Do I need therapy or coaching?

If you are not sure if you need a therapist or a coach, you’re not alone. Many people feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure, but they don’t know where to turn. Do you need to process deep emotional pain? Or are you looking to reach a goal and move forward?

Understanding the difference between therapy and coaching can help you choose the right kind of support. While both offer valuable guidance, they serve very different purposes. And for many, especially those dealing with stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression, therapy may be the safer and more sustainable path to healing.

What Is Therapy?

Therapy, also called counselling or psychotherapy, is a clinical process. It helps people explore emotional distress, patterns, trauma, and mental health conditions. Therapists are trained professionals with master’s degrees and provincial registration. They’re equipped to help you:

• Heal trauma
• Regulate emotions
• Improve relationships
• Navigate depression, anxiety, PTSD, BPD
• Work through childhood wounds
• Set boundaries and build self-worth

Grigore Counselling’s therapists are trauma-informed and culturally responsive. We create a safe, non-judgmental space to process what you’ve been carrying.

What Is Coaching?

Coaching focuses on performance and future-oriented goals. A coach helps with personal development, productivity, leadership, or motivation. Coaches don’t treat mental health conditions and aren’t required to hold clinical licensure.

Coaching might be helpful if you:

• Feel emotionally stable
• Want help with business, leadership, or career goals
• Need accountability for short-term action plans
• Don’t need to process trauma or mental health concerns

But coaching doesn’t go deep. If your blocks are rooted in trauma, burnout, or emotional wounds, a coach may not have the tools to support you.

How to Know the Difference

Here’s a quick guide to help you determine whether you need therapy or coaching:

Therapy Might Be Best If…	Coaching Might Be Best If…
You feel anxious, depressed, or emotionally unstable	You feel okay but want to grow
You’ve experienced trauma or loss	You want help with productivity or goals
You struggle with patterns from childhood	You’re already regulated emotionally
You’ve been diagnosed or suspect a mental health condition	You want direction in your career or personal life
You’re overwhelmed or burnt out	You’re ready to take action toward specific goals

If you’re unsure, it’s safest to start with therapy. Grigore Counselling offers initial consultations to help you figure out your next step.

Why Therapy Often Comes First

Many people seek coaching when they’re really experiencing unresolved trauma, stress, or emotional dysregulation. They try to “optimize” before they’ve healed. But if the foundation isn’t stable, coaching may feel like a bandage on a deeper wound.

Therapy provides that foundation.

Once your nervous system is regulated and past wounds have been addressed, coaching can become more effective.

Still Not Sure?

If you:

• Cry more than usual
• Struggle with sleep, appetite, or energy
• Feel stuck in patterns that don’t change
• Experience panic, anger, or numbness
• Have difficulty trusting others or yourself

…it’s likely time for therapy.

Many of our clients at Grigore Counselling come to us after trying self-help, coaching, or courses that didn’t resolve the core issue. Therapy offers something different: a safe, structured, and clinically informed space to heal.

You Don’t Have to Choose Alone

If you’re asking, Do I need therapy or coaching? That’s already a sign you’re seeking support. And that’s something to honour.

Our therapists are here to help you find clarity. We offer both short-term and long-term counselling, depending on your needs. We’ll work with you to assess what’s going on and whether therapy is right for you.

And if you eventually decide coaching is a better fit, we’ll guide you there, too. With care.

Learn more about our approach to therapy
Book with a counsellor near you: Find a therapist in Langley, Richmond, Surrey and more

FAQs: Do I Need Therapy or Coaching?

1. Can I do both therapy and coaching?

Yes, but therapy should come first if you’re struggling with emotional regulation, trauma, or mental health conditions. Once you’ve worked through those, coaching can be a great next step.

2. What if I feel stuck but don’t know why?

That’s exactly when therapy can help. Therapists are trained to uncover what’s underneath patterns, emotions, or numbness.

3. How do I start therapy at Grigore Counselling?

Simply visit our booking page and choose a location or therapist that feels like the right fit. No referral required.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT or DBT therapy) is one of the most effective therapies available today. Especially for people who feel emotionally overwhelmed or stuck in harmful patterns. But how do you know if it’s the right fit for you? As Grigore Counselling’s team has seen more and more individuals ask about it, here are our top 10 signs you could benefit from it, based on what we see in our daily practice.

1. You feel emotions more intensely than others

Not only you feel sad. You feel crushed and even enraged from time to time. If your emotional responses feel overwhelming or hard to manage, DBT helps you regulate them. It teaches specific techniques for managing highs and lows without letting them take over your life.

2. You struggle with black-and-white thinking

If your mind often jumps to extremes: “I’m a failure,” “They hate me,” “Nothing ever works”, etc. This rigid thinking can cause emotional distress and relationship conflict. DBT therapy promotes dialectical thinking: holding two truths at once, like “I’m doing my best and I need to improve.”

3. You often say or do things you regret

If you find yourself yelling, saying hurtful things, ghosting people, or engaging in impulsive actions during intense moments, DBT’s skills for distress tolerance helps. You’ll learn how to pause, reflect, and respond with intention instead of reacting on impulse.

4. Your relationships feel unstable or painful

Do you often feel misunderstood, abandoned, or constantly in conflict? DBT helps you improve interpersonal effectiveness. You’ll learn how to set boundaries, ask for what you need, and preserve relationships that matter without losing yourself in the process. Consider our therapy services to see how we support communication and connection through DBT and other modalities.

5. You experience intense self-criticism or shame

If your inner voice constantly puts you down, telling you you’re not good enough, unlovable, or a burden, DBT helps you replace those patterns with self-validation and acceptance, even while working toward change.

6. You’ve tried other therapies without success

If traditional talk therapy or CBT hasn’t worked for you, DBT offers a fresh and more structured approach. With its balance of acceptance and change, many clients feel seen and supported in ways they didn’t before. Learn about other therapy approaches we offer and how they compare to DBT.

7. You have a history of trauma or emotional neglec

DBT was designed in part to help people cope with emotional pain stemming from trauma or invalidating environments. Even if you don’t have a PTSD diagnosis, DBT can help you process lingering wounds and build healthier patterns. For more targeted trauma work, we also offer EMDR therapy, which pairs well with DBT for many clients.

8. You engage in self-harm or suicidal thoughts

If you sometimes hurt yourself or experience thoughts of not wanting to be alive, you’re not alone. DBT therapy is one of the most researched and effective treatments for reducing self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other crisis behaviours. Early intervention matters. Our therapists can provide structured and compassionate care using DBT principles that focus on life-saving skills first.

9. You struggle with addiction or eating issues

Many people use substances or disordered eating patterns to cope with emotional pain. DBT therapy in 2025 is increasingly used in treatment programs for addiction, eating disorders, and other compulsive behaviours. Because it targets the emotional root of the behaviour.

10. You feel stuck and want a path forward

Even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis, DBT might be right for you if you simply feel stuck, reactive, or lost in your day-to-day life. DBT provides a clear framework, measurable progress, and empowering skills for anyone looking to grow.

Why DBT Therapy in 2025?

Mental health needs have evolved. In 2025, therapy it’s about learning to live better. DBT is practical, structured, and rooted in science. Our clinicians integrate DBT in a trauma-informed way. So no matter if you need weekly DBT-focused sessions or want to combine DBT with EMDR or CBT, we’ll build a plan tailored to your needs. Contact us now to book your first session and begin building real emotional strength.

FAQ

Is DBT only for Borderline Personality Disorder?

No. While it was developed for BPD, DBT is widely used today for anxiety, trauma, depression, emotional dysregulation, eating disorders, and more.

Can I do DBT virtually?

Yes. Many of our clients access DBT therapy online with great success. Sessions include all the same skill-building and support as in-person therapy.

What are the 4 DBT modules?

DBT teaches:

1. Mindfulness
2. Emotion Regulation
3. Distress Tolerance
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Contact us now to book your first session of DBT.

If you’re looking for therapy in Langley, you’re not alone and you’re not without options. No matter if you’re facing anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, or childhood trauma, getting the right kind of support matters. We offer evidence-based, trauma-informed care in our new Langley office.

Why Choose Therapy in Langley?

Langley is a growing community. But finding high-quality, accessible mental health care can still be a challenge. Long waitlists, high fees, and a lack of cultural safety often keep people from getting help.

That’s why we opened our Langley office: to serve individuals, couples, and families who want therapy in Langley that’s grounded in both clinical expertise and human compassion.

Book your first Langley therapy session now

What You Can Expect from Grigore Counselling in Langley

Trauma-Informed Care

We specialize in helping clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, childhood trauma, grief, and relationship struggles. Our therapists use evidence-based modalities like:

• EMDR
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Somatic therapy

Learn more about our trauma therapy approach

Affordable Therapy in Langley

Our Langley office offers sessions starting at $100/hour. When people search for therapy in Langley, they’re often dealing with more than one issue. Our team is trained to help with:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, and constant overthinking
• Depression, low motivation, or emotional numbness
• Childhood trauma or attachment wounds
• Emotional regulation and anger outbursts
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Relationship and family stress
• Burnout and workplace trauma
• Grief and loss
• Postpartum mental health
• Identity and cultural challenges

Wondering if therapy is right for you? Read: Top 10 Signs You Could Benefit from DBT Therapy in 2025

Location and Accessibility

Our Langley office is centrally located for easy access from:

• Langley City
• Willoughby
• Walnut Grove
• Cloverdale
• Aldergrove
• Surrey (border areas)

Even if you live outside Langley, our online therapy options offer flexible access with the same level of depth and care.

🌐 Learn more about our virtual counselling

Culturally Sensitive and Trauma-Safe

Grigore Counselling’s team listens deeply, reflect your reality back to you, and help you move toward change. This includes:

• Recognizing intergenerational trauma
• Providing gender-affirming care
• Offering therapy in languages like Hindi, Punjabi, and French
• Valuing your story, culture, and complexity

We serve people from all walks of life. And treat each client with the dignity and safety they deserve.

Ready to Start Therapy in Langley?

Starting therapy is a bold step. It’s also one of the best ways to understand yourself, your patterns, and your capacity for growth. No matter if you’re in crisis or just curious, we’re ready to meet you where you are.

We make it easy to start:

• No referral needed
• Choose your therapist online
• Book in-person or virtual sessions
• Evening and weekend availability

Book your session now at our Langley location

FAQs About Therapy in Langley

1. What types of therapy do you offer at the Langley office?

We offer CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy. Your therapist will work with you to tailor the approach based on your goals.

2. Is therapy covered by insurance?

Many extended health plans cover therapy with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs). Check with your provider to confirm.

3. Do you offer therapy in other languages in Langley?

Yes. Several of our Langley therapists offer therapy in Hindi, Punjabi, and French. Check our booking page for full clinician bios.

If you’re facing challenges like anxiety, depression, stress, or negative thinking patterns, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help. CBT is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for improving mental health and empowering individuals to create lasting change. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing emotional struggles or looking to improve your overall well-being, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Williams Lake can offer valuable support.

We specialize in providing personalized EMDR and CBT services designed to help you identify and manage negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Our therapists work closely with you to develop coping strategies. Furthermore, you’ll also get tools for achieving long-term emotional balance and mental clarity.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured, goal-oriented treatment that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It operates on the principle that our thoughts influence our feelings and actions, and by changing negative thought patterns, we can change how we feel and behave.

In addition, CBT works by identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with healthier, more realistic ways of thinking. This process helps break the cycle of negative emotions and behaviors that can contribute to conditions like anxiety, depression, or chronic stress.

The approach is highly practical and skills-focused, offering concrete techniques that you can use to manage challenges in everyday life. In CBT sessions, you will work with your therapist to explore your thought patterns. That way, you may uncover any distortions, and learn how to replace them with more balanced perspectives! The goal is to empower you to manage difficult emotions and behaviors on your own outside of therapy.

Benefits of CBT in Williams Lake

There are many benefits to choosing CBT for mental health treatment in Williams Lake. Here are just a few:

1. Effective for Various Conditions: CBT has been proven to be effective for treating a wide range of mental health conditions. That includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorders. If you struggle with any of these issues, CBT could be a valuable approach.
2. Skills-Based and Goal-Oriented: Unlike other forms of therapy, CBT is focused on teaching you skills and strategies to manage your emotions and behaviors. This makes it practical and hands-on, helping you make measurable progress toward your goals.
3. Short-Term Treatment: CBT is often considered a short-term treatment, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking fast relief and lasting results. Many individuals see improvement in a relatively short period, allowing them to feel better equipped to manage challenges on their own.
4. Improves Emotional Regulation: One of the core benefits of CBT is the development of stronger emotional regulation. By recognizing and reframing negative thought patterns, you can reduce emotional reactivity and experience greater emotional stability.

Mind you, CBT equips you with tools that you can continue to use throughout your life. The techniques learned during therapy can help you with future challenges. And prevent the recurrence of mental health struggles!

What to expect from CBT in Williams Lake

When you begin Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Grigore Counselling in Williams Lake, your therapist will take time to understand your specific challenges. The initial sessions focus on developing a strong therapeutic relationship and understanding your concerns.

From there, your therapist will guide you through identifying any unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to your emotional difficulties. Through structured exercises and techniques, you’ll learn how to challenge these thoughts. Furthermore, you’ll replace them with healthier, more realistic perspectives.

As part of your therapy, you may also work on behavioral strategies, such as relaxation techniques, exposure therapy, or problem-solving skills. Your therapist will help you develop a treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs. This helps you make steady progress toward your mental health goals.

A client-centered approach

As we take a client-centered approach, meaning that your therapy experience will be tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress, we are here to guide you through the process of healing and growth.

We understand that seeking therapy is a big step. That’s why we provide a welcoming, supportive environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to help you develop the tools you need to thrive.

Begin your Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Williams Lake with us!

Are you ready to experience the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Grigore Counselling is here to help. Our team is dedicated to supporting you on your journey to emotional wellness. And personal growth, too!

If you’re interested in learning more about how CBT can help you, we invite you to book an appointment today. Let us help you navigate life’s challenges and find a path toward lasting change and emotional resilience.

Regardless of whether or not you celebrate Christmas or some other holiday tradition, the thought of visiting with family can instill in a lot of people “Christmas Fear” instead of “Christmas Cheer.” I’m going to pass along 5 Tips for Avoiding the “Christmas Crossfire.”

Do I have PTSD? That is a question you may be asking if you are experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and intense fear or anxiety. Experiencing these symptoms could be signs of PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Living with PTSD can be incredibly challenging, as the symptoms can disrupt daily life and lead to feelings of isolation and distress. In this article, we will explore five key signs that may indicate you are living with PTSD.

In an era of instant access and digital convenience, ChatGPT and other AI chatbots are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally held by human therapists. But can these AI companions truly stand in for a licensed professional? Here’s a balanced look at the promise—and pitfalls—of using ChatGPT as a mental health aid.

When exploring therapy options, it can be hard to know where to start. Many try to figure CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR, as those are some of the most effective evidence-based therapies available today. But how do they differ? And which one is the right fit for your unique situation?

Grigore Counselling helps clients every day navigate these choices. In this guide, we’ll break down CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR clearly—so you can make an informed decision about your healing journey.

CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR: What Is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched and widely used types of therapy. It’s based on the idea that your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. When you learn to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns, you can improve your emotions and actions.

Who is CBT for?

CBT works well for people experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Phobias
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep problems
• Negative thinking patterns

What does CBT involve?

CBT is typically short-term and structured. You’ll learn practical tools like:

• Identifying cognitive distortions
• Challenging negative beliefs
• Developing healthier thinking patterns
• Behavioural activation
• Stress management

It often involves homework between sessions to reinforce skills.

When is CBT the right choice?

Choose CBT if you want to:

• Focus on present-day issues
• Learn actionable coping strategies
• Build long-term mental health resilience

CBT is a great starting point for many people new to therapy. But let’s continue with CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR.

CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR: What Is DBT?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) evolved from CBT but adds an important focus on emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s especially helpful for those who experience intense emotions or struggle with relationships.

Who is DBT for?

DBT is highly effective for:

• Emotion dysregulation
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Self-harm behaviours
• Suicidal thoughts
• Chronic feelings of emptiness
• PTSD
• Complex trauma

What does DBT involve?

DBT combines individual therapy with skills training in four key areas:

• Mindfulness
• Emotion regulation
• Distress tolerance
• Interpersonal effectiveness

Therapists balance acceptance with change—helping you build a life worth living.

When is DBT the right choice?

Choose DBT if you:

• Feel out of control emotionally
• Struggle with unstable relationships
• Engage in self-destructive behaviours
• Want to build stronger coping and communication skills

Grigore Counselling often recommends DBT for clients facing difficulty regulating emotions. Let’s continue with CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR.

CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR: What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy designed to help you process and resolve traumatic memories. It uses bilateral stimulation (often guided eye movements) to help your brain reprocess distressing events so they no longer cause intense emotional reactions.

Who is EMDR for?

EMDR is effective for:

• PTSD
• Complex trauma
• Childhood abuse or neglect
• Phobias
• Anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Medical trauma

What does EMDR involve?

EMDR typically follows an eight-phase protocol. After building trust and emotional safety, your therapist will guide you through processing traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation.

This process helps reduce the emotional charge of the memory—allowing you to move forward without being stuck in the past.

When is EMDR the right choice?

Choose EMDR if you:

• Struggle with unresolved trauma
• Experience flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
• Feel stuck despite other therapy methods
• Want to process difficult experiences safely and effectively

EMDR can complement CBT and DBT, or serve as a primary therapy for trauma recovery.

CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR: How Do I Choose?

When comparing CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR, the best choice depends on your specific goals, symptoms, and needs.

If you want to:

• Address anxiety or depression → CBT
• Build emotional regulation skills → DBT
• Process trauma → EMDR

If you:

• Have high emotional sensitivity → DBT
• Want practical, structured tools → CBT
• Feel stuck in traumatic memories → EMDR

Grigore Counselling has an experienced team offers all three modalities and can help you find the best fit. Often, therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Many clients combine approaches. For example:

• CBT + EMDR for trauma with anxiety
• DBT + EMDR for complex trauma and emotional regulation
• CBT + DBT for managing depression and relationship challenges

During your initial consultation, we’ll help assess what combination will best support your healing.

Why It’s Important to Work with a Trauma-Informed Therapist

Whether you choose CBT, DBT, or EMDR, working with a trauma-informed therapist is key. Many people seek therapy for anxiety, depression, or relationship issues—without realizing underlying trauma may be driving these patterns.

At Grigore Counselling, our clinicians bring trauma-informed care to every session. This means we prioritize your emotional safety, honour your pace, and focus on true healing—not just symptom management.

CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR: Ready to Start?

If you’re wondering, CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR—which one is right for me?, know this: you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Contact Grigore Counselling today to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll explore the therapy options that best fit your goals and help you take the next step toward lasting change.

FAQ on CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR

Is EMDR more effective than CBT or DBT?

It depends on your needs. EMDR is highly effective for trauma processing, while CBT and DBT offer strong tools for anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. Many clients benefit from a combination.

Can I do CBT, DBT, and EMDR at the same time?

Yes, many clients integrate approaches. For example, using CBT skills to manage day-to-day anxiety while working through trauma with EMDR, and building emotion regulation with DBT.

How do I know if trauma is affecting me?

Common signs include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, relationship difficulties, or unexplained anxiety. A trauma-informed therapist can help you explore these symptoms safely.

Now that school’s out, summer is the perfect time to unlock the potential within our children and adolescents. This vibrant season presents an opportunity not just for fun and exploration, but for profound growth and transformation. Counselling for children and adolescents can play a pivotal role during these formative years, offering support that empowers young minds to navigate challenges and harness their strengths. Through engaging therapeutic techniques, kids are encouraged to express themselves, build resilience, and develop essential life skills.

This article delves into the multifaceted benefits of focusing on mental health for children and adolescents during the summer months, illustrating how it can shape a brighter future for our youth. By investing in their emotional and mental well-being now, we lay the foundation for success, happiness, and fulfillment that can last a lifetime. Join us as we explore the potential of counselling to turn summer into a season of hope, healing, and growth for children and adolescents.