My Approach
I work with adults and teens (individual therapy), and I work with "people in relationship" (relationship therapy). We have many relationships in our lives that challenge us from time to time, yet we seldom consider therapy to resolve those issues. I define "people in relationship" as intimate partners, siblings, parents/children, co-parents, divorced people who are connected by children or other factors, etc. I believe this definition offers a more comprehensive therapeutic reach and encourages people to consider therapy for relationships other than with a spouse/partner, even if only for a few sessions.
Read on for descriptions of the different therapy approaches I work with...
Gestalt Therapy
My approach is strongly shaped by concepts and methods derived from Gestalt therapy. I dedicated three years to learning at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto, and a significant portion of my individual growth and transformation has occurred working with Gestalt therapists. Gestalt is a client-centred, creative, and experimental practice that focuses on our experiences in the present moment. Gestalt therapy acknowledges our presence in a system of connections with other people, past and present. Within the neutral therapeutic bond between therapist and client, together we collaboratively unearth fresh insights into our own experiences.
Importantly, Gestalt therapy refrains from labeling coping behaviours as pathological. Instead, it regards them as "creative adaptations" that individuals embrace to navigate their surroundings and experiences. In our work together, I will ask you to consider the behaviours and beliefs you hold that no longer serve you in your present life, and guide you to explore the potential positive impact of releasing them. How to release them will be part of our work together, as well.
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Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy focuses on understanding and reshaping the stories or narratives that we construct about our lives. The stories we tell ourselves. Narrative therapy emphasizes the idea that we interpret and make meaning of our experiences through these narratives.
Incorporating narrative therapy allows us to explore and deconstruct problematic or unhelpful narratives that may be causing distress or limiting personal growth. It aims to empower us by helping us reframe our stories, recognize our agency in shaping our lives, and construct narratives that better reflect our authentic selves and desired outcomes.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is well-suited to relationship therapy, focusing on exploring and reshaping the emotional bonds within close relationships. It was developed by Dr. Sue Johnson in the 1980s, and is rooted in attachment theory, which emphasizes the innate human need for secure emotional connections.
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EFT helps people in relationship with one another identify and understand the underlying patterns of interaction that contribute to distress and conflict in their relationship. These patterns often stem from unmet emotional needs, fears of rejection, or past emotional wounds. EFT aims to create a safe and supportive environment where people in relationship can openly express their feelings and vulnerabilities.
Imago Therapy
Imago is a form of relationship and couples therapy that focuses on relational counselling to transform conflict between couples into opportunities for healing and growth. Through Imago Relationship Therapy, couples can learn to understand each other’s feelings and “childhood wounds” more empathically, allowing them to heal themselves and their relationships.