I offer psychotherapy to help people cope with or address:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Self-esteem issues
• Depression
• Divorce or separation
• Feelings of being overwhelmed
• Relationship troubles
• Difficulty forgiving self or others
• 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 your therapist 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. 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.

A psychotherapist’s role is not about giving advice, direction, or telling you what to do. It is also not just about providing support and encouragement. Although it is important that you feel you can trust your therapist and there’s a general sense of “liking” between you and them, it is not always a “comfortable” process. A session may feel rewarding, it may feel frustrating, and it may be enlightening. Sessions may challenge or inspire you to examine what makes you think, feel, and do. Very important progress occurs between your sessions with your therapist, as you start to think about yourself or situations differently and therefore, respond or choose 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