Approaches
My approach is to provide support that works best for you. Counselling is a partnership where we work on mutually agreed upon goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In my work with children, I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been extensively researched and proven to be an effective approach. To engage children in this therapeutic process, I utilize a range of interactive games and storytelling techniques. Through these activities, children are encouraged to identify and label their worries, fears, or anger, often representing them as characters or drawings. Together, we embark on a journey of challenging these characters, teaching children to reframe their thoughts and develop alternative perspectives. Alongside cognitive restructuring, children learn valuable skills such as positive self-talk, calming breathing exercises, and strategies for self-regulation. By equipping children with these tools, we empower them to confront their challenges and foster resilience, promoting their overall well-being and emotional growth.
​
Narrative Therapy
I believe we hold our own truths and we are not defined by our struggles. Michael White discuss how therapy does not exist outside of the dominant culture and its politics. Our concepts of mental health conditions are culturally-based constructs and a persons struggles can have multiple meanings. Narrative therapy teaches me to caution against pathologizing. To remove the locus of the problem from the individual and to see how historical forces and current climates impact. To look for the individuals acts of resistance and knowledge and to acknowledge personal agency. Narrative therapy also guides me to reflect on my own social location and how it impacts me ways of knowing and presence in therapy.
Expressive Arts Therapy
Expressive arts therapy encompasses a diverse range of artistic mediums to harness the power of imagination, facilitating healing and personal growth. This humanistic approach is employed with individuals of all ages, including children, youth, and adults, to bridge the gap between emotions and verbal expression. By engaging in expressive arts activities, individuals are encouraged to tap into their creative capacities, unlocking a unique avenue for self-exploration and communication. Through visual arts, music, movement, drama, and other artistic modalities, individuals can effectively connect their innermost thoughts and feelings to words and actions. This integrative process promotes a deeper understanding of oneself, fostering emotional expression, and facilitating transformative experiences. In the realm of expressive arts therapy, the arts become a powerful tool to facilitate healing, growth, and the cultivation of personal well-being.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) places emphasis on discovering solutions rather than dwelling on a problem-saturated narrative. The primary objective is to envision a future where the problem no longer exists, enabling clients to identify small, manageable steps toward achieving that desired outcome. Instead of solely focusing on the challenges, SFBT encourages clients to recognize and utilize their existing resources and skills. By highlighting the client's strengths, the therapy process centers around exploring and amplifying their inherent abilities. Through collaborative conversations, therapists assist clients in setting realistic goals and guide them in discovering practical strategies that align with their unique circumstances. By adopting a solution-focused approach, SFBT empowers clients to embrace their own agency, tap into their inherent capabilities, and take incremental steps toward meaningful and sustainable change.
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and reduce the symptoms of trauma, particularly those related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
​
During EMDR sessions, the individual recalls distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements or tapping. This dual attention is believed to help the brain reprocess the traumatic memories, allowing the person to better understand and integrate the associated emotions, thoughts, and sensations. Over time, and with repeated sessions, EMDR aims to desensitize the person to the trauma, lowering the emotional intensity of the memories and easing symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
​