My approaches to Therapy

At the graduate school I was first trained in classic psychodynamic theory and in art therapy. Later I added developmental theories while working with children and client centered humanistic approaches. While I worked with adults, I used psycho-education, cognitive behavioral techniques and I also trained with narrative team in postmodern approaches. In addition, as a family therapist I was trained in family therapy and marriage counselling. I find that the best method in therapy is a combination of approaches based on the needs of the client and type of presenting problem. My favorite way to work is to put the client in the position of an expert of their life and be curious to discover and build on their strengths and resiliencies. To co-create solutions and support them through adversities. When applicable I enjoy sharing the art therapy techniques as they can be very soothing to the clients who are opened to them and naturally to children.

About Meditation

Simply said meditation can be a lifeline. When we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, confused, depleted or just need to recharge and center it is a wonderful support. There is a great hype about meditation and discussion about the right ways to do it and superiority of the techniques. Having practiced and experienced many forms of meditation, I think all meditation is good and it can be very simple and it is easy to learn. It is about the preference and the depth of practice. Even a form of intended presence, being in the here and now is a form of meditation (so yes, we can wash dishes and meditate). Yoga can be a meditation when it is linked with breath and attention. Mindfulness practice is quite easy to learn and is used in many medical centers in North America. Then there are more challenging forms of meditation where a qualified teacher is required and it takes practice and patience to learn the technique, such as Transcendental Meditation and Vipassana. I think all meditation can be helpful, based on our disposition, appeal and if we incorporate the practice into our life.

Art Therapy is great!

I use Art Therapy with kids often because they are naturally creative and it helps them to express themselves where words may not be best. Children may not have enough language skills to be engaged in a verbal therapy process and may find talking less interesting. Art therapy can be used to help with communication and expression when there are limitations in verbal communication. The process of psychotherapy can be very revealing and powerful through the images and art products created, and at the same time gentler and less intrusive for the client. Therefore, with adults too, who prefer gentler approach or who are creative it can work very well. I offer usually basic art materials like crayons, markers, paints and clay and these art materials symbolize offering a nurture in addition to therapeutic relationship and environment. There is a lot of opportunity for self-expression, reflection, growing and learning though art process. Art therapy is great for everyone, children, adolescents and adults. It also feels very relaxing and soothing. No artistic skills required, everyone can be creative and do art. The art is not judged, it does not have to be aesthetic. in fact lots of blocked material can be released and let go. It can surprise one to see themselves make art in art therapy and get to know themselves better.

How does therapy work?

We sit together, therapist’s presence and a safe room create space for the client, a container for psychotherapy to take place. This therapeutic environment allows for trust and safety where conversations and creations can occur for growth, for process to talk, to think, to understand, to arrive at revelations, new learning and solutions. In the session a therapist is nonjudgmental, confidential, emphatic and present just for the client. This safe space and therapist’s emphatic presence create environment for healing and change. Actively listening, trusting and understanding therapist guides the session for the client to self-discovery, for growth, to gain new understandings and meanings. I am not an expert on your life, you are, but I am trained to help you explore to help you choose and clarify what’s best for you. We co-create together, I can share some insights and check in with you if they work and if you can apply them to your problems and challenges in your life. Through our therapeutic relationship growth happens.

Short term therapy

It is possible to resolve some problems with few sessions. Working together with the client, they get empowered and supported to shift and change some of their life's dynamics. Then I support them while they practice or they practice on their own time... there is no reason to become dependent on the therapist, my role is to help enough that the client continues on their own. This is my ultimate goal that the client does not need me.

Extended Insurance Coverage

Psychotherapy is now covered by some insurance companies under Registered Psychotherapist Service.

COMPASSION

COMPASSION NOW!