INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
The therapeutic journey varies from person to person according to his or her needs. At our initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to begin to share your story, and describe the challenges that brought you to therapy. We will begin to discuss the best way of working together to address these challenges. The specific approach that we take will be guided by personal preferences, along with evidence-based recommendations as to the most effective course of treatment for the particular issues that are raised. Some specific therapeutic modalities that guide my practice are described below.
PERSON CENTRED THERAPY
Person-centred therapy is a theoretical approach to therapy that was first introduced by Carl Rogers in the 1940's. In fitting with the principles of person-centred therapy, I believe that every person holds the capacity for self-discovery and self-improvement. Within a safe relationships, people are able to reflect on themselves and their circumstances, experience acceptance and grace, and pursue a new discovery of growth, which improves the quality of their lives and relationships. The key ingredients for therapeutic progress are: genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Regardless of any other therapeutic techniques that we may utilise, I will always do my very best to contribute these three qualities to the therapeutic relationship.
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
In my opinion, "motivational interviewing" is a harsh sounding term to describe a warm and supportive process. In essence, motivational interviewing is an extension of person-centred therapy. While some people are able to thrive in an open-ended therapeutic journey, others may get a little stuck in certain areas. Motivational interviewing describes a set of techniques that a therapist may use to help the client get unstuck. Motivational interviewing was initially developed by Stephen Rollnick and William Richard Miller for use in the field of substance addictions. However, the practice of motivational interviewing has since collected evidence as a sound therapeutic tool for use in addressing challenges ranging from substance and behavioural addictions; parenting, employment, and relationship challenges; to coping with mental illness. In private practice, motivational interviewing is most often used to supplement other therapeutic approaches, such as person-centred therapy.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a common form of therapy, which is well suited to people who prefer a structured approach to therapy, and who may be experiencing depression and/or anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, and replacing them with more accurate, balanced thoughts. The challenging of one's thoughts leads to a shift toward a healthier belief system, and an improved emotional experience.
COGNITIVE ANALYTIC THERAPY
Cognitive Analytic Therapy draws from principles of both cognitive and psychoanalytic theories. The process of Cognitive Analytic Therapy involves considering one's experiences from a relational perspective, looking for patterns and stumbling blocks in one's relationships (including the relationship with oneself). While past and present relationship experiences are discussed, the therapeutic relationship is also used as a here-and-now vehicle for exploring one's thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviours within a relational context. Cognitive Analytic Therapy is most effectively used as a structured approach, which usually involves weekly sessions over a period of 16 weeks. During this time, we work together to draw a map of your common relationship patterns, and use that map to build a shared understanding of your lived experiences. At specific points in the therapy, we will write letters to each other, sharing our reflections on your developing understanding of yourself in relationships. The goal is to become more aware of one's relational patterns, and to build the capacity to make intentional changes to those patterns that may not be serving you well.
While Cognitive Analytic Therapy works best as a structured process of 12-16 weeks, some aspects of CAT can be included within less structured intervention styles.
Fees for therapy sessions are set at $150 per 50 minute session.
