Which type of therapy is best for me? | BC Therapists | Kelowna, Vancouver, Chilliwack + Surrey
The right therapy style matters. In BC, EMDR, Somatics, AEDP, CBT, and DBT are proven approaches—this guide explains each so you can choose with confidence.
Choosing a therapist can feel a lot like dating. You’re looking for the right match across many factors. A therapist might be perfect for someone else, but not necessarily the right fit for you. With so much to consider, it can be overwhelming, and tempting to give up looking altogether.
Research shows outcomes improve when the therapist’s methods match your communication style, comfort level, and goals. The way therapy feels—how sessions are structured, how you connect, and the techniques used—matters just as much as who you’re sitting across from.
That’s why Vitality Collective takes the guesswork out with a best-match approach to partnering clients with their therapists. We connect you with a therapist whose education, experience, and preferred methods align with your needs. Some people thrive with structure and homework, while others prefer open exploration. Finding the type of therapy that feels the most natural for you can make all the difference in your counselling journey. With over 60 counsellors across Kelowna, Vancouver, Chilliwack and Surrey, as well as, therapists who provide telehealth across BC, we are confident we can find your perfect match.
Why modality matters
What is the most effective therapy modality? While some may thrive with CBT, others may not. Certain therapy modalities work better for certain conditions and clients. Each therapy modality has its own focus and techniques, and when the style resonates with you, progress often feels easier and more empowering. When it doesn’t, you may feel stuck or discouraged.
Each modality has its own pacing, tools and way of engaging with thoughts, emotions and the body. EMDR therapy, for example, uses bilateral stimulation to help reprocess traumatic memories, while somatic therapy focuses on releasing stored tension through breathwork and mindful movement. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is structured and goal‑oriented, whereas Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) blends CBT with acceptance and emotion‑regulation skills. Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) invites clients to stay with rising emotions in a safe, engaged relationship, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps people harmonise their inner “parts”.
These differences matter because the way therapy feels—how sessions are structured, how much emphasis there is on homework versus in‑session processing, and whether the focus is on thoughts, body sensations or relational dynamics—can either energise you or leave you feeling frustrated. If a previous therapist gave you worksheets when you craved emotional attunement, or encouraged you to talk while your body was screaming for relief, it may not have been the right fit. Exploring a modality that suits your needs can make all the difference.
Unfortunately, many clinics partner clients with therapists based on logistics (availability, geography, etc.) While those factors matter, the fit is just as important. A mismatch can lead clients to leave therapy early, thinking it “didn’t work,” when another approach may have been the key. At Vitality Collective, we begin matching you with the best therapist for you as soon as we receive your New Client Inquiry form. From there our client care coordinators will recommend counsellors whose style and methods align with you, always keeping your preferences at the center.
Related Reading: Unveiling the Top 8 Most Sought-After Counselling Therapy Modalities
| Therapy Modality | Why Consider It? | Best For | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) | Reprocesses traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation. | Trauma, PTSD, phobias, stuck memories | EMDR |
| Somatic Therapy | Uses body awareness to release tension and stored trauma. | Chronic stress, body-based trauma, mind-body reconnection | Somatic Therapy |
| AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) | Focuses on safety and deep emotional processing. | Grief, relationship wounds, emotional stuckness | AEDP |
| CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) | Structured, goal-oriented; challenges unhelpful thoughts. | Anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias | CBT |
| DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) | Combines CBT with acceptance and skills training. | Borderline personality disorder, intense emotions, self-harm | DBT |
| IFS / Parts Work | Harmonizes inner “parts” and cultivates self-leadership. | Trauma, inner conflict, self-criticism | Parts Work |
| Narrative Therapy | Rewrites self-stories, externalizing problems. | Identity issues, negative self-talk, life transitions | Narrative Therapy |
| Mindfulness-Based & Polyvagal | Teaches present-moment awareness and nervous system regulation. | Anxiety, stress, trauma, chronic pain | — |
| Sensorimotor / Somatic Experiencing | Body-based; releases stuck fight-flight-freeze responses. | Chronic tension, dissociation, unresolved trauma | — |
| Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) | Builds on existing strengths; future-oriented. | Short-term goals, relationship issues, habit change | — |
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy originally developed for trauma and PTSD. During EMDR, your therapist guides you through short sets of bilateral stimulation—such as moving your eyes back and forth, tapping, or listening to alternating sounds—while you bring a difficult memory to mind.
This process allows your brain to reprocess the memory in a healthier way, so it no longer feels as overwhelming. Over time, memories that once triggered strong emotions begin to feel less charged and more like past experiences. You remain awake and in control throughout; it’s not hypnosis, and your therapist ensures the process feels safe and comfortable.
EMDR is especially effective for people with trauma or PTSD, and many notice results faster than with talk therapy alone. It’s also useful if you’ve tried regular talk therapy for trauma and hit a wall.
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection. It is rooted in the idea that stress and trauma aren’t just in your head, they’re also stored in your body. Even if you try to forget, your body may hold on through chronic tension, startle reactions, or gut issues. Somatic therapy helps you tune into those sensations and safely release what has been stuck in your body, creating space for healing and relief. Sessions often begin with stabilization like breathwork or gentle awareness exercises, so you never dive into painful memories before you’re ready.
Somatic therapy is especially effective for trauma, whether that is trauma from a single event like an accident or from prolonged experiences like abuse. It’s also helpful for chronic anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms like tension, heaviness, or unexplained pain that often carry an emotional root.
Learn more about somatic therapy
What is AEDP?
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is an approach to therapy built on the belief that we all have an innate capacity to grow especially when we feel safe, seen, and supported. In AEDP, the therapist is highly present and responsive. They might gently invite you to stay with a rising emotion, use visualization or body awareness to help you process, and even share their own genuine feelings in the moment. This deep connection allows you to fully experience emotions you may usually push away.
AEDP is a great fit for those navigating trauma, loss, or relationship wounds, and for people who know their issues logically but still feel stuck emotionally. It’s an intense, deeply emotional therapy, but many clients describe leaving sessions feeling lighter, more empowered, and truly understood.
What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely practiced, research-backed therapies in the world. It’s structured, goal-oriented, and practical, focusing on how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence one another. The core idea is to change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, which will change how you feel.
You’ll learn to spot negative thoughts, challenge them with evidence, and reframe them into more balanced perspectives. You’ll also practice new behaviours, such as gradually facing fears or re-engaging in avoided activities. Homework is part of the process—worksheets, thought records, or exercises that help you apply skills between sessions.
CBT is highly effective for anxiety, phobias, OCD, depression, and more. Many clients appreciate its hands-on tools, clear structure, and collaborative style. Your therapist acts like a coach, guiding you to discover insights and skills you can use long after therapy ends.
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evolution of CBT that was created for people who feel overwhelmed by intense emotions or stuck in self-destructive cycles. “Dialectical” means holding two truths at once—accepting yourself as you are, while also working toward change.
It’s a structured, comprehensive program that usually includes individual therapy, weekly skills groups, homework, and sometimes between-session coaching. The core skills are:
Mindfulness – staying present and aware
Distress Tolerance – surviving crises without making things worse
Emotion Regulation – understanding and managing emotions
Interpersonal Effectiveness – communicating clearly and setting boundaries
Therapists balance validation with encouragement to change unhelpful behaviours. This active coaching style helps patients feel respected rather than judged. DBT is especially effective for borderline personality disorder, but it’s also used for bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use, and anyone struggling with big emotions or impulsive behaviours.
What is IFS /parts work and is it right for me?
Internal Family Systems (IFS)—often called “parts work”—is based on the idea that we all have different inner parts that sometimes pull us in different directions. These might show up as an inner critic, a caretaker, a child, or a protector. IFS helps you get to know these parts and guide them into balance.
In sessions, you’ll explore which parts show up around a particular issue. Instead of trying to push them away, you learn to listen with curiosity. Many people are surprised to discover that even their most disruptive parts are trying to help in some way, like protecting you from pain.
IFS can be especially helpful for trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, and inner conflict. But it’s also valuable for anyone wanting deeper self-understanding. Its non-pathologizing approach means nothing inside you is “bad” or broken. It shifts the question from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What part of me needs care?”
Learn more about IFS/Parts Work
What is narrative therapy?
Narrative therapy is about the stories we tell ourselves and how those stories shape how we see our identity and well-being. Instead of treating problems as personal flaws, this approach views them as separate from you, almost like characters in your story. With the help of a therapist’s curious questions and reflections, you can “re-author” your story to highlight strengths, resilience, and overlooked moments that don’t match the problem-focused version.
By exploring new storylines, you start to see fresh possibilities for who you are and how you want to live. This approach is especially empowering if you’ve felt defined by a diagnosis, stuck in negative self-talk, or weighed down by cultural expectations.
Learn more about narrative therapy
What is couples & marriage therapy?
Couples therapy is a specialized area with its own approaches. Two of the most well-known are Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method. Many therapists use a mix of both, tailoring the approach to each couple’s needs.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is based on attachment theory and focuses on the deeper emotions beneath conflict. A fight about money, for example, might really be about “Can I rely on you?” EFT helps couples recognize their negative patterns (like pursue/withdraw or criticize/shut down) and replace them with vulnerable, connecting communication. It’s especially helpful for healing distance, betrayal, or ongoing conflict.
The Gottman Method is a structured, skills-based approach that teaches couples practical tools for healthier communication. Through exercises, couples deepen intimacy, manage differences more effectively, and strengthen their emotional “bank account,” making the relationship more resilient.
Couples therapy is helpful for partners facing trust issues, frequent arguments, parenting struggles, intimacy concerns, or big life transitions. It’s also valuable for couples who simply want to strengthen their connection. In therapy, the relationship itself is the client, and when both partners are committed, even relationships on the brink can often move from crisis toward closeness.
Learn more about couples & marriage therapy
What is addictions/substance use counseling?
Addiction counseling helps people break free from dependence on substances like alcohol and drugs, or behaviours like gambling, and build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Addiction is complex, with ambivalence and relapse often part of the journey, and a skilled counselor offers nonjudgmental support and practical tools for lasting change.
Addictions therapy explores both root causes (trauma, stress, emotional pain) and daily strategies for recovery. You’ll learn coping skills for cravings, relapse prevention planning, and healthier ways to manage triggers. Counselors may also suggest support groups like AA, NA, or SMART Recovery to strengthen your network.
Beyond reducing use, substance use counseling helps repair relationships, ease guilt and shame, and address co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Counseling can help at any stage, whether your goal is full abstinence or harm reduction.
Learn more about addictions /substance use counseling
What is mindfulness-based therapy?
Mindfulness therapy teaches you to notice thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without judgment, gently bringing your attention back to the present moment. Practicing mindfulness creates space between you and your experiences, helping reduce stress, anxiety, and downward spirals into depression.
Sessions often include practices like guided breathing, body scans, or mindful movement. You’ll learn over time to pause before reacting, stay grounded during distress, and treat yourself with more compassion.
Mindfulness-based therapy has strong evidence for treating anxiety, depression (especially preventing relapse), stress, trauma, chronic pain, and even sleep problems. It’s a good fit for anyone who wants to feel calmer, more centered, and more in control—able to respond thoughtfully rather than being carried away by emotions.
Learn more about mindfulness-based therapy
What is trauma counselling (trauma-informed therapy)?
“Trauma counselling”is an umbrella for any therapy geared toward helping people heal from traumatic experiences. A trauma-informed therapist understands how trauma affects the brain and body. Sessions move at your pace, beginning with stabilization—building coping tools, grounding strategies, and a sense of safety—before gently working through memories. Approaches may include EMDR, somatic therapies, Internal Family Systems, narrative therapy, trauma-focused CBT, or DBT.
Trauma counselling supports people who’ve lived through chronic abuse, neglect, or other painful experiences, and who may now struggle with anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck in survival mode. The goal isn’t to erase the past, but to reduce its grip so you can reconnect with your strengths, feel lighter and calmer, and begin to live more fully in the present.
Learn more about trauma counselling
What is sensorimotor psychotherapy and somatic experiencing?
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) are body-based approaches that focus on how trauma and stress live in the nervous system. Both aim to restore balance by helping the body process survival responses that were left “stuck” after overwhelming experiences.
Somatic Experiencing focuses on the body’s natural responses to stress and trauma. By noticing sensations, practicing small movements, and using grounding techniques, it helps you to release stuck fight, flight, or freeze energy without requiring you to fully relive traumatic memories. Sensorimotor psychotherapy takes this body awareness and also includes emotions and thoughts. By working with body, mind, and emotions together, you can gradually change old patterns in a way that feels more complete and lasting.
These approaches are especially helpful if you feel trauma in your body. That could look like chronic tension, anxiety, dissociation, or a sense of being “on edge” all the time. They’re often a good fit if traditional talk therapy hasn’t helped you move forward, or if you prefer a gradual, embodied approach to healing.
Learn more about Somatic therapy
What is solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)?
SFBT is short-term, practical, and future-focused. It zeroes in on what’s already working and how to build on it, helping you create a clear picture of the life you want and take steps toward it. A hallmark of SFBT is the “miracle question”: If a miracle happened overnight and your problem was solved, what would be different tomorrow?
SFBT can be applied to many issues—relationship struggles, family dynamics, depression, habit change—and is especially helpful if you feel stuck in problem-talk and want forward momentum. At Vitality Collective, therapists may integrate SFBT techniques even within longer-term work, using its future-focused lens to clarify goals and spark change.
If you’re a person who is action-oriented or you find therapy sometimes gets you bogged down in the past and you want something optimistic and efficient, try a solution-focused approach or mention to your therapist you’d like to incorporate that.
What is relational life therapy (RLT)?
RLT is a direct, practical approach to relationship counselling that focuses on building respect, accountability, and intimacy. Unlike traditional couples therapy, RLT therapists don’t stay neutral. They’ll call out destructive patterns and actively coach healthier ways of relating, like a referee who also trains the players.
This hands-on style addresses gender and power imbalances, challenging roles that keep partners stuck (like men being shut down emotionally or women silencing their needs). Sessions are often longer or offered as intensives for deeper transformation.
RLT is a good fit for couples who feel stuck in the same fights, partners on the brink of separation, or anyone who feels traditional therapy hasn’t gone far enough. Direct and sometimes hard-hitting, RLT is ideal if you’re ready to hear tough truths delivered with compassion, and to turn them into lasting change.
What is Polyvagal-Informed Therapy and is it right for me?
Polyvagal-informed therapy is based on Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our nervous system is always scanning for safety or danger. Depending on what it senses, it shifts into different states: the ventral vagal “green zone” (calm, connected), the sympathetic “red zone” (fight-or-flight), or the dorsal vagal “blue zone” (shutdown, numbness).
You’ll learn to notice which state you’re in and practice ways to move back toward safety and connection. Techniques may include grounding, mindful breathing, humming, gentle movement, tapping, or vagal nerve exercises.
This lens is especially supportive for trauma survivors, people with anxiety, panic, chronic stress, or emotional regulation difficulties. It also helps with social anxiety and attachment issues by showing why connection can feel unsafe, and how to gradually rebuild that capacity. For children and neurodiverse clients, it reframes behaviors not as “bad” but as natural nervous system responses.
Clinical Counselling in Kelowna, Chilliwack, Vancouver and Surrey
At Vitality Collective, we don’t just assign you to the next available counselor. We carefully match you with someone whose style, expertise, and personality fit your needs. Therapy works best when it feels like the right fit, so we take time to learn about your goals, preferences, and practical needs through our New Client Inquiry Form or a quick chat with our Client Care team.
Our therapists are integrative, meaning they draw from multiple methods to meet you where you’re at. For example, you might work mainly with EMDR but also learn DBT coping skills or use narrative therapy to reframe your story. With a team holding diverse certifications, you’re not locked into one approach—we design care that evolves with you.
Ready to find your match?
Life is busy, so Vitality Collective makes therapy accessible. We offer both in-person sessions (Kelowna, Vancouver, Surrey and Chilliwack) and secure online therapy across BC. Many clients love the comfort and convenience of logging in from home, while others prefer face-to-face work—especially for approaches like EMDR. You can even switch between formats as your needs change.
Some therapies, like DBT, include brief check-ins or coaching calls to help you use skills in real life. Our admin team is also available by phone, email, or text for quick scheduling questions, reschedules, or new inquiries, making it easy to stay connected.
We want therapy to be accessible no matter your circumstances. That might mean starting with a text inquiry if you’re anxious to call, booking a session on your lunch break, or choosing shorter or longer session lengths depending on your needs. We also offer evening and weekend slots, child and teen therapy, couples and family work, and flexible formats to fit your life.
One of the strengths of a group practice is continuity. If you want to explore a new modality—say moving from CBT into EMDR—you don’t need to start over elsewhere. With your consent, we’ll transition you smoothly to another therapist on our team, sharing relevant context so you don’t have to retell your whole story. You get the expertise of a team, not just a single clinician.
Ready to find your match?
If previous therapy hasn’t worked, it doesn’t mean you’re beyond help; it may simply mean you haven’t found the right fit yet. Whether you’re curious about EMDR therapy BC, somatic therapy BC, AEDP BC, CBT BC or DBT BC, we’re here to guide you. Fill out our New Client Inquiry Form or text ‘therapy’ at 1‑855‑425‑4310, and let’s find the modality and counsellor that is your perfect match.