Psychotherapy

Adults • Children • Adolescents • Families • Couples

Adults

I work with a broad range of issues for all stages of life. My focus is in supporting you to gain a deeper understanding of who you are, including your resources and strengths, your unique perspective, and your unconscious patterns so you can create the change that you want. Depending on the individual, a session may include talk therapy, somatic mindfulness experiencing, or expressive art therapy (such as using a sand tray). I collaborate with each client personally to find an approach that will work best for their individual needs. My approach is informed by strength-based models including Somatic approach and mindfulness.

I specialize in working with adults and children who have experienced various forms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Types of trauma may include, violence, sexual trauma, childhood abuse, and developmental trauma.

Children

The way I work with children is that I first establish a trusting therapeutic relationship where the child can feel free to express themselves however they would like. A therapy session can include a combination of talk therapy, imaginative play, games, discussions, drama, and expressive arts therapy. Therapy can support children in building their self-esteem, confidence, and empathy. It can help children learn how to overcome challenges, learn social skills, and find better ways of expressing themselves, which supports a reduction in anxiety and depression.

Parents

I like to regularly meet with parents as a part of ongoing therapy with a child as it helps me gain a deeper understanding of what is happening for the child outside of therapy. I can be updated about what new behaviors arise at home, how therapy work is being integrated at home, and collaborate with the parents on treatment for their child

Adolescents

Adolescence can be a difficult and confusing time filled with life transitions, school pressures, and important life decisions. It is a time where you may be struggling to find independence, and to have that independence acknowledged, respected, and appreciated by those around you. .Being a teen can also be a magical time where you are open to new ideas, exposed to different world views, and feel the freedom to experiment with new ways of life. Therapy offers a place where teens can talk freely, learn about themselves, build self-confidence and increase self-esteem, and learn how to build meaningful relationships with peers and family. In therapy, teens can learn about what is important for them, how to reduce stress, and how to set and achieve their goals. The way I work with adolescents is to first build a therapeutic relationship where they can feel comfortable to express themselves Depending on the person, a session can include games, art activities, role play, music, and talk therapy. I utilize a strength- based approach to therapy which supports healing through the discovery of new strengths that have gone unexpressed or unacknowledged, which in turn can help adolescents build self confidence.

Families

Families go through enormous changes as they navigate all the different stages of life. Challenges naturally arise in families, and ultimately can be an opportunity to understand your family members better, form deeper familial connections, and learn about yourself. Family therapy provides tools to navigate life’s stressors and challenges. It can encourage new ways of relating and communicating, and can also support families in processing grief, loss or trauma.

I bring both my therapy and mediation skills when working with families. I utilize an integrative approach to meet the needs of any family. My approach is integrative, collaborative and informed by strength- based family system theories which work towards restoring a healthy balance to a family. Sessions are structured so that everyone can express themselves and feel equally heard.

Couples

Intimate relationships can teach us so much about ourselves: they can teach us about sharing, support, acceptance, appreciation and love. Yet, they can also touch our deepest wounds and leave us feeling angry, sad, numb, isolated, or unfulfilled.

Therapy can help couples attain better communication, and can create a culture of curiosity, empathy, appreciation and connection. It can assist in creating new patterns of interaction in which couples learn about each other, feel heard, and feel connected.

I bring both my therapy and mediation skills when working with couples. My work is informed by Emotional Focused Therapy for Couples, Attachment Theory and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. My focus is on assisting couples express their feelings and underlying needs, helping them overcome patterns of painful interactions, and refocus on what is important for each person in the relationship.