Approach
My approach to psychotherapy is integrative and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, combining evidence-based practices with a compassionate, client-centered approach.
In order to flexibly meet the needs of my clients, I utilize an approach that pulls from several effective evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, Self Regulation Therapy (SRT), and Mindfulness.
My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in the belief that every person has the inherent capacity for growth and change. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, set meaningful goals, and develop strategies for overcoming obstacles. Collaboration and empowerment are central to my approach, and I work with clients to foster a deeper understanding of themselves and their potential.
More about my approach to Case Conceptualization
In my therapeutic practice, I embrace a comprehensive and holistic approach to address the nuanced interplay between your mind, body, and relationships. By combining various modalities, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and support your journey toward healing and personal growth. Here’s how I integrate my key therapeutic methods, aligned with my core values:
GROWTH
1. Attachment and Neurodevelopment
My work is guided by Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and Attachment Theory. IPNB helps us understand how your relationships and interactions influence brain function and mental health. Recognizing that our brains are inherently social, I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to explore how attachment styles shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
"We are wired to connect."
— Dr. Dan Siegel
By integrating principles from IPNB, we can examine how your relationships and early experiences inform your emotional landscape. Additionally, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) allows us to identify and understand the various parts of yourself, fostering self-compassion and the development of secure attachments.
"When we learn to listen to all parts of ourselves, we begin to heal."
— Richard Schwartz
Through this exploration, we cultivate a therapeutic environment that promotes healthier ways of relating to yourself and others, facilitating personal growth. Together, we’ll work on developing secure, fulfilling connections that transform your relationship with yourself and those around you.
RESILIENCE
2. Trauma and Memory Processing
To effectively address trauma and distressing memories, I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. EMDR is a powerful technique that helps process and integrate traumatic experiences, allowing you to reframe and resolve past events that impact your current life narrative. The AIP model further assists us in understanding how maladaptive memories can disrupt your well-being, and together we will work to reprocess these experiences.
“Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you.”
— Gabor Maté
In addition to EMDR, I incorporate Somatic Experiencing, which emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal by releasing stored physical tension. This holistic approach recognizes that trauma is not only held in our minds but also in our bodies. I also draw from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to provide you with practical coping strategies for emotional regulation, empowering you to navigate the emotional aftermath of trauma with resilience and strength.
“The body keeps the score. It remembers what we choose to forget.”
— Bessel van der Kolk
Through this integrated framework, we aim to foster your resilience as you learn to face life’s challenges with newfound confidence and emotional stability.
OPTIMISM
3. Mind-Body Connection
Recognizing the profound link between the mind and body, I incorporate Somatic Experiencing and Self-Regulation Therapy (SRT) to enhance body awareness and promote emotional balance. Somatic Experiencing allows us to explore how physical sensations influence emotional experiences, helping you manage stress and trauma more effectively. SRT further supports this by teaching you skills to regulate your emotional responses and maintain equilibrium.
"We can’t heal what we don’t feel."
— Dr. Peter Levine
In addition to these modalities, I integrate mindfulness practices to cultivate present-moment awareness, fostering a sense of calm and connection to your body. This holistic approach encourages you to examine how your thoughts and emotions manifest physically, empowering you to respond to challenges with greater optimism and resilience.
"We can’t control our circumstances, but we can control how we respond to them.
And that’s what creates our reality."
— Martin Seligman
Guided by principles of positive psychology, we will work together to cultivate an optimistic outlook toward healing and emotional stability. By focusing on your strengths and fostering self-compassion, we create a pathway to well-being that honours the intricate relationship between mind and body.
This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your experience is considered. By integrating these modalities into our work together, my goal is to provide a personalized, comprehensive therapeutic experience that fosters lasting change and enhances well-being. Empowering you to thrive through growth, resilience, and optimism.
