Therapies I integrate into my work with clients:
I specialize in the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help clients resolve their problems. This evidence-based approach has been supported by a wealth of research that demonstrates its effectiveness in the short-term treatment of a variety of mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and addictions. However, depending on the needs of specific clients and the complexity of their problems, I can also draw on other therapeutic approaches to help them address their emotional needs. These approaches include schema focused therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
We use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT, to target thought or behavior patterns that have a negative effect on adjusting to daily living. This approach examines how ways of thinking can influence mood and behaviour and how these things are often deeply connected. We work collaboratively with our clients to help them to develop their personal therapeutic goals and implement strategies that will promote beneficial thought and behavioural change. Jointly agreed and specially targeted “homework assignments” give clients a chance to test out what they have learned in therapy sessions in the “real world.” Informative hand-out materials further extend the work we do in-session.
Schema-focused Therapy
A schema is a pattern of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and memories regarding how we view ourselves and others. Basically, a schema is how we understand the world around us and how we fit in to all of this. We use schema-focused therapy to identify how individual schemas may interfere with the development of healthy relationships and satisfying lives. Schema focused therapy combines methods of treatment to analyze early attachments with caregivers, relationships with peers, and how negative coping strategies may have developed due to difficulties experienced earlier in life. We work with clients to identify and begin to change negative patterns of thinking, behaving and relating to others using this form of therapy.
Psychodynamic Therapy
We use Psychodynamic Therapy to explore quality of early relationships, unconscious motivations and defenses. During these sessions, we explore how these factors influence the way we relate to others in the past and present. In this way, clients can develop insight to change their pattern of behavior in the future. Clients are able to use the therapeutic space to work through painful memories and difficult feelings in as much depth as they can manage without the demand to move faster than they are able to. Therapists use empathy, and teach strategies on how to contain negative thoughts and emotions while having a place they can be identified, expressed, and dealt with at the same time. This aids the healing process, while the therapist takes a less active and didactic role than in CBT.
