MIRROR WATER x Self Space Guide to types of therapy

Bigger picture: CBT aims to help you change the way you think (cognitive) and what you do (behaviour). Rather than looking at past causes, it focuses on current problems and practical solutions to help you feel better now.

The therapist will… help you identify and challenge any negative thinking so you can deal with situations better and behave in a more positive way.

What to expect: CBT courses are usually brief (6-12 sessions) and often involve weekly ‘homework’ such as writing exercises and/or worksheets.

PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

Bigger picture: Developed from psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy stresses the importance of the unconscious and past experience in shaping current behaviour. It involves examining your emotions, relationships, and thought patterns.

The therapist will… maintain an attitude of acceptance, and will aim to form an equal and trusting client-therapist relationship.

What to expect: Expect an emphasis to be placed on free association (sharing thoughts, words, and anything else that comes to mind) interpretation and especially transference, where feelings you experienced in previous significant relationships are projected onto the therapist and worked with/through.

INTEGRATIVE COUNSELLING

Bigger picture: Integrative counselling looks at the whole person, taking into account your mental, physical and emotional needs. When you understand the causes of your concerns or triggers for your behaviour, you can confidently set goals and develop new behaviours to improve your satisfaction with life.

The therapist will… use techniques and tools from different types of therapy to tailor an individual approach for you. They will also aim to build a trusting and non-judgmental relationship that helps you develop self-awareness.

What to expect: Integrative therapy requires a substantial investment of time on the part of the client. Therefore it may not suit those who want a quick, solution-focused approach to personal development.

EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPY

Bigger picture: Existential therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that looks to explore difficulties from a philosophical perspective, focusing on the human condition as a whole. Rather than delve into the past, the existential approach looks at the here and now, exploring the human condition as a whole and what it means for an individual.

The therapist will… help you confront your anxieties and negative thoughts, enabling you to make decisions about how to live life and deal with life problems in your own way.

What to expect: Existential therapy highlights our capacities and encourages us to take responsibility for our successes. Emotional and psychological difficulties are viewed as inner conflict caused by an individual's confrontation with the givens of existence.

When you’re not admiring the shiny tiled walls and terrazzo flooring, steal away to the treatment rooms, complete with retro reclining chairs imported from Japan. Here, skilled aestheticians work their magic using high-quality products and innovative techniques.

Our words to live by are ‘give a fig’. We believe in creating thoughtful, immersive experiences that transform your everyday. We have four principles that guide everything we do, internally and externally: curiosity, communication, community, and consistency.

The collaboration with MIRROR WATER came about organically after Estée booked her first treatment at Formula Fig in Vancouver as a birthday treat.

“I had never heard of them and a quick Google search told me that this was the best place to go,” she says. “I saw the unique and impressive curation of products on their wall and knew MIRROR WATER had to be on those shelves. I can be slightly relentless and luckily on this occasion, it paid off. Working together has been a dream and I’m excited for this partnership to grow.” - Estée Lalonde

At Formula Fig, guests can now enjoy a curated selection of MIRROR WATER products, including the SMOOTH Body Oil and RUB Solid Balm. These products complement Formula Fig's immersive skincare experiences, extending the benefits beyond the facial treatments.

At the heart of both brands is a “dedication to nurturing yourself from every angle”. Formula Fig specialises in rejuvenating the skin, while MIRROR WATER focuses on promoting relaxation and self-reflection through bath and body care.

We love partnering with skincare brands who embrace a whole-self approach: the notion that caring for ourselves begins with the rituals we take the time for each day. MIRROR WATER offers a great assortment of skincare and body care products that our guests can bring home with them to complement their treatment routine.

It’s not uncommon for someone to book in for a facial because they’re feeling stressed or drained and just want someone to take care of them for an hour,” adds Estée. “That’s the same person who might benefit from the essential oils in our body oil for example. Something to carry on the relaxation at home between treatments.

In line with this holistic approach, Estée's personal journey and passion for wellness have shaped MIRROR WATER into a community-driven space that encourages mindfulness and balance. It's more than just products; it's about fostering a sense of wellbeing that extends beyond skincare routines.

Uniquely female-founded, owned, and operated, Formula Fig is powered by its deep beliefs in community, design, and service – helping all of its guests #GiveAFig about their skin. Book your treatment in Vancouver, Toronto, or Los Angeles via their website.

WRITTEN BY: Emma Gibbins