"No brain is the same. No brain is the best. Each brain finds its own special way." - From a poem written by Edward Hallowell, ADHD 2.0
In my work as a psychologist, as in the rest of my life, I am genuine, warm, and direct. I am also silly and a seeker of truth and justice. I use humour during sessions. Exploring difficult emotions, memories, or problems can be confusing, intense, and a lot to handle. I like to use stories or analogies to help clients through the process. During sessions, I encourage clients to open up to new possibilities and explore new perspectives by being curious and asking questions.
I’m keenly aware of how our individual experiences, environments, and circumstances impact each other and influence us. To help me be of service to my clients, I draw from different psychological theories and counselling models in my work. I’ll use techniques best suited to each client’s goals, needs, and preferences. Here are some of the lenses I use to formulate my thinking and develop strategies:
ART is a unique trauma treatment protocol that uses eye movements to reprogram the way distressing memories and images are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions.
Anti-Oppressive Therapy acknowledges the power imbalance between the client and psychologist and makes every effort to increase equality. I will never assume I understand more about your life than you do or act as an authority in our work together.
Our attachment styles can influence how and when we connect with other people. Attachment theory can be a way to help us understand our childhood, family, and present relationships.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help us increase our awareness of our thinking patterns and behaviours. Through CBT, we can learn practical coping methods for everyday life.
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) helps support people who are supporting a family member who is suffering or otherwise unwell. For example, EFFT helps parents support children of any age while becoming loving, respectful, and active in their children’s healing as well as their own.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is useful for couples, families, relationships, and individual clients. It focuses on addressing problems by recognizing both surface-level and deeper, more vulnerable emotions and helps with how we engage with people we care about.
By approaching counselling from a feminist perspective, we can create space to discuss the bigger systemic barriers we all face. I acknowledge that some personal issues exist on a societal level instead of an individual level. I also believe that each client knows what’s best for them individually.
Skill building is an important part of counselling. I take time to offer clients practical strategies they can use in their daily lives. Think about this like adding tools to a toolbox. By learning new skills, you’re developing tools to help you cope or even thrive when problems arise, as they do.
The Somatic Experiencing (SE) method is a “body-first” approach for healing trauma and stress. It acknowledges that the effects of trauma and stress are often held in our bodies long after the threat or stress has passed.
I am always open to feedback and questions from my clients. I promise it won’t hurt my feelings! Counselling is for the client, so I want to work in the way that’s best for them and talk about their response to sessions and things that happen between us.