My Approach:
Active Helping, Strengths, & Hope

For much of my career I have had a strong Cognitive-Behavioural approach (looking at how we think about ourselves and the world to help us feel less anxious or depressed).  I loved Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and trained in applying it to different groups of people.  Then I trained in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT -- a specialized form of CBT), and offered it one-to-one and in groups.  Both of these therapies help people who are suffering a lot, and who may even feel tortured by their thoughts, fears, and urges.  CBT and DBT can work in powerful ways that I am grateful to witness.

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Now I am also privileged to help people heal from trauma so that it no longer haunts them.  EMDR Therapy is an amazing tool for this, and being able to practice EMDR Therapy is something I consider to be a gift.  I've also learned a few other approaches that go hand in hand with EMDR, making it work even better.

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In these ways, I don't just sit and listen (unless you are seeking that).  I will actively work to help you make things better. 

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I aim to base my work on your strengths, not your problems.  I will focus my practice around what you need and want right now and in the future.  I may make recommendations for addressing your needs, but I do not have my own agenda.  Sometimes our work involves brief counselling for a specific problem, while other times there are multiple dilemmas and goals and we must order them by what's most important to you.  I also apply therapies that are proven to be the most effective, making sure you receive the right care for the right challenge.

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Finally, I have noticed that I often believe in my clients more than they believe in themselves.  That's okay.  I can hold onto your hope for you, until you are ready to reach out and take it back.