Counselling Approach

 

I am a fully licensed and registered Clinical Counsellor who focuses on the treatment of: 

                                    depression

                                    anxiety

                                    trauma

                                    PTSD

                                    grief/loss

                                    disability/life transition issues

                                    self compassion

                                    stress management

                                    pain management

 

 

 

In my sessions, I use an eclectic mix of therapeutic strategies, based on the needs, values, interests, and abilities of each individual client:  I often use cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), strengths based CBT, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), body awareness, self compassion, and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) – again tailored to the uniqueness of each client and the issue(s) presented.  All of my sessions are client centered and strengths focused.  I also offer Christian/faith based counselling to my approach, upon request of the client.

 

I am a collaborative and compassionate counsellor who respects diversity and accepts challenges – in all of their forms.  

 

Broadly, I aim to increase your awareness of the relation among your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours/actions (CBT), identify and respond effectively to intense emotions (DBT), live a rich and meaningful life while relating differently to the inevitable pains in life (ACT), and to work with rather than against the various sensations in your body.  I hope to help you reframe/change pessimistic perspectives to more positive/optmistic (but still realistic) outlooks.

 

Ultimately, my goal(s) for therapy are based on your goals for therapy.  They are different for everyone.  I will propose that we create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals and work toward them together. 

 

The overall duration of my sessions varies for each client:  sometimes one session is sufficient, sometimes twenty are required.  You have control over how long your therapy lasts as well as how frequently we see each other.  

​

What is said in sessions will not be repeated to or shared with anyone - unless I consider there to be danger to yourself or others OR if I have reason to believe that there is abuse/risk of abuse of a child or elder.  Court orders (subpoenas) also mandate my disclosure.