CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most widely used evidence-based therapeutic treatment. This goal orientated therapy works by helping the client challenge their thoughts and core beliefs which may be causing emotional and personal difficulties. As the client's thinking patterns change, ultimately the feelings and behavioural patterns also start to change, improving emotion regulation. CBT is a "problem-focused" and "action-oriented" form of therapy, meaning it is used to treat specific problems related to a diagnosed mental disorder.  CBT is used for treating a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, PTSD, alcohol and drug use problems, phobias, panic disorder, and eating disorders.  

Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

After a trauma, people go through a wide range of normal responses. Many reactions tend to be triggered by persons, places, or things associated with the trauma. EMDR is a psychotherapy used to treat symptoms such as anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, panic, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, and much more. EMDR is facilitated by the bilateral stimulation of the left and right hemispheres of the brain that helps to desensitize or remove the emotional disturbance associated with the traumatic event. As you reprocess the unhealthy, negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memories, you will be able to replace them with more healthy, positive beliefs.

EMDR is now the most researched treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

Grief Recovery Method 

The feelings you experience with every loss in life are a natural and normal reaction. Most people have never been taught the tools and resources to heal from grief. By taking on this action-based approach, you will have the opportunity to work through a loss in a safe environment – without analysis, criticism, or judgment. You will also receive guidance to ensure that you learn new skills and tools to ‘complete’ the hurt and pain associated with those feelings.

The Grief Recovery Handbook (GRH) is used as a resource for the action-based approach you will take as you work on your journey to recovery. I am a Grief Recovery Method Specialist and will guide and help you to heal from loss and provide you with emotional support. Your participation is vital to benefit in the healing and recovery process.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The Gottman Method approach is an empirically based treatment used when couples have become gridlocked. This method starts with thorough assessments that help inform the therapy process through research based interventions. The goals of this therapy are to learn and practice softened start up communication skills, increase fondness and admiration, manage conflict, create shared meaning, and increase trust and commitment. 

 I have completed Level 1 and 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work. 

Note: this method is not appropriate for couples where violence is occurring. 

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

 MBCT for depression combines mindfulness with Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). If you are wondering what mindfulness is: “Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to things as they are.” (Williams, Teasdale, Segal, and Kabat-Zinn, 2007). You will learn a way to change your thoughts and feelings and how you relate to bodily sensations to prevent future relapse of depressive symptoms. 

There are other modalities that may be used in sessions depending on the nature of the presenting problem. 

~ 

SFT - Solution Focused Therapy is a goal-directed collaborative psychotherapeutic approach that empowers people to create and realize their own solutions. It works by challenging the client to explore their assumptions and using techniques to find solutions to present and future problems.   

~

The Craving Change Program uses the CBT approach for managing problematic eating. It focuses on why you eat the way you do and become more aware of your personal eating triggers. You will better be able to control your food carvings and change your problematic eating behaviours 

~

SMART Recovery - The Self Management And Recovery Training is a science-based program to manage behavioural problems and achieve successful change for people dealing with drinking and substance abuse behaviours.