For me therapy is an art and an evolving process and it may change as we get to know each other. At the core it will be a very client centered process, it is your therapy and your goals. I will work with you to help clarify what you’d like to change, address the obstacles, identify and reinforce your strengths and successes, explore patterns, and provide guidance, support, and education. I could also be described as a relational and integrative therapist.

As a relational therapist, it’s about being present as a human being first; as a therapist second. Relational theory proposes that the establishment of authentic and mutual connection in relationship is a central human necessity and that disconnection in relationship is the primary source of emotional distress. Often the relationship between therapist and client becomes a model to use for healing in other important relationships in their lives. A genuine, warm and trusting relationship creates the foundation for change.

As an integrative therapist I focus on a client in holistic ways, such as bringing together the emotions, thoughts, behaviors, as well as the spiritual and physical needs of a person. I will also consider the systems the client is a part of, such as family, community, and culture.  It also involves theoretical integration, the use of many different approaches. I use psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral (CBT), solution focussed, mindfulness, and hypnotherapy. It depends on your presenting concerns, your therapy goals, as well as your response to an approach.

Psychodynamic

Psychodynamic therapy is a traditional, insight-oriented form of treatment. It operates under the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by internal conflicts that are often unconscious. Clients explore early relationships and experiences so that they can gain insight into how these dynamics are influencing current relationships and behaviors. Recognizing recurring patterns can also help a person see the ways in which they avoid distress or develop defense mechanisms as a method of coping so that they can then take steps to change those patterns.

Cognitive Behavioral

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a problem-focused treatment that emphasizes how our thoughts influence our feelings and subsequent behaviors and actions. Our past experiences can shape the way we think, often leading to maladaptive and irrational thinking patterns. These negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to emotional distress and self-destructive behaviors. In CBT, the client learns strategies to reduce irrational thinking and change behavior patterns. The approach is goal-oriented and emphasizes problem-solving strategies. Through CBT, people learn that their perceptions directly influence their responses to specific situations.

Solution Focused

In this goal-oriented therapy, the symptoms or issues bringing a person to therapy are typically not targeted. Instead it places focus more on a person’s present and future circumstances and goals rather than past experiences. It is grounded in the belief that although individuals may already have the skills to create change in their lives, they often need help identifying and developing those skills. The client is encouraged to develop a vision of the future and the therapist offers support as they determine the skills, resources, and abilities needed to achieve that vision successfully. Additionally, the client’s life experiences are explored searching for “exceptions”, e.g. times when some aspect of the their goal was already happening to some degree, and then together create uniquely appropriate and effective solutions.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness may be fundamentally understood as the state in which one becomes more aware of their physical, mental, and emotional condition in the present moment, without becoming judgmental. Individuals may be able to pay attention to a variety of experiences, such as bodily sensations, thoughts, and feelings, and accept them without being influenced by them. Mindfulness includes meditation, but also simply learning to focus on the breath, and using your senses to focus on the present moment. Learning and practicing these techniques can greatly reduce anxiety and help a person manage overwhelming emotions.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy aims to re-program patterns of behavior within the mind, enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome. Hypnosis can be very effective when change needs to occur on a deeper level. It involves using the imagination, relaxation and focused attention to access your subconscious while still conscious. Since much of our behavior is driven by our subconscious, this is where change needs to occur.