Methods of Practice
I use a client-centered approach, which relies on building a collaborative relationship with my clients. Recognizing we are all unique individuals, shaped by our own varied life experiences, I utilize several therapy approaches.
I draw from both mind and body techniques some of which include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This approach is a psychotherapeutic treatment, which helps clients realize how their thought patterns and feelings can have an impact on their behaviours. When thoughts and feelings become maladaptive, this can lead to undesirable behaviours. By systematically becoming aware of and changing these thought patterns and feelings, more desirable behaviours can be achieved.
Mindfulness Based CBT: This approach combines the traditional use of CBT and adds a foundation of mindfulness or observation, which is borrowed from Buddhist traditions. In this treatment approach, the client is facilitated to observe the undesirable thoughts and feelings, and is encouraged to not react to these feelings, but instead to acknowledge and accept them.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): This approach stems from the belief that all negative emotions is due to a disruption in the body’s energy system. EFT utilizes tapping on specific points on the body, while focusing on an event or emotion. This technique has demonstrated that it is possible to clear reactions to past events that were perceived as traumatic. It has also been used to relieve stress, pain, and letting go of negative emotions, such as anger, shame and resentment.
Solution Focused Therapy: This approach is one of the leading approaches under the ‘brief therapy’ umbrella. This technique focuses on the client developing realistic solutions and creating goals, rather than concentrating on the root of problems that may have brought the client to therapy. Underlying this therapy tool is the belief that the client has some understanding of what changes need to be made in their lives, and they may need support and guidance in clarifying them.
Choice Theory: This approach is based on the belief that we all have the freedom of choice to make changes in our lives, and the capacity to change is within us. Choice theory builds on the foundation that we need to fulfill five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. If a person is struggling to meet one of these basic needs, they will choose a behaviour(s) that they believe will help them meet that need. These behaviour choices may not even be consciously driven. This theory concentrates on supporting the belief that we need to understand the strength of our internal self, and that we can only change our own behaviours, versus looking externally for others to help us meet our needs.