Therapy Near Me Edmonton

Not Just Talk. Real, Lasting Change.

Intensive 1:1 psychotherapy for teens and adults. Psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and evidence-based. In-person in Edmonton and virtual across Alberta.

Individual Therapy - What It Is and What It Does

Individual psychotherapy is a form of mental health treatment that involves meeting one-on-one with a trained professional to explore, understand, and resolve the emotional, relational, or psychological difficulties affecting your life. At CDMH, it is not open-ended, undirected conversation. It is focused, intensive, and directed toward real therapeutic change.

The goals of individual psychotherapy at CDMH include: greater self-understanding and insight, resolution of problematic emotional and physical symptoms, enhanced closeness and intimacy in important relationships, improved coping with life stressors, and optimized life functioning.

Psychodynamic Therapy and ISTDP in Edmonton

Root-Cause Treatment, Not Symptom Management

CDMH’s flagship therapeutic approach is Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), a research-supported, cost-effective treatment model that helps people access and resolve the core emotional issues driving their symptoms.

ISTDP is especially effective for anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosomatic conditions, and complex presentations that have not responded well to other treatments.

Our clinicians also draw on CBT, ACT, EMDR, SE, IFS, DBT, Gestalt, and other evidence-based approaches. Treatment is individualized, the method depends on your specific needs, history, and goals.

Modalities Available at CDMH

What to Expect When You Start at CDMH

Getting started is straightforward. Here is what the process looks like:

Free Phone Consultation

15mins

Speak directly with your clinician of choice to discuss your concerns, the clinician’s approach, fees, scheduling, and fit.

Intake Appointment

1.5–2 hours

A thorough collaborative conversation covering your symptoms, history, treatment goals, and an initial trial of therapeutic work.

Ongoing Active Treatment Sessions

1–1.5 hours

Weekly or bi-weekly sessions focused on real therapeutic change, not indefinite talk.

Maintenance Sessions

Once your goals are met, monthly check-ins support lasting progress and provide space for any future tune-ups.

Why Patients in Edmonton Choose CDMH

Evidence-based care, focused on depth and resolution, not symptom management

Team of 9 skilled clinicians with diverse, specialized training

Flagship ISTDP approach with proven outcomes for complex conditions

Interdisciplinary collaboration: clinicians consult and communicate

In-person (Edmonton) and virtual options across Alberta

Founded by an Edmonton Top 40 Under 40 (2025) Registered Psychologist

Fees guided by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) schedule

Session Fees

CDMH fees are guided by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) recommended fee schedule, the clinician’s level of specialized training, and continued professional development activities. Fees are due at the conclusion of each session.

Therapy Near Me Edmonton

Free 15-Minute Consultation Available Before You Commit

Book a free 15-minute phone consultation to speak with one of our helpful clinicians today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy)?

ISTDP is a research-supported psychodynamic treatment model developed by Dr. Habib Davanloo. It helps people access and resolve the core emotional conflicts that underlie symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and somatic conditions. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ISTDP is active, focused, and structured to achieve results more efficiently. Dr. Armstrong and CDMH clinicians have extensive advanced training in ISTDP.

How long does therapy at CDMH typically last?

The length of treatment depends on your presenting concerns, treatment goals, level of motivation, and the therapeutic approach. Some treatment can be quite short; other situations require longer-term work. Your clinician will discuss the likely scope of treatment at your intake appointment.

How often will I need to attend sessions?

For active treatment, CDMH clinicians typically recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions of 60 or 90 minutes. Once your goals are met, monthly maintenance sessions can support lasting progress.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for adults?

Research supports the effectiveness of online psychotherapy for a wide range of presenting concerns. Many clients find virtual sessions equally or even more accessible, allowing them to participate without the barrier of travel. CDMH offers both options so you can choose what works for you.

What evidence supports individual psychotherapy?

There is strong empirical evidence supporting the use of individual psychotherapy for problematic mental health symptoms, improved functioning, and enhanced physical health. Research consistently identifies the therapeutic relationship, a strong, trusting, collaborative alliance between client and therapist, as the largest single factor contributing to positive outcomes.

What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?

Psychotherapy and counselling both involve a therapeutic relationship focused on mental health and wellbeing. In Alberta, “psychotherapy” typically refers to deep clinical work with trained professionals regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists. CDMH clinicians are regulated professionals who provide evidence-based, clinically rigorous care.