Counselling and psychotherapy is the skilled use of relationship to facilitate self-knowledge, emotional acceptance and growth, and the optimal development of personal resources. The overall aim is to provide opportunities and skills for people to work towards living more satisfying lives. 

Counselling and psychotherapy are relational processes that use ethical professional competencies to address various aspects of well-being, such as personal growth and development, relationship issues, mental health, and distress. 

In Canada, counselling and psychotherapy including the professional titles “Counsellor” and/or “Psychotherapist” are restricted to individuals who a) hold advanced degrees (Master’s, Doctorate) in related fields (counselling, social work) from accredited universities, b) have undergone and met the requirements of professionally supervised practicum, and c) have met the strict licensing requirements of their respective organizations.