Having a newborn at home is a time of lifestyle and emotional disruption, even under the best of circumstances.
It is not unusual for new parents to experience mood swings between feeling joyful, stressed, and depressed. However, if such symptoms intensify or persist, the parent may be struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety.
Postnatal or Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.
Every woman is different, however common signs that you or someone you know might be depressed include:
Psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in helping with mental health issues related to pregnancy and birth. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly used as treatment for postpartum challenges. Your therapist may also lean on other approaches such as interpersonal therapy which focuses on relationships. With the right support, most women feel better and therapy helps in the journey to recovery.
Layla is offering a new group: Navigating New Parenthood
Our Navigating New Parenthood Group is a space for parents to come together and discuss the joys and unique challenges that each new parent faces. This group focuses on the mental health of new parents and can be for parents navigating big emotions such as guilt and overwhelm, struggling with sleep, postpartum depression, relationship challenges or for parents that want that extra support to know that they can do this! This is an excellent way to share and learn from other parents' journeys in a non-judgemental space while being guided by a mental health professional. To learn more or register, click here.
We simplify the search for the therapist or group that is a right fit for you. At no additional cost, one of our Service Managers assists you in finding the help you need. Layla works with a number of DBT-trained therapists experienced in working with clients perinatal issues.
Our licensed providers are often covered by your insurance. If you are not sure, simply click the “Get Started” button below to talk to one of our care coordinators.
*In-line with Public Health recommendations for social distancing, Layla's partner therapists have mostly moved their practices to remote for the time being.
Get StartedOur clients are interested in self-discovery, emotional healing, or are working through a range of challenges that respond well to therapy. For example, these include: stress, anxiety, phobias, depression, mood disorders, borderline personality disorder, self-esteem, anger, addictions, trauma, relationships, family conflict, couples counselling, and life transitions.
At this time, Layla is only able to work with clients who are residents of Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Please note that Layla does not provide crisis support. If you or someone else is in crisis and require immediate assistance, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Our therapists draw on a range of evidence-based methods and each specializes in certain approaches. Most commonly, these include: cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness-based, trauma-focused, psychodynamic, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). We certainly do not expect clients going into therapy to understand how these approaches work, and we are happy to provide them with information on these and other methods.
No. We are happy to assist anyone with their unique challenges and goals.
Our therapists operate out of their own location, provide sessions in-person, online, or by phone. Today, our therapists are located in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia across many cities: Toronto, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ajax, Barrie, Beamsville, Brampton, Burlington, Georgetown, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Newmarket, Niagara Falls, North York, Oakville, Orangeville, Oshawa, Ottawa, Petawawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, St. Catherines, Thornhill, Vaughan, Whitby, and Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Sherwood Park, Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria and many more.
We are continuously building out our community.
Individual and Couples Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long. In some cases, your first session with the therapist will be a little longer.
Therapy can range from short-term to longer term depending on the client’s case and their goals. This can be discussed with your therapist, and the two of you can always collaboratively assess your timeline and progression.
Group Therapy sessions vary in length but typically range from 1.5 to 2 hours. Our current group programs typically last for 12 or 24 weeks.
Your therapist reserves your session time for you, but we understand that your schedule changes. We have a 24 hour cancellation or change policy to avoid being charged for your appointment. You may cancel your session online or by informing your therapist by phone or email.
Layla's services are available to adults, couples, and teenagers. We have a few therapists who work with children under the age of 12. Please reach out to inquire.
Pricing through Layla is transparent. Your initial call and matching is always free. Therapy sessions are $150 per 50 min session for individuals, and $170 per 50 min session for couples counselling. Group therapy prices vary depending on the group. Sessions provided by a Psychologist in Alberta and British Columbia are offered at $200 per 50 min.
Note: Effective April 1, 2023, Psychology Session prices will increase to $220 (Individuals) and $240 (Couples) inline with the Psychology Association Fee Guidelines.
Our services are not covered by OHIP/AHCIP/MSP/MSI, but most extended health plans cover some of the professional designations licensed to conduct therapy. Each plan is unique. If you’re planning on using your extended health benefits, we highly recommend you check your coverage in advance of the call so that we can connect you to the right provider.
Here’s what to look for: In your benefits booklet, insurance portal, or when you speak to an insurance representative specifically look for coverage for either 1. Registered Social Workers, or 2. Registered Psychotherapists (RP) or Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT), or 3. Psychologists. If you need our help in checking benefits, please let us know on the phone and we’ll gladly do what we can.
If affordability is a barrier for you, you may find these community-based alternatives helpful
Well, a lot. We make suggestions based on information from you and the therapists, but ultimately you make the choice.
The whole motivation behind Layla is reducing stress, not adding to it. Simply let us know and we will pair you with another therapist, of course accounting for what wasn’t quite working with the previous one. We would be very interested in client feedback in instances such as these, as we want our matching to be constantly evolving to better serve clients.
Layla understands the wide array of modern work and life schedules, and therefore is happy to arrange appointments anytime day or evening, weekends, and by virtual means.
Several of our therapists offer sessions on weekends, and you can let us know of that preference when you sign up and we will do our best to accommodate.
Our Client Care Team (not the therapists) currently do not actively work on weekends.
Trying to get a hold of us on the weekend? See if one of these options can help serve you:
- New to Layla? Our secure online system is available at all times, and you can get started here
- Existing client and need to reach your therapist? Please connect with them directly using the information from our communication with you.
- Problem accessing your account or uploading payment information? You can contact tech support on techsupport@layla.care or 1-877-230-7462
Layla takes your privacy and the security of your information seriously. Electronic personal information shared with Layla is stored in a secure and encrypted way. Video sessions are not recorded. You can learn more about our privacy practices here.
A broad range of healthcare providers (GPs, specialists, wellness professionals, etc) trust us with their patients. You can learn more here
DBT was first designed for clients with Borderline Personality Disorder, a population characterized by emotion dysregulation. DBT is now widely used to treat other mental health concerns, including anxiety and mood disorders. The comprehensive model of DBT is completed over one year and includes individual therapy, skills group, phone coaching and consultation team. Want to learn more about DBT and how it works? Click here.
The DBT Skills program is designed for adults over the age of 18 whose emotions (i.e. fear, anger, shame, sadness, guilt) and thoughts interfere with their overall quality of life. In other words, people whose mental health challenges are characterized by emotion dysregulation.
In advance of registering for the program, the Layla team can help you assess fit for this program.
At this time, the program is open to residents of Ontario and Alberta.
There will be up to 10 participants in each group. Each online group session will be structured with an opening mindfulness practice. Each session will include the introduction of new skills, discussion, examples, and homework practice review. Materials including handouts and worksheets will be provided prior to the start of each group.
Sessions will be conducted through secure video, and participants will be asked to commit to confidentiality. Only your first name will be used with other group members, and sessions will not be recorded. This program will include up to 10 participants.
This program is offered at a total of $900 including tax, which covers all 12 sessions / 24 hours of the program. Clients receive a receipt with the facilitator’s license information that may be used for extended health benefits reimbursement. We encourage you to check your health benefits to verify if you are covered for services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist and/or Registered Social Worker (or let us know if we can help with that).
The Recovery Skills for Eating Disorder group is designed for adults over the age of 18 who are affected by an Eating Disorder or disordered eating impacting their wellness and quality of life. Participants may have a diagnosis of Bulimia, Anorexia, Binge Eating, or other eating disorders, or may more broadly struggle with their relationship to food, eating, and weight.
In advance of registering for the program, the Layla team will help you assess fit for this program. This will include a short phone call so you will have a chance to ask any questions you might have as well.
At this time, the program is open to residents of Ontario.
There will be up to 10 participants in each group. Each online group session will be structured with an opening check-in to bring participants into the group session. Each session will include discussion and introduction of a topic or skills. Materials including handouts and worksheets will be provided.
Sessions will be conducted through secure video, and participants will be asked to commit to confidentiality. You have the option to only use your first name with other group members and sessions will not be recorded. This program will include up to 10 participants.
The cost for the 12-week program is $870, which covers all 12 weeks of the program. The balance is to be paid by the due date issued on the invoice.
Clients will receive a receipt with the therapist license information that may be used for employer benefits reimbursement. We encourage you to check your health benefits to verify if you are covered for this type of provider (or let us know if we can help with that).
As you consider joining a therapy group you may notice a variety of emotional reactions arise. It is not unusual for people to experience discomfort, anxiety, or worry when they think about making changes. You may feel anxious about starting a group and joining sessions, especially on the first day, but those feelings will likely decrease throughout the session and with each session you attend. Adjusting to a new experience in a new environment will take time.
Kindness, compassion, respect, and inclusivity, are the core values that frame the conversations in the group. At the first session, ground rules and expectations are reviewed. During each session, the group facilitator will encourage engagement with the materials through psychoeducation and discussion. Participants are welcome to decide when, what, and how much they would like to share within group discussions. The goal is for participants to move through their process at their own pace within a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.
Each session will begin with an opening exercise to bring participants into the space and to bring focus to the topic of the day. Handouts and/or worksheets will be provided prior to the start of each group session. Each session will cover a specific topic or skill and will include discussion to increase understanding as well as foster an environment of support and learning within the group. The session ends with a closing exercise.
There is no homework for this group. Instead, participants are invited to engage with the relevant materials between sessions to solidify their learnings at their own comfort level and pace.
The group facilitator is available to respond to non-urgent questions outside of sessions but is not accessible for emergency or crisis support. You may forward your non-urgent questions to the facilitator via email and expect an answer on group day prior to the start of group. In the event of an emergency or crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department for further assistance.
The Living Well with Diabetes Group is designed for adults over the age of 18 who are affected by diabetes related mental health struggles impacting their wellness and quality of life.
At this time, the program is open to residents of Ontario and Alberta.
If you have questions regarding the group, the Layla team can help you assess fit for this program. Please book a time with our Program Coordinator, Groups here for more information!
There will be up to 12 participants in each group. Each online group session will be structured with an opening check-in to bring participants into the group session. Each session will include a brief psychoeducational component followed by a discussion around the topic of the day. Clients are encouraged to engage with each other and the material at their own pace and comfort. Materials including handouts and worksheets will be provided prior to the start of each group.
Sessions will be conducted through secure video, and participants will be asked to commit to confidentiality. Only your first name will be used with other group members and sessions will not be recorded.
This program is offered at a total of $250 which covers all 4 sessions of the program.
This program is covered under most extended benefits plans. Please make sure to check specific coverage or ask for our assistance in helping you find information about your specific benefits plan.
We require a minimum of 48 business hours’ notice for any appointment cancellation or rescheduling. You can cancel your session directly in your Layla account, by emailing thp@layla.care, or by calling 647.374.4211. Please make sure to leave your full name and contact information if leaving a message via email or phone.
To contact your therapist, please get in touch with our Program Coordinator by emailing thp@layla.care or by calling 647.374.4211 and they will pass your message on to your therapist who will get in touch with you.
Please note we are not a crisis service. You can expect a response from your therapist within 24 business hours.
Please contact tech support at techsupport@layla.care or 1-877-230-7462 for platform troubleshooting including assistance with password resets.
No, this service is funded through WSIB and all services are provided to workers we serve free of charge.
We leave 3.5 hours for our assessments. This will include interview time with your therapist, filling out some assessments with support of our team and an interpreter if needed, a debrief with your therapist if you would like, and time for breaks.
Each worker helps their therapist to create an individualized treatment plan that will use evidence-based psychotherapy treatment approaches to help them with their specific symptoms and life circumstances. The overall goal is to alleviate distress and increase functioning but specific goals are tailored to you. Your therapist will explain this plan to you in your first treatment session but it can change over time if needed. Please feel free to ask your therapist any questions you might have about it.
If you are a worker receiving assessment and/or treatment services, you will be given satisfaction surveys at various points during your work with us. We appreciate all the feedback we received through these surveys!
If you would like to give feedback at another time, or if you have a complaint, please contact our Program Coordinator by email at thp@layla.care or by calling 647.374.4211. They can direct any complaints to the appropriate team member who can support you and hopefully resolve any issues. If your issue is in regards to our Program Coordinator, please contact tarik@layla.care.
Workers can request records and reports through Trillium on: phone (905) 848-7181 or fax (905) 848-7677. Workers can also access it online from the main Trillium Health Partners website, patient support, health information services, release of information.
Both of the 12-week and the 24-week groups cover all of the core DBT skills. You will not miss any skills should you choose the shorter program. The 24-week group allows for deeper exploration of each of the core skills to facilitate greater interaction and reflection on the material.
This program is offered at a total of $1525 including tax, which covers all 24 session / 48 hours of the program. Kristen Cairney is a Registered Social Worker in Ontario, and clients will receive a receipt with her license information that may be used for employer benefits reimbursement. We encourage you to check your health benefits to verify if you are covered for this type of provider (or let us know if we can help with that).
DBT is widely used to treat concerns that arise with emotion dysregulation and mental health concerns, including anxiety and mood disorders. DBT-A focuses on building better relationship dynamics between adolescents and their caregivers.
The DBT-A program is designed for adolescents who experience externalizing symptoms (i.e. outbursts, high conflict in family/friend relationships, high risk taking behaviours) and thoughts that interfere with their overall quality of life. If you are a caregiver who would like to better understand how to improve the relationship with your loved one who is within the range of 13-17 years of age, this group may be right for you.
In advance of registering for the program, the Layla team can help you assess fit for this program.
At this time, the program is open to residents of Ontario.
The DBT Skills Group for Teens and Parents (DBT-A) is focused on supporting adolescents whereas the 12-Week DBT Skills Group supports adults 18+. DBT-A includes the additional skill of Walking the Middle Path which is not a skillset in the 12-Week DBT Skills Group.
This program is offered at a total of $1140 including tax, which covers all 12 sessions / 24 hours of the program. Payment will be charged on a weekly basis in the amount of $95.00. Kristen Cairney is a Registered Social Worker in Ontario, and clients will receive a receipt with her license information that may be used for employer benefits reimbursement. We encourage you to check your health benefits to verify if you are covered for this type of provider (or let us know if we can help with that)
The funding offers tailored options for mental health support for eligible individuals including individual and group therapy options best suited to your needs and preferences. Our care team will help you navigate the right solutions for you and guide you on your mental health journey.
This funding is focussed on supporting owners and employees of small and medium sized businesses that meet the eligible criteria: part of a small or medium sized business (between 1 and 500 employees) hard hit by the pandemic and facing barriers at work due to mental health challenges, have limited to no insurance benefits, not part of a government organization.
CCRW is a non profit organization that focuses on supporting employers with accommodations around inclusion and hiring individuals with disabilities. They also help persons with disabilities find employment. CCRW is currently supporting Layla with our work around building inclusivity in our therapist matching process.
These services are completely free for eligible owners and employees. This funding covers the first 8 sessions with your matched therapist or the entire program of your preferred mental health group.
This program covers 8 individual sessions with time being dependent on your availability to meet with your therapist. Group therapy will be 4-10 weeks depending on the program chosen.
Your mental health journey is yours and the period of time spent in therapy sessions is very individualized. This funding covers the first 8 sessions with your matched therapist and all sessions afterwards will be subjected to Layla's standard fee, $150 per 50 minute session.
There will be up to 7 family units in each group. A family unit can be comprised of one adolescent and up to two caregivers. Each family unit is encouraged to attend sessions together to reduce the amount of participant windows open during a session.
Materials including handouts and worksheets will be provided prior to the start of each group.
Sessions will be conducted through secure video, and participants will be asked to commit to confidentiality. Only your first name will be used with other group members, and sessions will not be recorded.
Yes, babies or toddlers are very welcome! Should your child need your full attention, please feel free to step away as needed or turn off your camera or microphone if helpful
You are welcome to breastfeed/bottle feed your baby/toddler at any time during the group session. Feel free to turn off your camera or leave it on depending on your comfort level.
This program is offered at a total of $240 including tax, which covers all 6 sessions / 6 hours of the program. Chantelle Maubert is a Registered Social Worker in Ontario, and Valerie Tsang is a Registered Psychotherapist. Clients will receive a receipt with their license information that may be used for employer benefits reimbursement. We encourage you to check your health benefits to verify if you are covered for this type of provider (or let us know if we can help with that).
The skills covered in the DBT Skills Group for Teens and Adolescents (DBT-A) are relevant in supporting adolescents in managing ADHD symptoms. Improving skills in focusing on the present moment, tolerating and managing strong emotions, avoiding ineffective behaviours, and maintaining effective communications will be covered throughout the program.
As you think about suitability for the program, consider whether the adolescent can tolerate the 2-hour duration of each group session, their ability to engage productively with other participants, as well as commitment to practicing the skills within and outside of the group. Should you have further questions please reach out to our team for assistance.
If this group is not a good fit, you may like to consider individual therapy with a Layla therapist who specializes in ADHD.
Layla has partnered with Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) to offer funding for owners and employees of small businesses affected by the pandemic (upto 8 sessions covered for individual therapy or a complete group offered by Layla). Learn more about our offering here. To confirm eligibility, please complete our eligibility evaluation here. Additionally, you may find these community-based alternatives helpful.
The Building Resiliency for Business Owners Group is designed for owners of small to medium sized businesses hard hit by the pandemic to connect with others who understand this unique experience. At this time, the program is open to residents of Ontario age 18+.
Please use this form to assess your eligibility for the program or connect with us at contact@layla.care for assistance.
Layla has partnered with Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) to offer funded mental health support solutions to owners and employees of small and medium sized businesses hard hit by the pandemic.
This funding is focussed on supporting owners and employees of small and medium sized businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Part of a small or medium sized business negatively impacted by the pandemic
- Limited or no access to insurance benefits
- Not a government employee
Please use this form to assess your eligibility for the program or connect with us at contact@layla.care for assistance.
There will be up to 8 participants in each group. Over the course of the 4 week program, participants will work with a dedicated Layla therapist to learn DBT-based strategies and skills to effectively navigate the workplace and cultivate a mindful leadership presence.
Sessions will be conducted through secure video, and participants will be asked to commit to confidentiality. Only your first name will be used with other group members and sessions will not be recorded.
All sessions will be completed online through Layla’s secure video portal. Participants are required to use a desktop or laptop computer (no mobile phones).
Our Layla Platform for therapy sessions can be accessed on the following devices listed here.
The Mental Wellness Support Group for Business Owners is designed for owners of small to medium sized businesses hard hit by the pandemic to connect with others who understand this unique experience. At this time, the program is open to residents of Ontario age 18+.
Please use this form to assess your eligibility for the program or connect with us at contact@layla.care for assistance. is designed for owners of small to medium sized businesses hard hit by the pandemic to connect with others who understand this unique experience.
Layla has partnered with Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) to offer funded mental health support solutions to owners and employees of small and medium sized businesses hard hit by the pandemic.
This funding is focussed on supporting owners and employees of small and medium sized businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Part of a small or medium sized business negatively impacted by the pandemic
- Limited or no access to insurance benefits
- Not a government employee
Please use this form to assess your eligibility for the program or connect with us at contact@layla.care for assistance.
There will be up to 10 participants in each group. This program takes an open approach meaning that conversations and topics covered are primarily participant led. A facilitator will be present to guide the discussion and offer skills as they see fit, however, this group is all about allowing the participants voices and concerns to be heard.
Sessions will be conducted through secure video, and participants will be asked to commit to confidentiality. Only your first name will be used with other group members and sessions will not be recorded.
Your mental health is an integral part of your overall well-being. A few ways that your mental health could be impacting you at work indirectly include (but not limited to):
-Reduced focus/ability to concentrate
-Decline in productivity
-Increased absenteeism
-Increased worry/anxiety
-Decreased self-confidence
-Challenges with relationship management
If you are unsure, please talk to your care coordinator who will help you navigate the criteria for the program and guide you on your journey to getting support.
The group will primarily be focused on providing therapeutic tools to promote the parent’s mental wellbeing and support the mental health of the parent.
You are welcome to invite your partner to join sessions!
DBT Advanced is a specialised program to support individuals who have knowledge in DBT skills gained through previous experience with group or individual DBT therapy. The program supports continued development of skills, accountability, and structure after completing group or individual sessions.
The DBT Advanced Skills Roundtable supports adults over the age of 18.
The cost of the DBT Advanced Skills Roundtable is $390 per program taxes included. The fee includes access to all weekly sessions and a DBT skills library. This program focuses on supporting you in increasing your comfort level in integrating DBT skills within your daily life.
Participants will receive receipts with the providers license for insurance reimbursement.
Your subscription fee includes access to all weekly drop-in sessions and Layla’s DBT skills library.
The DBT Advanced Roundtable sessions are hosted weekly and open with a mindfulness exercise before shifting focus onto discussion around one core DBT skill.
Layla’s DBT Skills library contains resources and videos to refresh your knowledge of the 4 core DBT Skills: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Until August 29th, 2022, Layla is offering an early adopter discount to individuals who sign up for our new DBT Advanced Skills Roundtables! Complete our sign up for and connect with us to learn more. You will receive 30% off your first 3 months of the subscription. To secure your discount, a $20 fully refundable deposit will be collected from you. This deposit will be fully refunded should the program not commence by Fall 2022.
Layla DBT Advanced Skills Roundtables are scheduled to begin in Fall 2022. To provide the best experience for participants we must register a minimum number of individuals prior to starting a Roundtable. Should we be unable to enrol the necessary number of participants to start a Roundtable, we will offer you the option to convert your registration to a scheduled group so that you can plan on continuing your DBT journey in Fall 2022 either way.
If you wish to cancel and withdraw from the group, you may do so with a full refund any time prior to 5 business days before the group start date, by contacting us at groups@layla.care.
Excluding extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and refunds are not accepted after the group has commenced. Attending sessions is important for each individual participant’s success in the group, as well as for the group cohesion and collective learning process. If you have to miss a session, please contact the therapist to let them know. Three consecutive absences will result in a drop-out with no refund.
Our services are covered by most extended health benefits. If you’re planning on using your extended health benefits, we highly recommend you check your coverage in advance of the call so that we can connect you to the right provider.
Here’s what to look for in your benefits booklet, insurance portal, or when you speak to an insurance representative: 1. Registered Social Workers, or 2. Registered Psychotherapists (RP) or Registered Counselling Therapists (RCT). If you need our help in checking benefits, please let us know on the phone and we’ll gladly do what we can.
The facilitator is available to respond to non-urgent questions outside of sessions but is not accessible for emergency or crisis support. You may forward your non-urgent questions to the facilitator via email and expect an answer on session day. In the event of an emergency or crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department for further assistance.
Group therapy is a widely used treatment option. It is an evidence-based approach that can be used alone or in conjunction with individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as medications.
Group therapy has so many benefits for participants – not only do you get to work with a skilled mental health professional, but you also get to share space with other people experiencing similar issues. Whether sessions are in-person or online, you can learn from people from diverse backgrounds, get more comfortable speaking about mental health, receive support from others and give support back. Layla Groups are small, and each participant receives careful attention and support from the therapist.
Layla Groups will generally start with a check-in activity to bring everyone fully into the therapeutic space. Every session, your therapist will introduce new skills, facilitate discussion, share examples, and may provide practice review or “homework”. You’ll receive all the materials that you need, like handouts and worksheets, before the start of each group.
At the end of the session, your therapist will lead the group through a check-out activity to prepare the group to leave the therapeutic space and bring the session to a close.
Yes definitely! Adjusting to a new experience in a new environment takes a bit of time. You may be feeling anxious as you start a new group, especially in the first session. The feelings of anxiety, discomfort or worry will likely decrease throughout the first session and with each session you attend. Take your time to settle in and participate as much (or as little) as you are comfortable with. The goal is for each of you to move through your own processes at your own pace within a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.
It can feel scary to open up and share with others. Just remember that the other participants in the group are also going through similar struggles and are trying to deal with similar things. You’ll most likely find that when you share your experience, you’ll see a lot of other group members nodding and agreeing as they have gone through similar things and felt similar feelings. Being seen, heard, and understood by someone else who has the same lived experience can feel so validating.
We also review ground rules and expectations at session 1 and everyone agrees to follow these rules. Kindness, compassion, respect, and inclusivity, are the core values that frame all of the conversations in the group.
Yes, Layla offers in-person, walk and talk, virtual, and phone sessions across Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Please note that only select therapists are offering in-person and walk and talk therapy. Our current regions for in-person therapy is limited to the following, and we are continuously expanding and growing areas where we offer in-person sessions:
Ontario: Arnprior, Barrie, Brampton, Burlington, Carp, Fenwick, Hamilton, Kanata, Markham, Mississauga, Oakville, Orangeville, Orillia, Ottawa, Toronto
Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, Sherwood Park
British Columbia: Abbotsford, Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver
Layla has therapists available virtually for anywhere you are in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia, that may be matched to your specific needs. If you would like more information, please contact us at info@layla.care.
Drop-in sessions are scheduled at the same day and time each week. You will be able to sign up for the session frequency that works the best for you whether that is attending one session each month or all of the weekly sessions! Sessions will focus on enhancing knowledge and understanding of DBT skills through sharing and mutual learning.
Our Digital Intake can be completed on the following browsers: Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Walk and Talk Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that includes walking outdoors. It is a great alternative for individuals who prefer a different option to the tradition office setting and provides a unique opportunity to experience nature alongside the session.
If you find you are having trouble participating, experiencing anxiety in the groups setting, or feel you aren’t getting enough from the group, please email the lead therapist to set up a phone conversation to explore this issue further and get support. Oftentimes, this is a matter of coming up with a strategy or working on coping skills, or perhaps doing some individual sessions as well.
You may cancel or withdraw with a full refund any time prior to 5 business days before the group start date. Excluding extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and refunds are not accepted after the group has commenced.
Layla has a variety of options to best meet your current DBT needs whether it is individual therapy or group therapy!
Individual therapy provides 1 to 1 support for adults and youth looking to work with a registered mental health professional with DBT specialization. This is a good option if you’re looking for a more individualized focus for sessions.
Our DBT group programming offers options for individuals 18+ who are new or more experienced with DBT skills in a supportive group setting. In the DBT Skills Group - 12 weeks, individuals learn to implement DBT techniques and strategies. If you are new to DBT Skills, this may be a good way to introduce DBT Skills into your daily life. The program is also a good choice should you be looking to refresh your knowledge of DBT Skills.
If you have experience with DBT Skills through previous individual or group sessions, and are 18+, the DBT Advanced Skills Roundtable may be a better fit for you! Sessions focus on supporting you in increasing your comfort level in integrating core DBT Skills into your daily life. You will also have access to Layla’s DBT library as part of your program fees.
The DBT for Teens and Parents (DBT-A) program is specifically designed for youth 13-17 and their caregivers. During the program, young people and their families can build their skills and strategies to promote emotion regulation.
Depending on the program you choose, there may be program specific restrictions. Please navigate to the program specific page for more information or contact our team at groups@layla.care for assistance!
The Recovery Skills group is based on evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for increasing the understanding of thoughts and feelings, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and mindfulness, as well as drawing from the principles of Health at Every Size®.
Psychological testing and assessment are similar to medical tests. If a patient has physical symptoms, a primary care provider might order an ultrasound and/or a range of blood tests to understand what’s causing those symptoms. The results of the tests will help the provider inform the development of a treatment plan. Psychological assessment is completed for a similar purpose, but for mental health symptoms. Mental health providers gather information in several ways, including conducting a history and background interview, administering standardized questionnaires, and observing a client’s behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment goals. In addition to clarifying your challenges and understanding yourself better, the results of a psychological assessment can sometimes help you access supports to help you succeed at work and/or at school.
When someone talks about “doing sessions” with a psychologist or other type of therapy provider, they are typically referring to a psychotherapy treatment session.
Psychologists are trained to offer different types of services, including psychotherapy, assessment, and diagnosis of mental health issues. A psychologist determines what information to use based on the specific question(s) being asked. For example, if it is important to understand if you suffer from a diagnosed mental health issue, a psychologist can help! They will meet with you for a structured interview and ask you to complete some questionnaires to better understand the nature of the issue (e.g., a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, ADHD). Once they have a better understanding of your needs, they can outline a treatment plan (which may include, for example, doing some psychotherapy sessions to learn some new strategies and/or talking to your family physician about medications).
If you’re unsure about your needs, contact us at info@layla.care and we’ll help guide you in the right direction.
A mental health diagnosis is a formal name for a disorder characterized by a significant disturbance in how a person thinks, feels, or manages their emotions or behaviours. For an individual to receive a diagnosis, the symptoms they are experiencing must cause difficulties in important areas of functioning, like school, work, or social activities. For example, if someone is chronically absent at work and has stopped going to social commitments, they may be doing so because they are experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Similarly, someone may be struggling at school because they have been sleeping too much, and have no motivation to do any of their previous activities. This person may meet the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. Other types of mental health diagnoses include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and many others.
For someone to identify an accurate diagnosis from a wide range of possible mental disorders, they must have extensive training and experience. There are specific processes that guide how clinicians narrow in on the true cause of an individual’s symptoms. Trained professionals also have the expertise to identify when multiple disorders occur together. Finally, qualified professionals can make a mental health diagnosis, as well as suggest what treatment options may be appropriate. Only certain types of professionals have this required experience and training. In most provinces, only psychologists and physicians (like family doctors and psychiatrists) can make a mental health diagnosis. However, in some provinces, such as Alberta and British Columbia, social workers and nurse practitioners with specialized training can make some mental health diagnoses.
Anyone can be referred to our assessment service, and you don’t need a formal referral from another provider. Sometimes, however, extended health insurers require a referral from a family physician to reimburse for psychological assessment services. We recommend you check with your insurer to see what is required for reimbursement for psychological services.
The time required for an assessment depends on the type of assessment. Mental health assessments for diagnostic purposes generally take between 1-2 sessions, and may involve a history and background interview with your provider so they can better understand your symptoms and needs. This type of assessment might also include completing some standardized questionnaires (either in-office or virtually) to help your provider gauge the nature and severity of your symptoms.
If you are seeking a diagnosis for a more complex issue, the process may require more time, so that the professional can gather the right information to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Before you commit to the process, your Layla provider will outline what is involved at every step and how long the process will take.
Our psychologists provide virtual assessment services to clients in Ontario. We are continuously building our community and hope to expand soon to serve clients in other provinces.
A psychological assessment is often recommended for individuals who show signs (i.e., behavioural changes that others might see) and symptoms (i.e., thoughts and feelings that the individual experiences) of a mental health issue, but don’t have a diagnosis. More specifically, if an individual feels their mental health symptoms are getting in the way of aspects of their life (e.g., work, school, relationships), a psychological assessment can help clarify why, as well as offer strategies for help going forward. Whether someone needs a psychological assessment depends on the person, and they must agree to the process. Once they do, the psychologist will tailor the assessment to the person’s needs, and share clear information about how the process unfolds.
