THERAPEUTIC ORIENTATION
I am trained in cognitive-behavioural, experiential, interpersonal, schema-focused and dialectical behaviour therapies for individuals, as well as emotion-focused and cognitive-behavioural therapies for couples.
Services are offered within individual, couple and group therapy contexts.
Assessment information is obtained at the beginning of therapy (and ongoing as required) to help patients more precisely identify their needs as well as to focus psychological interventions. Treatment goals are set collaboratively with clients.
An integrative approach to therapy is used, and includes helping clients to identify and change key behaviours and thoughts/schemas, which then reduces painful experiences like depression and anxiety. Another key facet of therapy involves working directly with emotions and, in particular, helping clients experience and express a greater breadth of the important underlying primary feelings, which facilitates better decision-making and quality of life. It is also important to identify and work with triggering events (present and past) that perpetuate ongoing negative life patterns, which is effective in helping to resolve symptoms, problematic behaviour and stressful relationships.
Growth-oriented activities are encouraged between sessions, and handouts are used effectively to facilitate this approach.
I work collaboratively with clients to set treatment goals and tailor my approach to best meet clients’ needs. I recognize the importance of assessment in helping clients to identify more precisely their needs, and use this information effectively in focusing psychological interventions (see book chapter I wrote on assessment in therapy in “Other” webpage).