Anxiety Therapy in Ontario
Reviewed by Dr. Belal Zia, C.Psych., Registered Psychologist
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy and its also highly treatable.
At Discourse Psychology Centre, our psychologists provide evidence-based treatment for anxiety and panic disorders to adults and adolescents across Ontario.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a difficult emotion. For some, its a pattern of daily worrying that causes real distress. For others, it shows up as persistent racing thoughts, physical tension in your body (think TMJ, back aches, headaches), avoidance of situations that feel threatening, panic attacks, or a constant sense that something is wrong (like a feeling of dread), even when things are objectively fine. Over time, anxiety can cause your world to shrink, affecting relationships, work, and your ability to enjoy everyday life.
What makes anxiety particularly difficult is that the strategies people naturally use to manage it (e.g., avoidance, reassurance-seeking, over-preparing) feed the anxiety, either maintaining it or worsening it over time.
Effective treatment helps you learn to relate to anxiety differently.
How We Treat Anxiety
Treatment for anxiety at Discourse Psychology Centre are delivered through individual therapy grounded in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the most extensively researched approach for anxiety disorders. CBT helps you understand and shift the patterns of thinking and behaviour that maintain anxiety, and gradually build confidence in your ability to tolerate uncertainty and discomfort.
Where appropriate, treatment may also draw on other evidence-based treatments including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) or Psychodynamic Therapy to address deeper emotional patterns, ineffective attachment styles, and experiences with trauma that underlie anxiety.
At Discourse, we believe that high quality treatment is always tailored to the individual and guided by ongoing clinical assessment rather than strict adherence to a fixed protocol.
What we Treat
Our psychologists work with a range of anxiety presentations, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobias, and anxiety related to trauma, life transitions, or relationship stress.
High-Functioning Anxiety
Many of our clients with anxiety appear to be managing well on the outside. They’re productive, successful, and holding things together. But internally they’re exhausted, driven by the fear of failure rather than a sincere motivation to do well. Often, they are unable to rest in between bursts of high-output daily performance. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. “High-functioning anxiety” isn’t a formal clinical diagnosis, but the experience of this presentation of anxiety is real and treatable.
Virtual Anxiety Therapy Across Ontario
Discourse Psychology Centre offers virtual treatment, aiming to make therapy accessible to clients across Ontario, including Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, and the Greater Toronto Area. Virtual therapy is equally effective as in-person treatment for anxiety and offers the added benefit of accessibility and flexibility.
Getting Started
If anxiety is affecting your quality of life, reaching out is the first step.
Contact us to schedule a brief consultation. We’ll match you with the right clinician and answer any questions about fit, availability, and coverage.
All inquiries are confidential and returned promptly.
Ready to Begin?
All inquiries are confidential and returned promptly.
Call 647-203-1468
OR
Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy for Anxiety
Is virtual anxiety therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that virtual CBT for anxiety is comparable to in-person treatment. For some people, virtual therapy has the added benefits of flexibility and easier access.
You're the best judge of your preferences. At the end of the day, the treatment that you attend consistently and feel comfortable attending is the therapy that is the best for you.
All sessions at Discourse Psychology Centre are delivered through secure, confidential telehealth across Ontario.
How long does anxiety therapy take?
It varies with the person and the presentation, but many people notice meaningful change within the first several sessions. CBT for anxiety is often relatively focused, and your psychologist will review progress with you throughout rather than following a fixed number of sessions.
Does insurance cover anxiety therapy in Ontario?
Sessions with a registered psychologist are often covered under extended health benefits, and receipts can be submitted for reimbursement where applicable.
For sessions that are not covered by insurance, you may be able to claim psychotherapy as a medical expense tax credit on your Canadian income tax return.
You can find more details on our fees and insurance page.
Do you treat panic attacks and social anxiety?
Yes. We work with the full range of anxiety presentations, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, and phobias — as well as anxiety connected to trauma or life transitions.
How do I get started?
Book a free 15-minute consultation. We'll talk through what you're experiencing, answer your questions, and match you with the right clinician. Get in touch to begin.