Clients have different reasons for seeking therapy depending on their problems and concerns. First, we assess your therapy needs before tailoring an appropriate treatment approach. We may use various approaches at different points in therapy, but always in thoughtful ways that align with your overall goals. You have the right to know and consent to what is happening in therapy at all times, and I welcome any questions or feedback.

Research shows that different therapies can treat the same complaint or concern with similar results. Many approaches can also be adapted for brief or longer therapy. My model choices depend on the nature of your troubling symptoms and your level of comfort and fit. These are some of the particular approaches I draw from:

• Relational & Dynamic Therapy
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Mentalization-Based Therapy (How to reflect on self and others)
• Attachment & Systemic (Family) Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Approaches (CBT & DBT)
• Body-Centered Therapy (sensorimotor psychotherapy, relaxation, trauma-based yoga)
• Expressive Therapy (i.e. emotion, art, play)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

Don’t worry if some of these terms don’t mean anything to you. I am happy to explain these approaches before we create a plan for you.

Relational

I believe a strong therapy relationship lays the foundation for any meaningful work together. Fit, comfort, and trust are key elements of this bond. My relational style is compassionate, supportive, collaborative, and respectful. When appropriate, I can use gentle humour or be somewhat playful. I make room for the full spectrum of human emotion in sessions, including tears and laughter.

Clients often have problems dealing with their emotions or thoughts and seek help to better understand, manage, and express themselves more effectively. I encourage clients be curious about, and reflect on, their experiences. I actively participate in this process and will even provide feedback if the person I am working with seeks it. Over time, this process can help you find or strengthen your voice and sense of self. Clients often become more open, honest, and expressive, and develop greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and effectiveness in their lives.

Short vs. Longterm

Brief therapy can address well-defined issues or symptoms. For example, CBT and bodywork are helpful for managing specific anxiety or depressive symptoms, or for strategic coping skills for managing stress. Some clients are generally satisfied with their life, but want someone to bounce their ideas off of. Short forms of therapy are mostly present focused and can be more directive. I empower a client’s own problem solving abilities by helping them generate different perspectives, explore possible solutions without judgment, or unpack any barriers or fears. That said, if someone is making a choice that I believe carries unacceptable risk, I will say so.

Other clients come to therapy with chronic, repetitive problems or multiple concerns. Examples include previous trauma or family issues that keep us from feeling good in our skin. In this case, clients may choose therapy with a broader focus that aims to uncover any underlying issues that are fueling ongoing complaints or symptoms. Rather than remaining stuck in old ideas or feelings about oneself that are uncomfortable, therapy can offer a space to reconsider or update these beliefs and feelings and offer a sense of renewal and freedom. Working deeply in this way makes room for lasting and meaningful change. We can discuss if other therapy options such as EMDR could help accelerate some of these changes.

Past vs. Present: Do I have to relive my trauma?

Clients worry that they need to discuss painful historical moments or traumas in therapy. Although some individuals want to revisit these events in order to retell and reprocess the story in new ways, this is not always necessary. Sometimes we just need to feel safe and accepted in a relationship. Or, relief may come from simply bringing awareness to habitual thoughts, emotions, or patterns that are keeping you stuck. With the right approach, we can release stress without having to talk about it (see body-based therapy). EMDR can be helpful as well.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I sensitively respond to what clients need and feel comfortable expressing in the moment. I will never force you to do anything you are not comfortable with. Every person is different, and I will follow your cues and hold your sense of safety as a priority.

Mindful and Reflective

Mindfulness means paying attention to what is happening in the present moment without judging it. Being aware of our life in the moment is difficult when we get caught up in negative thoughts, addictions, or emotions. Mindfulness is a skill that can be taught, and helps bring our attention to and accept our present experience as it is happening. Simply noticing and accepting negative emotions and feelings lessens anxiety so that they are less likely to spiral out of control. It also helps us identify old habits that are no longer working for us so we can step out of them.

Being mindful leads to becoming interested and curious – or “reflective”- about the feelings and thoughts we notice in ourselves and in others (i.e. to “mentalize”). Mindful reflection helps us pause and wonder about the motivations of others, giving us a chance to better understand each other rather than simply reacting emotionally. Mindful reflection is a powerful skill for improving all of our relationships – the relationship we have with ourselves, and those relationships we have at work and home, including parenting.

Attachment and Systemic (Family) Therapy

Attachment refers to the ability to form emotional bonds and empathic, enjoyable relationships with other people. Attachment styles develop from interactions early in life that become ingrained as “automatic relational patterns”. These styles often operate out of awareness, and we default to them under stress in order to get our needs met. Difficulties in early bonds can lead to later relationship issues in our families, work, and friendships. Therapy can uncover and update these relational patterns, strengthen our present attachment bonds, and lead to greater intimacy and trust.

Body-Based and Expressive Therapy

Body-based (i.e. somatic approaches such as sensorimotor psychotherapy) and expressive therapy (i.e. using art, play, etc.) can help access memories, emotions, and beliefs in different ways. These therapies can offer an alternative for those who are less comfortable with “talk” therapy, or can be paired with other approaches. Stress, emotions, and trauma can be held in the body, and grounding or relaxation techniques (i.e. tracking sensations, breathing etc.) can settle the nervous system, lessening anxiety and distress.

Gentle exercise or movement (including yoga) can have powerful mood enhancing and stress relieving effects that are an important part of self-care. Resolving stress-related issues can also help manage chronic illness and pain. I integrate mind-body approaches as part of my overall holistic approach. If you are working with a physician or other health providers, I am happy to consult with them regarding our work together so that you can benefit from a professional team approach..