Psychotherapy Services

Individual Therapy in Ontario: Ages 12+

In-person and virtual individual psychotherapy in Ontario, tailored just for you.

At Laura Bruno Psychotherapy, we aim to create a warm, non-judgmental, and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of criticism. We recognize the importance of convenience in therapy—that's why our team offers both in-person and virtual sessions, giving you the flexibility to choose the format that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer the comfort of a traditional in-person session or the convenience of virtual therapy, our collective goal remains the same—to provide you with a safe and supportive environment where you can embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Customized approach for lasting results: We recognize that every client has unique needs, and our psychotherapy services are tailored accordingly. We combine a variety of approaches and techniques to create a personalized experience that supports your overall well-being.

How We Can Help You

Develop skills that help you live your best life: Our team goes beyond simply talking about your struggles. We focus on equipping you with practical skills and tools that you can integrate into your daily life.

What to Expect

Step 1

Getting to Know Each Other

In our first session, we'll get to know each other and see if we're a good fit. You can share what brings you to therapy and what your goals are. Don't worry, we'll guide the session and create a safe space for you. It's like a casual coffee chat to build our connection. Plus, you'll leave with a helpful tool or takeaway to start using right away.

STEP 3

Growing and Learning Together

Each session is tailored to your needs, to help you build skills to overcome challenges and move forward. Remember, therapy works best when you put in effort outside our sessions. We'll give you a takeaway each time to reflect on or practice. By engaging in this process, you'll evolve, learn more about yourself, and move toward the life you want.

STEP 2

Understanding Your Background

In the following sessions, we'll dive into your background to gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what's holding you back. We'll go at your pace, making sure you feel comfortable. This is where we gain insight into your experiences and patterns affecting your life.

STEP 4

Maintaining Progress

As you make progress, we will gradually decrease sessions so you can reflect, address concerns, and fine-tune skills. The goal is for you to feel confident and self-reliant in managing your well-being. We're always here for occasional check-ins or tune-ups to help you continue thriving.

Types Of Services

Types of Psychotherapy Services

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Techniques that help individuals process and heal from trauma using guided eye movements. Offered by Laura and Arielle.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Allowing you to relate to your thoughts and emotions differently and make choices that move you towards a rich, full, and meaningful life. Offered by Laura, Melanie, Janessa, and Arielle.

Dialectal Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Techniques to improve emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Offered by Laura, Amanda, Melanie, and Arielle.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A practical approach that identifies and modifies unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. Offered by Laura, Amanda, Melanie, Janessa, Tamika and Arielle

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

A therapeutic approach to confront and overcome trauma, fears, and anxieties. Offered by Amanda.

Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (BSFT)

A goal-oriented method to find solutions and promote positive change. Offered by Laura, Amanda, Melanie, Janessa, Tamika and Arielle.

Internal Family Systems

Helping individuals explore and reconcile their inner conflicts to achieve greater harmony and self-awareness. Offered by Arielle.

Somatic Therapy

A body-centered approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body to release physical tension, reduce stress, and promote emotional healing. Offered by Laura, Arielle, Melanie, and Tamika

Emotional Freedom Technique

Tapping on acupuncture points with focused mental attention to alleviate emotional distress and promote psychological wellness. Offered by Arielle.

Narrative Therapy

Empowering you to rewrite your life story from a place of strength and resilience. Offered by Amanda, Melanie, and Janessa.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Cultivating self-awareness and presence for a more balanced life. Offered by Laura, Amanda, Melanie, Janessa, Tamika and Arielle.

Integrative Trauma & Attachment Treatment

Combining various therapeutic approaches to address trauma and attachment issues, promoting holistic healing and emotional wellness. Offered by Laura.

Areas o Expertise

Areas of Expertise

Anxiety

Stop letting anxiety and fear be in the driver's seat. Find inner calm and regain control of your life.

Trauma

Understand how your past impacts you. Heal from trauma and build resilience to move forward.

Stress

Become aware of your stress response. Develop coping strategies and regain life balance.

Life Transitions

Navigate life's changes with confidence. Make decisions aligned with your values.

Relationship Issues

Enhance your relationships with practical communication. Understand your needs and set boundaries confidently.

Self Esteem

Build a positive self-image and self-worth. Recognize your strengths and unique qualities.

Body Image

Develop a healthy, compassionate perspective. Stop negative self-talk and embrace self-acceptance.

Domestic Violence

Learn about different types of abuse. Explore barriers and create a personalized safety plan.

Anger

Manage anger effectively. Learn practical skills to regulate emotions and maintain composure.

Depression

Find hope and rediscover joy in life. Develop strategies to overcome depressive feelings.

Grief

Navigate the complex emotions of loss. Give yourself permission to be sad but not stuck.

Self-Harm

Develop healthier coping mechanisms. Engage in risk assessment and safety planning.

Suicidal Ideation

Create a safe space to address suicidal thoughts. Conduct risk assessment and establish safety plans.

First Responders

Receive specialized support tailored to unique challenges faced by first responders and their families.

Chronic Pain

Manage chronic pain holistically. Improve quality of life and foster a positive mindset.

Maternal Mental Health

Support through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Address postpartum depression, anxiety, infertility, and pregnancy loss.

FAQ's

Anxiety, Depression & Stress Management

How to Make Stress Your Friend Burnout DIVE Vagus Nerve exercises Coping Skills video 4-7-8 Breath Learning To Live With Clinical Depression Thought Record Cognitive Distortions Worry Tree
Trauma

The Body Keeps The Score EMDR Explained Getting Past Your Past Trauma Stewardship Niagara Sexual Assault Centre
Christian

Agora Network Ministries Recklessly Alive The Beautiful Strokes of God Unshackled
Relationship & Vulnerability Issues

Attached The Five Love Languages Set Boundaries, Find Peace Vulnerability Daring Greatly Empathy vs Sympathy
Body Image and Self-Esteem

The Body Is Not An Apology
Domestic Violence

Power and Control Wheel Types of Abuse Birchway Niagara
Grief

Ball in a box Hospice Niagara
Crisis, Self Harm, Suicide Support

Golden Gate Bridge Survivor COAST Niagara
First Responders and their Families

First Responders First We Help First Emotional Survival for law Enforcement
Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness is a Superpower Headspace App Body Scan
Self Discovery, Growth and Ongoing Learning and Support

What is Experiential Avoidance Shame Importance of the breath Evolution of the Mind The Happiness Trap Atomic Habits The Four Agreements Untamed Think Like a Monk Mental Health and Addiction Access Line Prioritizing your Life
Will my insurance cover this? How does billing work?

Payments for each session are taken upfront from the client's credit card on file, and a receipt is automatically sent to the provided email. This receipt can be submitted to your extended-health benefit company for reimbursement. To determine if your benefits cover your services, please contact your benefit provider and inquire about coverage for a psychotherapist specifically (not social worker or psychologist). Check for the maximum coverage per session and inquire about the submission process for reimbursement.
What is the cost of a session?

The cost of each 50-minute session ranges from $125-$160. If you are looking for a reduced rate, we currently have our intern psychotherapist Janessa Meissner (RPQ) who offers a reduced rate and a sliding scale option. Janessa has completed the necessary educational requirements and is in the process of gaining the required supervised clinical hours to become a fully registered psychotherapist under the supervision of Laura Bruno.
I booked my first session, now what?

Once you book your first appointment, you will receive an intake form via email to complete. During our first session, we will review the form, ensure we are a good fit, and discuss what our work together will look like. You will be provided with a comprehensive "welcome to therapy" overview that addresses common questions and concerns.
What if I don't know what to say?

Don't worry if you're unsure about what to say in therapy (that is totally normal!) Most people are really nervous for their first session. Your therapist will take the lead when necessary to help guide you, and will go at a pace that feels good to you, making you feel comfortable throughout the process. You can trust that your therapist will maintain confidentiality and offer a judgment-free space for you to express yourself. However, it is important to note that there are some limits to confidentiality, which are highlighted on the intake forms and will be discussed with you during your first session.
How often do we meet, and how many sessions will I need?

Research indicates that meeting weekly or biweekly is often the most effective frequency for therapy. However, we understand that scheduling, finances and personal commitments may influence the frequency of our meetings. We will work together to find a suitable arrangement that fits your needs and availability. Initially, more frequent sessions are helpful, and as progress is made, we can transition to meeting less frequently. The exact number of sessions required will differ for each person, and it will depend on factors like your goals, the nature of your concerns, and how you progress throughout therapy. Through ongoing assessment and collaborative discussions, we will determine when you have met your goals and are ready to conclude therapy, or if new goals should be established to continue supporting your growth.
What if I don't feel like I'm making progress?

Therapy can be both challenging and enjoyable, and it's important to remember that it is a journey with ups and downs. If you ever feel stuck or uncertain about the progress you're making, it's best to discuss your concerns with your therapist. Together, we can explore these feelings and determine the best way forward. Sometimes, it may be helpful to consider adjusting our approach, refocusing on our original goals, or even exploring different types of therapy. It's important to remember that it's natural for individuals to outgrow their current therapist during the therapeutic process. If that happens, it can indicate that it's time to connect with another therapist who possesses a different set of skills and expertise to better support your evolving needs.
What if I'm not sure if we are a good fit, or my issue isn't listed as one of your areas of specialization?

We offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you determine if we are a good fit. If your therapist feels that they do not possess the necessary skills to assist you in achieving your goals, they will be honest and refer you to another therapist. While your specific concern does not have to fall within our areas of specialization, we will always prioritize your well-being and connect you with the most suitable therapist if needed.
What if I'm not ready to start therapy?

Many individuals may not feel ready for therapy, and that is absolutely okay. Consider exploring the resources on the resource page and downloading the eBook, which focuses on taking small steps toward reaching your goals. These resources can be beneficial even before starting therapy.
How do I schedule an appointment?

If you are ready to begin your therapy journey, simply click the "Book Now" button to schedule your appointment.
What do I need for a session?

Just yourself! It’s good to have a yoga mat and maybe a blanket. Feel free to bring water, a journal, or anything that helps you feel comfy. For virtual sessions, find a quiet spot where you can really let go—no interruptions from pets or anyone else.
What to expect during a session?

It’s a 60-90 minute journey with eyes closed, lying down. Every journey is unique! Some stay quiet, others move and use their voice. I’ll start each breathwork journey with explaining what will happen to help you relax. I use music, cues, and optional touch techniques to help you achieve your goal for the session and allow your body to heal itself.
Is this safe for everyone?

Somatic Breathwork is a safe, evidence-based practice. It uses your breath to connect mind, body, and spirit, releasing stored trauma. You’re always in control because you control your breath. Not recommended for pregnant individuals, or those with a history of seizures, heart conditions, or glaucoma. Email me if you're unsure what’s right for you.
How often should I have a somatic breathwork journey?

Like therapy, it varies. Some do it weekly or biweekly as self-care, others monthly or a few times a year. It’s up to you.
Is this covered under my benefits?

Unfortunately, somatic breathwork is not covered under psychotherapy benefits. However, some employers offer a health/wellness spending account which individuals could use to cover a somatic breathwork session.
Is it better to do this virtually or in-person?

It’s your call! In-person 1:1 sessions are at Laura Bruno Psychotherapy or other spots in Niagara. Virtually, this experience offers just as many benefits as an in-person setting, though you will need to be mindful of unexpected interruptions that may occur with technology and others living in your home.
How do I sign up?

For 1:1 sessions and group sessions happen monthly across Niagara, you can book here.
Can I book a private group session?

Absolutely! Perfect for retreats, team building, or corporate wellness. Prices adjust based on group size.
Can I book a somatic breathwork session at my retreat or wellness event?

Absolutely! Laura is passionate about sharing the healing power of somatic breathwork with as many people as possible. She can tailor the experience to suit your event, whether you need a brief 10 minute daily practice or a 30-minute reset to start or end the event, or a full 60-90 minute journey. Reach out here to connect with Laura and explore how she can make your event truly transformative!
I’m not near Niagara—what are my options?

No worries! I offer somatic breathwork globally through virtual sessions which are just as effective as in-person.
What can I expect from a mental health workshop?

Our workshops are interactive and fun! You'll dive into practical tools and tips to boost your mental well-being. Expect hands-on exercises, useful techniques, and strategies you can use in your everyday life.
Can I customize a workshop for my organization or group?

Absolutely! We can tailor a workshop just for your needs. If you have a specific topic in mind that’s not listed, just let us know, and we’ll create something special for you.
How do I request a workshop or speaking engagement?

Signing up is easy! Just fill out our intake form or get in touch with us directly. We’ll walk you through everything and make sure you have all the info you need.
Are the workshops available in-person and virtually?

Yes, we offer both in-person and virtual options. Whether you’re nearby or joining from anywhere in the world, we’ve got you covered.
Who leads the workshops and speaking engagements?

All sessions are led by Laura Bruno. With over 15 years of experience, including teaching, crisis intervention, and mental health first aid, she’s got a wealth of knowledge to share.
How long are the workshops and what’s the format?

That’s totally up to you! Laura can tailor each workshop to fit your needs. Typically, they include a blend of lectures, hands-on exercises, guided practices, and Q&A to give you a comprehensive experience.
How much is a workshop or to have Laura come to speak at an event?

The cost varies depending on the specifics of your event or workshop. It’s best to get in touch with us to discuss your needs, and we’ll provide a personalized quote based on your requirements.
Do you offer workshops outside of the Niagara region?

Yes, we offer workshops and speaking engagements worldwide, including virtual sessions. If you’d like Laura to come to your area or do a virtual workshop, just reach out with your request!