation on a wide variety of instruments, work with the voice, toning, and song-writing. These approaches are interwoven with verbal discussion, dialogue and reflection. No previous musical experience or talent is required to fully engage in and benefit from music therapy, and music therapy is widely practiced with adults, contrary to the misconception that it is primarily for children. Why use music in therapy? Often times, words can take us only so far, whereas music can access feelings that often express more authentic levels of the self that go to the heart or core of an issue. Music and sound can do this by directly accessing the right brain and the limbic system, thus bypassing the thinking mind, which frequently blocks us from getting in touch with our true feelings. Engaging in creative processes with music enriches and enlivens the experience of therapy, allowing different aspects of oneself to emerge and be given expression. Conflicting parts of oneself can clearly be heard through creative expression and dialogue, allowing individuals to come to terms with and integrate different aspects of themselves. New understandings and insights are a natural result of this process. Who can benefit? Adults facing:
-Life transitions and adjustment difficulties
-Creative blocks and performance anxiety
-Depression, anxiety/stress
-Illness or grief issues
-Low self-esteem
-Relationship issues
-Identity issues
-Sexual abuse/trauma

FAQs
What are the fees for therapy? Are the fees covered by insurance? What forms of payment are accepted? How often do I meet with my therapist? How long does therapy last? How do I schedule an initial appointment? Do you see couples who are not married? Should I bring in my partner? Why consider therapy? I’ve never done this before, what can I expect? What are the fees for therapy? In order to make quality services more accessible, the Montreal Therapy Centre offers sliding fee scale rates ranging from $50.00-$110.00 per session for individual therapy and $50.00- $125.00 per session for couple and family therapy. These rates are determined according to the client’s gross family income. Medicare does not provide coverage for private therapy fees. Insurance receipts are available to those covered by extended health care plans. Payments can be made either by cash or by cheque made out to the Montreal Therapy Centre at the end of each session. We do not accept credit card payments at this time. Within our general framework, we usually meet with clients on a weekly basis. Weekly sessions allow for addressing important issues and maintain a sense of continuity through the process. However, the frequency of sessions is flexible and is based on your needs. The duration of therapy varies greatly from person to person and depends on the presenting issues and the goals of the individual. You can speak to you therapist about your needs and goals during your initial session. If you would like to set up a first appointment, you can contact us at (514) 244-1290, or by email at info@montrealtherapy.com. Yes, we work with couples of all ages at different stages in their relationship. You may be married, living together, dating, engaged, or same s*x partners. If you are struggling with issues in your relationship, or feel like your current difficulties are impacting your relationship, you may wish to bring your partner. It can be helpful to work in collaboration with your partner to resolve relationship difficulties. Your therapist can help you to uncover patterns in the relationship that may be contributing to maintaining the problem. Therapy can also provide you and your partner with a safe environment to explore and communicate feelings. Therapy can be helpful when you want to make changes in your life. When you feel stuck in old patterns, a therapist can help you to explore different perspectives and discover new solutions. Many people feel like they should be able to tackle problems on their own. Deciding to consult a therapist is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, a commitment to making positive changes in your life is a sign of strength. Going to therapy is an investment in yourself. During the initial session, you will be asked to talk about what it is that brought you to therapy. In the case of couple and family sessions, each person will be asked to share their perspectives. The therapist will ask questions about the problem to develop a deeper understanding and may also ask questions about solutions attempted, other issues, and individual histories. Within the first few sessions, your therapist will ask you about your goals for therapy. Subsequent sessions will focus on reaching your goals along with addressing obstacles and conflicts which may arise along the way.

🌿 International Self-Care Day 🌿 On July 24th, we invite you to pause and reflect: Prioritize your feelings. Prioritize y...
07/24/2025

🌿 International Self-Care Day 🌿
On July 24th, we invite you to pause and reflect: Prioritize your feelings. Prioritize your healing. 💚
Self-care looks different for everyone — and yes, therapy is self-care.
We're here for you, and we're accepting new clients.

🌿 Journée internationale de l’autosoin 🌿
Le 24 juillet, prends un moment pour toi : Priorise tes émotions. Priorise ta guérison. 💚
L’autosoin, c’est différent pour chacun·e — et oui, la thérapie fait partie de l’autosoin.
Nous sommes là pour t’accompagner, et nous acceptons de nouveaux clients.

Q&A with Systemic Therapy Instructor Christopher Ashton (Part 2)Q: What's one myth you'd bust about your topic?A: A lot ...
07/22/2025

Q&A with Systemic Therapy Instructor Christopher Ashton (Part 2)

Q: What's one myth you'd bust about your topic?
A: A lot of people think they need to feel motivated before they can take action, but one of my favorite takeaways from CBT is that motivation actually comes after action, not before. When we take small steps, even if we don't feel ready, it can shift our emotional state and build momentum. Also, CBT isn't about "positive thinking." It's about asking where our thoughts come from, noticing what they do to us, and gently challenging the ones that aren't helping.

Q: Describe your teaching style in three words:
A: Compassionate. Curious. Collaborative.

5. What is one fun fact about you?
I love cooking! It's how I stay connected to culture, family, creativity, and comfort. I've even dreamed about one day offering a therapy course or group that incorporates cooking or food as part of the process.

🔗 Learn more or register for Levels 1, 2 or 3: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

Q&A with Systemic Therapy Instructor Christopher Ashton (Part 1)Q: Why are you excited to teach this course?A: CBT is on...
07/21/2025

Q&A with Systemic Therapy Instructor Christopher Ashton (Part 1)

Q: Why are you excited to teach this course?
A: CBT is one of the most practical and evidence-based approaches, but what really excites me is helping students see that it's not just about logic, it's about emotion too. I love teaching people how to challenge unhelpful thoughts in ways that are compassionate and curious, not just "rational." CBT is such a rich entry point into understanding how our beliefs shape us and how we can reshape them in return.

Q: What's your teaching superpower?
A: I love making psychology feel relatable. Whether we're talking about clinical skills or abstract ideas, I always try to ground the material in real conversations and everyday experiences.

🔗 Learn more or register for Levels 1, 2 or 3: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

"My name is Christopher Ashton. I'm a couples and family therapist and psychotherapist who works through a strengths-bas...
07/21/2025

"My name is Christopher Ashton. I'm a couples and family therapist and psychotherapist who works through a strengths-based, family systems, and emotion-focused lens. I support individuals, couples, and families as they navigate communication challenges and conflict, helping them reconnect not just with each other, but with themselves. My approach is grounded in compassion, creating space for people to feel seen and understood, while also encouraging them to explore new ways of relating. Outside of my therapy practice, I supervise interns and teach psychology at the college level. One of the things I enjoy most is bringing theory to life, helping students make real-world connections between what we're studying and how they show up in their own relationships and inner worlds." Christopher Ashton, MTC Systemic Therapy Instructor.

🔗 Learn more or register for Levels 1, 2 or 3: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

🎤 Q&A with MTC Systemic Therapy Instructor Hye Kam Q: Why are you excited to teach this course?A: I am excited to bring ...
07/19/2025

🎤 Q&A with MTC Systemic Therapy Instructor Hye Kam

Q: Why are you excited to teach this course?
A: I am excited to bring practical clinical material to clinicians, and for attachment theory come to life! Working with couples is not easy and the models I teach provide a concrete map to work with couples. These models also contain so many elements that we can apply to not just our work with couples, but also help us with a lense that can understand and work with many of our clients.

Q: Can you describe your teaching style using only THREE words.
A: inclusive, intentional, inviting

Q: What is one fun fact about you?
A: I love to eat ramen noodles while eating kdrama (haha)

🥰 Hye Kam is one of our Systemic Therapy instructors at Montreal Therapy Centre!
🔗 Learn more or register for Levels 1, 2 or 3: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

“I am a licensed MFT and Psychotherapist working in Private Practice. My main areas of concentration are relationship ch...
07/18/2025

“I am a licensed MFT and Psychotherapist working in Private Practice. My main areas of concentration are relationship challenges and developmental trauma. I enjoy learning in areas of professional development and have learned about different modalities throughout my years as a clinician (such as EFCT, SE, DBT, IFS). It has been a privilege to be part of the teaching team and am excited for the upcoming course year. In my time outside of the office, I love spending time with my family, enjoying good food, and trying new activities.” -Hye Kam

Hye Kam is one of our Systemic Therapy instructors at Montreal Therapy Centre!
🔗 Learn more or register for Levels 1, 2 or 3: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

Q&A with MTC Systemic Therapy Instructor Abdelghani Barris Q: Why are you excited to teach this course?A: This is a foun...
07/16/2025

Q&A with MTC Systemic Therapy Instructor Abdelghani Barris

Q: Why are you excited to teach this course?

A: This is a foundational course about systemic thinking and its applications to psychotherapy. It is a challenge to introduce these ideas and their applications to students that have barely heard about them and thus my satisfaction to help them navigate this new approach to human issues and learn new methods and ways to build solutions.

Q: What is one myth that you would bust about your topic?

A: Systemic thinking and its applications in psychotherapy could seem very complex and its is indeed but like a very far away cave and difficult to explore, the rewarding of the discovery of its mysteries and tricks is as much rewarding and the challenge to get there.

🔗 Learn more or register for Levels 1, 2 or 3: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

“I am a systemic psychotherapist and relational couple and family therapist. My professional journey started in 1990. Af...
07/15/2025

“I am a systemic psychotherapist and relational couple and family therapist. My professional journey started in 1990. After med school and a short experience as a general practitioner (family doctor) in the desert of Algeria working in French, my curiosity about determinants of community and population health took me to Belgium where I learned and discovered research methods applied to medicine and public health in English.

After about four years using my new competencies as a consultant and health manager and just at a moment in my trajectory when I started reflecting about the impact of mental health on individuals and communities, I had the fortune to discover and learn about systemic psychotherapy and family and couple systems therapy in Ecuador and in Spanish.

This last experience changed profoundly my personal and professional life and since I have worked hard to integrate my three trainings and professional experiences. At different moments in my professional trajectory and responding to demands and needs, I have discovered the effect and impact of teaching and learning on me and also on my students and many trainees.

Today, I enjoy the balance that I have built between clinical practice with my clients and the teaching-learning of systemic psychotherapy and clinical supervision." -Abdelghani Barris, MTC Systemic Therapy Instructor

🔗 Learn more or register for Levels 1, 2 or 3: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

Q&A with Montreal Therapy Centre Instructor: Leila Amro Q: Why are you excited to teach this course?A: I teach in three ...
07/14/2025

Q&A with Montreal Therapy Centre Instructor: Leila Amro

Q: Why are you excited to teach this course?

A: I teach in three courses: Systems 1, Systems 3, and Psychodynamic 1. Each time I teach, it revitalizes my practice. By engaging and re-engaging with new and familiar material, and with the questions and insights that students bring, I find new ways to think about the questions that play in the background of our work with folks. Being a therapist requires a reflexive practice that teaching supports as much as the work with clients itself. Finally one of my passions is bringing systemic and psychodynamic approaches together, so teaching in both classes helps me to do that.

Q: What is your teaching superpower?

A: I'd say my teaching superpower is in bringing many different theories and approaches into conversation with each other—which is also my therapy style!

Leila Amro teaches Psychodynamic Therapy and Systemic Therapy courses at MTC.
🔗 Learn more or register: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

“I am a licensed Social Worker (MSW) and Couples' and Family Therapist (MFT) holding a psychotherapy permit from the Ord...
07/14/2025

“I am a licensed Social Worker (MSW) and Couples' and Family Therapist (MFT) holding a psychotherapy permit from the Ordre des Psychologues du Quebec (OPQ). I have been working as a psychotherapist in private practice in Montreal for the last ten years. Before that, I was a social worker working with survivors of gender based violence. I hold advanced training in trauma with the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and have been a member of the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society Fellowship Program, Quebec English Branch, for the past six years.” - Leila Amro, MTC Instructor

Leila Amro instructs Systemic and Psychodynamic Therapy courses at Montreal Therapy!
🔗 Learn more or register: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

“Originally from Toronto, I completed my undergraduate studies at McGill University and my masters of clinical social wo...
07/12/2025

“Originally from Toronto, I completed my undergraduate studies at McGill University and my masters of clinical social work at New York University. After returning to Montreal, I completed a rigorous three-year psychotherapy training program at The Argyle Institute and have been practicing as a therapist for over ten years now.

I have an innate curiosity about people and take a genuine interest in the story of how they have overcome difficulties in their lives. It is my goal to set in motion the healing process and develop it through our relationship. At times we can be our own worst enemy, driven by unconscious needs, desires and negative thoughts. By bringing the unconscious into the light of awareness we can better understand ourselves and move forward without blame or guilt.

As a well-trained therapist, I have treated families, couples and individuals with diverse and varied issues. A lover of the arts, I have a keen interest in music and theatre and believe in the creative potential in all of us to change. Humans, like art, can be complex as there are many different ways to perceive the same situation. Within the microcosm of the therapeutic relationship, I help my patients derive insights into their emotional world.”

Joel Fink is one of Montreal Therapy Centre’s Psychodynamic Instructors!
Introduction to Psychodynamic Therapy Starts Sept. 17, 2025
🔗 Learn more or register: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

"My name is Benoit Santerre. I have a Master's degree in social work and completed the post-Masters three-year individua...
07/11/2025

"My name is Benoit Santerre. I have a Master's degree in social work and completed the post-Masters three-year individual psychoanalytic training program at Argyle Institute. I also have a strong influence from Jungian psychology and focusing-oriented therapy, an approach that uses the body felt sense as a door to working with emotional issues."

Benoit Santerre is one of Montreal Therapy Centre’s Psychodynamic Instructors!
Introduction to Psychodynamic Therapy Starts Sept. 17, 2025
🔗 Learn more or register: montrealtherapy.com/continuing-education-2/

Address

Montreal, QC

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 8pm
Tuesday 7am - 8pm
Wednesday 7am - 8pm
Thursday 7am - 8pm
Friday 7am - 8pm
Saturday 7am - 8pm
Sunday 7am - 8pm

Telephone

+15142441290

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Our Story

The Montreal Therapy Centre was founded in 2003 with the aim to provide high-quality psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, and families, at affordable rates. Since that time, our team has expanded to include over 35 professionals. Our therapists come from diverse backgrounds and have completed high levels of training in a variety of specialties including marital and family therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, crisis counselling, addictions, child and adolescent psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Presently, we offer services in English, French, Spanish, Dutch and Arabic. The Montreal Therapy Centre is centrally located at the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex in NDG. We are easily accessible by public transit. We offer daytime, evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule. At the Montreal Therapy Centre, we are committed to working collaboratively with you to help you achieve your goals. We would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about our services by phone at (514) 244-1290 or by email. Working With Us At the Montreal Therapy Centre, we believe difficult life situations can provide a unique opportunity for personal growth and change. We view therapy as an experience through which you can build on existing strengths, develop new tools for approaching old problems in a new way, and learn life-long skills that can keep you focused on achieving your goals. We also believe that the conditions for self-exploration and change are created through a collaborative working relationship between you and your therapist. At the Montreal Therapy Centre, we assume all individuals, couples and families have the capacity for growth and transformation. Therefore, it is our aim to create an environment that allows our clients to identify and utilize their natural strengths. When you decide to work with a therapist at the Montreal Therapy Centre, you will visit our office for an initial meeting. Together with your therapist, you will discuss your current situation and identify key issues. Your therapist will begin to design a treatment plan and together you will decide the direction therapy will take. Through a series of regularly scheduled sessions with your therapist, you will work towards accomplishing your goals. Our aim is to work with you to create lasting change. Services 1. Individual Therapy. Individual therapy can be helpful for a variety of issues. Therapy can provide you with an opportunity for personal growth and exploration, assist you with improving coping strategies to manage stress, depression and anxiety, and help you develop new tools for relationships and parenting. Individual therapy has been successful in assisting with the following areas: -Relationships -Personal growth -Career guidance -Addictions -Anxiety -Depression -Eating disorders -Grief and loss -Developing more effective parenting strategies -Improving communication skills At the Montreal Therapy Centre, individual therapy is a collaborative partnership. You and your therapist will work together in an effort to resolve the situation which brought you to seek help. Your therapist is interested in understanding your particular situation and the feelings involved which may be causing discomfort and difficulty. The Montreal Therapy Centre has many well-trained therapists who have experience assisting individuals to cope with their feelings, personal relationship difficulties, and work related issues. 2. Couples Therapy. What is Couples Therapy? Couples therapy provides couples with the opportunity to meet and discuss their issues with a professional trained in relationship matters. Common issues that bring couples to therapy include communication difficulties, intimacy, infidelity, anger, parenting, and pre-marital counselling. What to Expect: In the first sessions, you and your partner will meet with the couples therapist to discuss the current difficulties you are experiencing in your relationship. Other topics that may be explored would include family history, relationship history, as well as goals for and expectations from the therapy. Together with your therapist, you will develop a plan to begin working towards resolving your conflict. Your couples therapist will look for: -The negative interactional patterns that you are experiencing -Explore the underlying emotions that may be preventing you from moving forward -Facilitate a new awareness and understanding of these patterns -Assist you in developing a new, more satisfying way of interacting with deeper communication and increased intimacy Our Couples Therapists Our couples therapists have specialized in post-graduate training in marital and family therapy. We are committed to fostering an open and unbiased environment wherein a variety of relationship issues can be delved into with respect, understanding and empathy. We welcome couples from all backgrounds, married and unmarried, as well as LGBT couples. 3. Family Therapy. Family therapy can help your family to learn better ways to interact and communicate with each other and resolve conflicts. Family Therapy may address: -Parenting -Step-parenting -Blended families -Coping with teenagers -Difficulties with communication -Family conflict -Parent-child relationships -Parent-teen relationships -Grief -Divorce -Managing a child with disabilities All families encounter a variety of stressors as its members grow and develop. At times, these growing pains may become more serious and you may want to consult a professional. Family therapy is based upon the belief that the behaviour of the individual is influenced and maintained by interactions with other important figures in their lives. Effective family therapy can result in deep and lasting changes for individual members as well as for the entire family unit. Family therapy is intended to identify conflicts and set specific goals for resolving them. Therapy usually explores family roles, rules, goals, and stages of development in order to target issues that may contribute to conflict and stress. It may address the family’s behavioural patterns, their ability to solve problems, and their ability to express emotions and communicate with one another. Therapy addresses family strengths as well as weaknesses. 4. Services for Children and Adolescents. Therapy with children and adolescents can address such issues as: -Learning Disabilities -Grief -Separation and Divorce -Eneurisis / Encopresis -Abuse -Trauma -Loss -Anxiety -Depression -Eating Disorders -ADHD -Self-Esteem -Behavioural Disorders Generally children go through sporadic distresses and problems as they grow. It is common for a child to experience emotional ups and downs, especially if faced with new situations, demands and expectations. Certain reactions can be brief and may resolve themselves over time. However, sometimes a child’s reaction to life’s stresses may become extreme, and the parents’ efforts to help may be unsuccessful. At such times, professional consultation may be required. Adolescence can be a demanding and difficult time with new responsibilities and pressures. During this time often the whole family can feel off balance. Seeking help can assist in restoring that balance. For teens, most conflicts have to do with differences between family members or issues over the expectations of parents. The aim in therapy is to help the teen become skilled at expressing their needs and desires in ways that are constructive for the teen and in turn positive for the whole family. Adolescents are often reluctant to attend therapy for a number of reasons; they regularly distrust anything their parents recommend, they often feel that going to therapy means that they are crazy, some think the therapist will tell them what to do, while others are afraid they may run into someone they know and thus be shamed. Early involvement is essential to successful intervention. The most important thing is to not remain isolated in your struggle with your child/adolescent. How does a parent know when it is time to seek professional assistance for their child/adolescent? -If the emotional distress is getting in the way of daily functioning -If the problem seems to inundate and overwhelm the child/adolescent -If the issue impedes achieving developmental milestones Therapists who have specialized training with children and adolescents possess particular knowledge and skills that allow them to recognize problem behaviors and devise suitable interventions in a non-threatening environment. Therapy may be helpful to youth in a variety of ways for example; in providing emotional support, addressing the resolution of conflicts, and the exploration of new solutions to old problems. A therapist trained to work with children/adolescents and families can develop individualized treatment plans appropriate to the specific needs of their client. As an alternative to talk therapy many young people have expressed feeling more comfortable with art or other expressive therapies. The feelings of pride, power and control for a young child provide a compelling incentive to create. It is therapeutic for a child to be given the opportunity to be in control and independent. When doing art the child can create situations where s/he makes the rules, sets the limits, and commands his/her space. Using metaphoric art as part of the mastery process, most children feel empowered in this role and receive enormous benefits as a result. Often children’s artwork reveals how they view themselves and the significant relationships within their families. For adolescents it is generally more difficult to verbalize certain emotions. They are often overwhelmed and even confused by the many complex feelings that emerge as they approach adulthood. Therefore, for some adolescents “talk therapy” is not as successful as expressive therapies. For both children and adolescents art can be used to; -Elicit verbalization -Aid self-expression -Explore feelings (especially with metaphors & symbols) -Concretize desires -Reveal scary feelings or secrets -Increase self esteem -Teach limit-setting Will a therapist keep secrets from me about my child? For both children and adolescents, parents should obtain some feedback from the therapist about his or her assessment of the child. The therapist should share concerns about the child and offer methods or techniques to improve difficult relationships between parent and child. Regarding adolescents, the question of what information is shared with the parents and what information is confidential is carefully worked out with all concerned. 5. Art Therapy. Art Therapy can help you with: -Anxiety -Depression -Grief -Chronic pain -Addictions -Anger -Self-esteem issues body image -Relational issues -Abuse issues -Stress -Eating issues -Or an issue unique to your own life experience What is Art Therapy? Art therapy is a unique branch of psychotherapy which involves the use of art materials for self-expression and reflection. Clients utilize a wide array of art media such as paint, charcoal, pastels and clay to create images of personal significance. These images are then discussed and explored in the presence of a trained art therapist. Often, through the exploration of these images, powerful feelings are evoked, and new insights attained. Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy? Anyone can benefit from art therapy. One common misconception about art therapy is that advanced artistic skills are required, or that art therapy is only appropriate for children. No previous artistic experience is necessary to benefit from art therapy. Art therapy is founded upon the belief that there is inherent creativity within each of us. Sometimes words are not enough to express complex feelings within. Sometimes individuals have difficulty expressing these feelings verbally. Art therapy can serve as a springboard for the exploration of personal issues which get in the way of living a full and satisfying life. What are the Benefits of Art Therapy? Art Therapy is: -A non-threatening form of self-expression -An effective tool for the management of stress and anxiety -An alternate treatment for less verbal clients -An effective means for personal growth and exploration -Provides a more direct link to the emotional centres of the brain -Provides a concrete record of progress attained in therapy -Stimulates creativity which can enhance a sense of well being and self-esteem 6. Drama Therapy. Give your body a voice! Give your emotions a voice! Give your thoughts a voice! The National Association for Drama Therapy describes Drama therapy as the “intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals.” Founded on the following theories and practices, drama/theatre, psychology, sociology, psychotherapy, anthropology, play, and the creative process, drama therapy is an approach that looks at the positive and functional aspects of individuals rather than focusing on their deficits thereby encouraging participants to in turn nurture a positive sense of self. This approach is similar to other forms of therapy in that participants can set therapeutic goals, solve problems, and express feelings. However, it is extraordinarily unique in the sense that it also takes into account the creative capacity of each individual participant. Creative expression is thus encouraged as a vehicle for self-exploration – this could include, but is not limited to, techniques such as improvisation, theatrical games, storytelling, and enactment. Drama therapy thus allows for in-depth work with dramatic roles, similar to the roles individuals play on a daily basis (eg. lover, caregiver, wife, husband, boss, etc), thereby affording participants the opportunity to explore the relationships they have with others as well as the relationship they have with themselves. It is in this way that drama therapy helps individuals to expand and enhance the roles they play in their own lives. Through the use of creativity and more specifically, through the use of one’s body, the therapeutic experience is enriched and integration can be achieved. 7. Music Therapy. Music Therapy utilizes the therapeutic tools of music and sound to facilitate positive change within clients. A variety of approaches can be utilized, including music listening, imaging to music, expression and improvisation on a wide variety of instruments, work with the voice, toning, and song-writing. These approaches are interwoven with verbal discussion, dialogue and reflection. No previous musical experience or talent is required to fully engage in and benefit from music therapy, and music therapy is widely practiced with adults, contrary to the misconception that it is primarily for children. Why use music in therapy? Often times, words can take us only so far, whereas music can access feelings that often express more authentic levels of the self that go to the heart or core of an issue. Music and sound can do this by directly accessing the right brain and the limbic system, thus bypassing the thinking mind, which frequently blocks us from getting in touch with our true feelings. Engaging in creative processes with music enriches and enlivens the experience of therapy, allowing different aspects of oneself to emerge and be given expression. Conflicting parts of oneself can clearly be heard through creative expression and dialogue, allowing individuals to come to terms with and integrate different aspects of themselves. New understandings and insights are a natural result of this process. Who can benefit? Adults facing: -Life transitions and adjustment difficulties -Creative blocks and performance anxiety -Depression, anxiety/stress -Illness or grief issues -Low self-esteem -Relationship issues -Identity issues -Sexual abuse/trauma FAQs What are the fees for therapy? Are the fees covered by insurance? What forms of payment are accepted? How often do I meet with my therapist? How long does therapy last? How do I schedule an initial appointment? Do you see couples who are not married? Should I bring in my partner? Why consider therapy? I’ve never done this before, what can I expect? What are the fees for therapy? In order to make quality services more accessible, the Montreal Therapy Centre offers sliding fee scale rates ranging from $50.00-$110.00 per session for individual therapy and $50.00- $125.00 per session for couple and family therapy. These rates are determined according to the client’s gross family income. Are the fees covered by insurance? Medicare does not provide coverage for private therapy fees. Insurance receipts are available to those covered by extended health care plans. What forms of payment are accepted? Payments can be made either by cash or by cheque made out to the Montreal Therapy Centre at the end of each session. We do not accept credit card payments at this time. How often do I meet with my therapist? Within our general framework, we usually meet with clients on a weekly basis. Weekly sessions allow for addressing important issues and maintain a sense of continuity through the process. However, the frequency of sessions is flexible and is based on your needs. How long does therapy last? The duration of therapy varies greatly from person to person and depends on the presenting issues and the goals of the individual. You can speak to you therapist about your needs and goals during your initial session. How do I schedule an initial appointment? If you would like to set up a first appointment, you can contact us at (514) 244-1290, or by email at info@montrealtherapy.com. Do you see couples who are not married? Yes, we work with couples of all ages at different stages in their relationship. You may be married, living together, dating, engaged, or same s*x partners. Should I bring in my partner? If you are struggling with issues in your relationship, or feel like your current difficulties are impacting your relationship, you may wish to bring your partner. It can be helpful to work in collaboration with your partner to resolve relationship difficulties. Your therapist can help you to uncover patterns in the relationship that may be contributing to maintaining the problem. Therapy can also provide you and your partner with a safe environment to explore and communicate feelings. Why consider therapy? Therapy can be helpful when you want to make changes in your life. When you feel stuck in old patterns, a therapist can help you to explore different perspectives and discover new solutions. Many people feel like they should be able to tackle problems on their own. Deciding to consult a therapist is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, a commitment to making positive changes in your life is a sign of strength. Going to therapy is an investment in yourself. I’ve never done this before, what can I expect? During the initial session, you will be asked to talk about what it is that brought you to therapy. In the case of couple and family sessions, each person will be asked to share their perspectives. The therapist will ask questions about the problem to develop a deeper understanding and may also ask questions about solutions attempted, other issues, and individual histories. Within the first few sessions, your therapist will ask you about your goals for therapy. Subsequent sessions will focus on reaching your goals along with addressing obstacles and conflicts which may arise along the way.