APPROACH
My approach to individual counselling is integrative in nature. This means that I am actively drawing upon concepts from a variety of evidence-based (research-supported) schools of psychology. Why? Because I view people as dynamic, multi-faceted, and storied beings. As such, an integrative approach provides a tailored individual counselling experience by creating space to pull from relevant interventions in order to best meet each person’s unique concerns and evolving needs. Importantly, it enables a collaborative working relationship, as well as for me to be flexible and responsive as a therapist, which I believe to be important factors in therapeutic success.
While I am anchored in a strength-based, client-centred orientation, the main frameworks of psychology that guide my individual counselling approach are: acceptance and committment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy (NT), as briefly described below.
My counselling style is conversational and thoughtful. Additionally, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship by connecting in an authentic, warm, friendly, and compassionate way. When relevant, I weave in psychoeducation, resources, tools, and strategies to support my clients along their counselling journey.
To compliment counselling, I also offer accelerated resolution therapy (ART), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). These are structured and targeted interventional approaches available at my northwest psychology practice, which you can learn more about on my services page.
ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITTMENT THERaPY (ACT)
ACT aims to “maximize human potential for a rich and meaningful life, while effectively handling the pain that inevitably goes with it”, (Harris, 2019). It centres on growing psychological flexibility by encouraging being in the present moment; stepping back from our thoughts, images, and memories; cultivating acceptance; noticing ourselves (without judgement); identifying our values; and taking action.
ACT is a gentle, validating, and encouraging approach in guiding individuals towards connection and those things that matter. It can be beneficial for a variety of concerns. Source: ACT Made Simply, 2nd Ed., by Russ Harris. 2019.
“We cannot direct the wind, but we can control the sails.” Dolly Parton
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)
CBT views psychological distress as the result of unhelpful (non-adaptive) thinking patterns and behaviours. Simply speaking, by intentionally examining our thoughts (and behaviours) and identifying more realistic, adaptive ones; we can effectively shift our mood, actions, as well as deep-seated beliefs about ourselves towards an improved psychological state.
CBT is the most widely studied and applied psychological intervention. It has benefit for a variety of concerns. While traditional CBT is active and structured, my application aligns with an integrative approach, which is less formal and structured. Source: Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond, by Beck. 2011.
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” William James
NARRATIVE THERAPY (NT)
According to NT, psychological suffering happens as a result of carrying tightly within us those difficult or painful narratives of our lived experiences. These problematic narratives become interwoven with our sense of self or identity, and thus come to influence our life. Meanwhile, other positive, constructive, and/or meaningful narratives resultantly get pushed to the edge or lost altogther. NT works by bringing these narratives back to the centre and building them up. Through such methods as re-athorizing, externalizing, and re-membering, this approach helps brings awareness and new meaning to our lived experience. Moreover, it allows individuals to make sense of, as well as redefine their life story, and thus, lessen distress.
NT is a non-blaming approach to therapy. In fact, the pioneer of NT, Michael White, emphasized that: “The problem is the problem, the person is not the problem”. This perspective helps individuals see how factors outside of themselves; for instance, other persons, systems, instititutions, society, culture, etc. have shaped their story.
Exploring and re-writing narratives can very empowering. As a therapist, I find it exptremely rewarding guiding my clients in making new discoveries about themselves, as well as shedding old narratives and making new ones. It is a flexible, creative approach which works well for individual counselling, particularly for exploring past experiences. Source: Maps of Narrative Practice, by Michael White. 2007.
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy – the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” Brené Brown
Benefits of therapy
Starting therapy may feel a bit overhwelming. If you feel this way, you are not alone. But please do not let this not hold you back as therapy is beneficial in so many ways! This includes:
A safe and welcoming space where you can be free to be yourself.
A non-judgemental professional person to listen to your thoughts, worries, feelings, hopes, and dreams.
Make new sense or meaning to your lived experience.
Gain fresh perspectives.
Develop new insights and make new discoveries about yourself and relationships.
Work through hard or perhaps difficult or even traumatic experiences.
Overcome obstacles or self-defeating ways of thinking or being.
Learn new coping skills, strategies, and practical solutions.
Build your self-esteem and self-confidence.
Improve your interpersonal skills and relationships.
Clarify your needs and values.
Feel more oriented, grounded, and empowered.
Be supported in setting and achieving your goals.
If you are interested in starting individual counselling, please know that I welcome a complimentary initial phone consultation (a meet-and-greet). This is an opportunity for you to share a bit about your concerns as well learn more about me and how I can be of assistance.