My Counselling Approaches
There are several foundations in which I work from and they are introduced based on the issue(s) being presented in therapy.
Solution-focused Therapy (SFT):
Solution focused therapy is based on the premise that you have solved previous issues or problems in the past and that through guided questions and support you can apply those solutions to the current struggle. SFT attempts to look at positive things that are occurring already and therefore focusing on creating confidence and meaningful connections to self. This approach focuses on the client being the expert and on the present moving forward.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
This approach focuses on dysfunctional thoughts and the feelings and behaviours that stem from those thoughts. CBT involves understanding the behaviours we engage in and the thoughts we have that contribute to feelings of distress, and maintain or worsen the problem areas in our lives. CBT has been thoroughly researched and has been shown to be effective with numerous issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) gets its name from one of its core messages: Accept what is out of your personal control, and commit to action that improves and enriches your life. The aim of ACT is to maximize human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life. ACT (which is pronounced as the word ‘act’, not as the initials) does this by:
a) teaching you psychological skills to deal with your painful thoughts and feelings effectively – in such a way that they have much less impact and influence over you (these are known as mindfulness skills).
b) helping you to clarify what is truly important and meaningful to you – such as your values – then use that knowledge to guide, inspire and motivate you to change your life for the better.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on present thoughts and feelings. When you are being mindful, you create awareness with your thoughts and emotions without judging them to be good or bad. Mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience which can be a very helpful state of mind when we are coping in our busy daily lives. Relaxation techniques and reflection can help to ease stress and anxiety and help you to cope through difficult times that you may be having.
Supervision & Release of Information:
Everything you share with me through sessions, phone calls, emails, or Skype is completely confidential. Written permission to consult with other professionals if you felt this would be beneficial to do so. Often this consultation would be, for example, with your doctor and/or psychiatrist. I do consult with colleagues about my work with clients but this is always done without revealing client names or self defining characteristics. In addition, I meet with my own supervisor regularly to assist me with providing you the best care and attention to your specific needs and therapy goals.
It is my goal and ethical responsibility to support you through your experience in therapy. There will be an ongoing dialogue as to our working relationship as well as how you feel that your therapy is progressing. Should you feel that our work together is not a good fit in any way, I would be more than happy to provide you with referrals for other qualified counsellors that may be able to better assist you in your journey.
Client Rights:
You have the right to voluntary participation. At any time you may withdraw your consent and end the therapeutic relationship.
- You have the right to be involved in your treatment planning and have the right to refuse particular therapeutic modalities at anytime during the therapeutic relationship.
- The therapeutic relationship will be considered initiated after the first full 50-minute session. This initial session is a collaborative assessment. This initial consultation should not be considered initiation of service.
- Should it become apparent to both/either you or I that the therapeutic relationship is no longer serving therapeutic ends, you are encouraged to speak to me regarding your satisfaction and expectations so that collaborative adjustments to the therapeutic course can be made.
- I will make every effort at providing you an appropriate outgoing referral(s) professional should you require additional support or services after determining your individual needs.
- Should you cease communication, and fail to maintain contact after 3 attempts (2 by phone and one my mail), the therapeutic relationship will be considered deferred unless you reinitiate the therapeutic relationship. A follow up assessment and intake may be required again at that time should it be longer than 3 months between sessions.
