Therapies
I use strategies from different therapies to create a combination that works best for you and your goals.
My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, goal driven and non-judgmental.
I have a holistic view of wellbeing which incorporates the importance of not only mental and emotional health but also physical and spiritual wellbeing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on understanding how your thoughts, feelings and behaviours are related.
You can change how you feel and behave by changing how you think. The idea is to catch your distressing thoughts before they make you upset or cause you to act in a way that is not helpful to your wellbeing.
CBT is effective in treating:
· Addictions
· Anxiety and depression
· Post-traumatic stress disorder
· Relationship problems and relationship breakdown
· Social phobias
· Disordered eating patterns
· Anger
Strengths Based Therapy
A strengths based approach focuses on your existing strengths , resources and positive qualities. Rather than solely addressing problems or deficits, this approach aims to empower you by recognizing and building upon what you are already doing to meet your needs and feel connected.
The approach encourages you to view yourself as resilient and resourceful, even in challenging circumstances.
Everyone has character strengths, core patterns of thinking and behaving that are positive, and when used intentionally, benefit you and those around you.
Solution Focused Therapy
Solution focused therapy focuses on solution-building rather than problem-solving. Instead of analyzing present problems and past causes, it concentrates on current circumstances and future goals/hopes.
The general philosophy is 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Once you know what works, do more of it and if it is not working, do something different.
Effective for:
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decreasing addiction severity and trauma symptoms
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decreasing marital issues
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improving conflict management and self-esteem
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reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety
Narrative Therapy
As you experience events and interactions, you give meaning to those experiences and they in turn influence how you see yourself and the world. You can carry multiple stories at once related to your self-esteem, abilities, relationships, work, etc.
The process works by separating you from your lived experiences and empowering you to use that same approach when dealing with your problems. By removing blame and others' perceptions, you are able to reauthor your life story.
Effective for:
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anxiety; attachment issues; ADHD
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depression; grief, eating disorders
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on:
1. The acceptance of unwanted personal experiences that we cannot avoid. Trying to control what is outside our control causes suffering.
2. Commitment to, and action toward, a life that reflects our values despite the discomforts.
Who do you want making decisions for you in your life – your anxiety, depression, anger, or you?
~ Kirk Strosahl, co-founder of ACT
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. ~ Haruki Murakami
Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens. ~ ~ Epictetus, Stoic Philosopher
Compassion - Focused Therapy (CFT)
Compassion-focused therapy helps those struggling with shame and self-criticism to strengthen self-compassion and compassion towards others.
CFT teaches mind and body awareness and can help regulate mood, create a sense of safety, self-acceptance and comfort.
High self-esteem individuals are people who like, value and accept themselves, imperfections and all. Believing you deserve to feel better is a powerful motivator for change.
Our imperfections are what make us card-carrying members of the human race.
~ Kristin Neff
Family System Therapy
Family systems therapy helps resolve problems in the context of the family unit. Family members work together to better understand their group dynamic and how each person's actions affect the others and the unit as a whole.
In addition to family conflict, this treatment approach can be helpful for:
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Substance use disorder
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Alcohol use disorder
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Eating disorders
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Coping with physical disabilities and disorders
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems identifies the many sub-personalities or 'families' within your own mind. Some parts or sub-personalities are wounded/hurt and carry painful emotions. Because we do not want to feel painful emotions, other parts try to control those vulnerable parts and protect us from feeling the big emotions. These parts often come into conflict with each other and some parts lead us to engage in very unhealthy behaviours as a distraction.
The focus of therapy is on healing the wounded parts and restoring balance and harmony.
IFS therapy can treat individuals, couples, and families, and can be effective for:
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Panic and phobias
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Substance use
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Physical health conditions
Gottman Method Couples Counselling
The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of your relationship, and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. The goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.
The Process:
Couples who enter into Gottman Method Couples Therapy begin with an assessment process that then informs the therapeutic framework and intervention.
Assessment
The first session involves a general overview of the relationship from both partners' perspectives. This is followed by individual (separate) interviews with each partner. Couples complete questionnaires and then receive detailed feedback on their relationship.
Therapeutic Interventions
Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning. Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts. Interventions designed to increase closeness and intimacy are used to improve friendship, deepen emotional connection, and create changes which enhances the couples shared goals. Relapse prevention is also addressed.
