I offer psychotherapy that helps people cope more effectively with:
• Anxious or upsetting feelings
• Stressful events, situations, thoughts, or habits
• Low self-esteem and self-image
• Feelings of depression and ongoing sadness
• Relationship troubles, divorce, or separation
• Feelings of being overwhelmed with current circumstances
• Difficulty forgiving self or others
• Trouble making sense of the past or present
• Grief and loss
• Loneliness
• Life changes
• Substance abuse
• Critical illness (self or others)
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is form of treatment for psychological, emotional, or behavioral problems in which a therapist establishes a relationship with a client (or clients) so that together, they can change or remove existing issues and promote personal growth. Psychotherapy aims to increase a person’s sense of their own well-being.
What Goes On In Psychotherapy?
You and I will enter into a series of confidential, safe, and open discussions with the goal of resolving your concerns. How long those discussions go on for depends on the issues and the readiness you feel to share your story, consider the events surrounding your concerns, and create change. The key to successful therapy and counselling is a willingness to make personal changes happen. As the therapist, I cannot do this for you. However, I will provide you with tools & strategies, support, ideas, guidance, direction, and encouragement. Psychotherapy is a process that can take time – much like the time it takes to see results when we start a new exercise regime. However, each session – like each workout – contributes importantly to the overall goal.
It is important that you feel a connection between you and your counsellor. There must also be a sense of trust and comfort. That being said, therapy is not always a “comfortable” process. Issues that are creating pain or problems in your life usually require exploration to create understanding and then healing. Therefore, a session may feel rewarding, frustrating, enlightening, and/or tiring. Sessions may challenge or inspire you to examine what makes you think, feel, and do. Very important progress occurs between our sessions together, as you start to think about yourself or situations differently and choose to respond and act differently.
I practice a “Cognitive Behavioral” approach to psychotherapy, firmly rooted in Adlerian theories and training.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy is based on the concept that our thoughts (cognitions) give rise to our emotions, and thus, impact how we choose to behave. The psychotherapist and the client identify the negative thoughts and reframe them into more positive, helpful beliefs.
Adlerian Psychology is an optimistic and inspiring approach to psychotherapy that encourages the development of psychologically healthy and cooperative individuals, couples, and families. (1) It balances the equally important desire for the healthy development of the individual as well as their sense of social responsibility. Adlerian Psychology:
• Focuses on your strengths
• Promotes a holistic view of you and your situation
• Is based on democratic principles
• Promotes a sense of community, personal freedom and responsibility
• Examines the social context of your behaviour, including the purpose and meaning of what you do
• Uses encouragement and promotes mutual respect. (2)
(1) Alfred Adler, M.D., was an early associate of Sigmund Freud in Vienna. Adler’s theories and teaching has had a significant impact on the fields of education, social sciences, family life, psychology, and psychotherapy.
(2) Source: http://www.alfredadler.org/, The North American Society of Adlerian Psychology